A research study about the role of Architecture in

enabling accessible urban environments for People with Disabilities

(PWD) at the National University - Manila

Adviser
Mr. Mark James G. Cayabyab

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Many people with impairments, particularly those who are physically impaired,

live in this world. Cities, on the other hand, were designed for individuals with a robust

body. Nonetheless, all urban dwellers, including people with disabilities (PWD), have the
right to enjoy living and working possibilities in cities. The relevance of equality of

citizenship is that people with disabilities have access to the same amenities as everyone

else in society in urban public areas. People with physical impairments frequently cannot

travel about cities owing to physical hurdles, discriminatory land-use rules, subpar

construction, and insufficient accessible public spaces. In the Philippines, there are

numerous and wide-ranging estimates of the prevalence of disability between 1.6, as per

the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, and 28.2%, as per the World Report on

Disability. The distinctions in disability measurement techniques are primarily the cause

for these estimation variations.

The concept of 'accessibility' can be intricate in the context of the built

environment, and it can be defined in various ways. It has been described as the relative

proximity of a place or person to all other places and individuals (Batty, 2009) or as the

closeness to activities, as measured by travel time (Proffitt et al., 2017). Furthermore, it is

often associated with transportation and the ease of reaching different modes of transport.

However, for this paper, accessibility is defined as creating products, devices, services, or

surroundings that accommodate individuals with disabilities (Accessibility Services

Canada, 2022). The diverse interpretations of accessibility highlight a minor aspect of a

larger problem — namely, that urban planners generally have limited knowledge

regarding how to enhance the accessibility of the built environment for people with

disabilities (PWD). The insufficient engagement between urban planning experts and

individuals with disabilities (PWD) has resulted in creating environments that effectively

exclude PWD. This exclusionary aspect becomes apparent through various

manifestations, such as perplexing and overwhelming building layouts, separate

entrances designated for PWD, and outdoor spaces with inadequate walkability. These

examples represent only a fraction of a larger, pervasive issue of built environments that

are unwelcoming to PWD. While urban planners recognize the significance of

accessibility, there is a notable deficiency in the practical understanding of accessibility

within the planning field. The limited knowledge and awareness among professionals

regarding disability issues represent a substantial obstacle to the creation of designs that

effectively cater to the requirements of individuals with disabilities (Terashima & Clark,

2021; Imrie & Hall, 2001). Additionally, accessibility has not received adequate attention

from planners for an extended period; for instance, major planning journals have, on

average, published only 1.7 papers focusing on people with disabilities per decade

(Terashima & Clark, 2021).

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to identify the role of Architecture in enabling accessible urban

environment for People with Disabilities (PWD) at the National University - Manila (NU-

Manila). With this in mind, the researchers intend to answer the following questions:

1. What are the significant roles of Architecture in planning for the urban environment

at NU – Manila in terms of:

1.1 Accessibility

1.2 Inclusivity

1.3 Facilities
 2. What are the feasible Architectural strategies for achieving a PWD-friendly urban

environment within the campus?

Objectives of the Study

The study aims to accomplish the following objectives:

1. Evaluate the current facilities available to people with disabilities (PWD)

at NU-Manila to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for

improvement.

2. Collaborate with PWD and Architect to develop comprehensive strategies

to improve the urban environment of NU-Manila to achieve accessibility

for PWD.

3. Analyze the international and national accessibility standards, policies,

and practices to formulate solutions for a PWD-friendly environment

within the campus.

4. Establish a framework for acquiring and maintaining assistive

technologies, mobility aids, and other supportive resources that align with

the diverse needs of PWD.

Significance of the Study

The result of the study will benefit the following:

People with Disabilities (PWD): The study will shed light on the role of architecture in

creating accessible urban environments for PWDs. It will identify specific design

strategies and techniques that can be implemented in the NU-Manila to ensure that PWDs
have equal access to public spaces, buildings, and facilities. This will significantly

enhance their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

Urban Planners: The study will provide valuable insights for urban planners at NU-

Manila integrating inclusive design principles into their planning processes. It will

highlight the importance of considering the needs of PWDs when designing and

developing urban spaces, ensuring that accessibility is prioritized from the early stages of

urban planning.

Architects and Designers: The study will serve as a resource for architects and

designers, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of their role in creating

accessible urban environments. It will offer practical recommendations and guidelines for

incorporating universal design principles into their projects, enabling them to contribute

to building inclusive and sustainable communities.

Government and Policy Makers: The findings of this study will inform policymakers

and government officials in NU-Manila about the importance of promoting accessibility

and inclusivity in urban planning. It will provide evidence-based recommendations for

developing policies and regulations that prioritize the needs of PWDs, ensuring that their

rights to equal access and participation are upheld.

For Students: This study can serve as an educational resource for students pursuing

degrees in architecture, urban planning, or related fields. It offers valuable insights into

the importance of inclusive design principles and their application in creating accessible

urban environments. Students can use the findings and recommendations as a foundation

for their coursework and research projects.

Future Researcher: The study can inspire future researchers to delve deeper into the

subject of accessible urban design. Students and aspiring researchers may be encouraged

to explore specific aspects of architectural design that can further enhance accessibility

for PWDs. This research can act as a catalyst for generating innovative ideas and

hypotheses.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study focuses on the role of architecture and how it will help make the National

University - Manila more accessible for PWD in terms of providing Architectural solutions by

examining the entire campus, specifically the entryways, public spaces, classrooms, elevators,

ramps, and tactile path for the Architect to assess possible improvements and solutions to achieve

accessibility for the PWD. The data collection will be divided into two parts: interviews with

Architects at the National University of Manila who will volunteer to be a part of the research

study that will provide Architectural solutions for accessibility that cater to the PWD's needs and

interviews with PWD participants who will be interviewed and will tour around the campus with

the researchers to assess their accessibility needs.

The study will solely focus on the crucial role of Architecture in achieving accessibility

for the PWD. This study will not cover other types of disability as the researchers will only

concentrate on blindness as PWD. This study will only focus on the physical accessibility needed

for blind people and will not include other types of accessibility. The researchers will only

include selected areas or buildings in the university as part of the study. The PWD and Architects

respondents will be given a set of questionnaires for the interview. The results of this study will
apply only to the institution, the National University - Manila. They will not be used as a measure

for the solution towards accessibility to other institutions that do not belong to the target

population of this study. The primary data source will be the questionnaires, which the

researchers will prepare.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Literature Review

1.1 Accessibility

Linderova and Janecek (2017) emphasize that accessibility pertains to an

environment encompassing sites, facilities, workplaces, services, and programs, which

must enable individuals with disabilities to approach, enter, operate within, and utilize it

safely and with dignity. Significantly, the research identified three pivotal domains of

activity profoundly affected by architectural barriers: parking and entrances, products and

services, and bathrooms. It is essential to underscore that the impact of the physical

environment extends to individuals of all abilities, irrespective of their disability status,

and bears substantial implications for conflict reduction.

Consequently, in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 25 of Republic Act No.

7277, widely recognized as the Magna Carta of Disabled Persons, disabled individuals

are vested with the entitlement to a "Barrier-Free Environment" (Republic Act No. 7277,

1988). This mandate mandates that individuals with disabilities enjoy unhindered access

to public and private structures, as specified in Batas Pambansa 344 and related
legislations and regulations. Establishing an easily accessible built environment is critical

in fulfilling this inherent right and fostering a culture of inclusivity (Republic Act No.

7277, 1988).

Disability is a relationship that "we are only beginning to understand empirically,"

according to Bickenbach (2013: 15), as it results from the interplay between the

characteristics of the person and the characteristics of the environment. The goal is to

systematize actual lived experiences of the interaction between people and their

environments to advance this empirical understanding.

The study of Solvang (2014) explored accessibility for pedestrians in urban areas.

A design-built environment supports accessibility, social activities, and participation.

They found that individuals with a disability with sight and mobility impairment refrain

from using or going to some urban areas when the environment is too inimical.

According to Lid (2014), they have concentrated on how people with disabilities

perceive public spaces. All citizens must be able to participate, which requires

accessibility. We define accessibility as having the same opportunity to utilize services

and benefits and take part in daily life in accordance with one's preferences. According to

the CRPD's article 1 and preamble, a concept of disability must consider people,

environments, and the interactions between people and their settings. Therefore,

disability might be characterized as relational.

This study aims to pinpoint the hindering processes in the urban environment that

prevent participation in light of the CRPD's emphasis on access. The ability to participate

in society and social life is called accessibility. We have attempted to reveal accessibility
and disability as combined phenomena. Public space, according to philosopher Martha

Nussbaum, "public space is an artifact of ideas about inclusion" (Nussbaum, 2013: 117).

The convenience of access to our buildings depends on the route used and the

accessibility of the surrounding area. Urban planning and development are subject to

various conditions and limitations. Facilities for People with Disabilities (PWD) are

frequently linked with accessible design. The goal is to develop accessibility strategies

and a planning framework for achieving accessibility. The difficulty in accessing the

outside world and the lack of a smooth connection between indoor and outdoor spaces are

frequent complaints (A. Samad et. al., 2018).

1.2 Inclusivity

According to Emnas, K. (2018), Even though people with disabilities who already

live in the community were involved in the house construction, the overall community

development planning of activities for the residents and their participation in this

remained unclear. To demonstrate that these citizens were thoroughly consulted and

involved, it was necessary to examine how the entire housing program is being

implemented to see if it fulfills the requirements of people with disabilities in the

community.

This is gradually shifting away from a charity-based strategy and to a right-based

one. This change is driven by greater knowledge of disability laws, which boosts PWDs'

self-esteem and lessens prejudice. PWDs are being considered as right holders with

unique capacities rather than as a homogenous group. The ramifications for DI DRR of

this increasingly varied perception of PWDs are also significant. It highlights the
importance of considering people's vulnerabilities and a wide range of capacities. As a

result, PWDs' involvement in DI-DRR is crucial because it allows for considering their

unique perspectives and experiences with disaster preparedness and response (G. Ronh

et. al., 2015).

For the 15% of the world's population living with disabilities, many of whom

reside in urban areas, there is a pervasive lack of accessibility in various aspects of built

environments. This encompasses everything from roads, housing, public buildings, and

spaces to fundamental urban services like sanitation, water, health, education,

transportation, emergency response, resilience building, and access to information and

communications. These accessibility gaps significantly contribute to the disadvantage and

marginalization experienced by individuals with disabilities, resulting in

disproportionately high rates of poverty, deprivation, and exclusion.

Fortunately, there have been successful initiatives and best practices worldwide

aimed at promoting accessibility and disability inclusion in both cities and towns.

Available evidence highlights that urban infrastructures, facilities, and services can be

designed and constructed with accessibility or inclusive "universal design" principles

from the outset, incurring little to no additional cost, often just 1%.

However, inadequate planning, urban design, and unregulated urban development

exacerbate exclusionary trends. Cities are facing growing pressure to ensure that urban

development takes inclusivity into account and addresses the specific needs of

marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities. Discrimination related to

mobility and access to urban infrastructures and services remains a significant challenge

for disabled individuals of all ages and genders. Persons with disabilities may encounter
various dimensions of exclusion in urban life, including physical, attitudinal, and social

barriers, as identified by the World Health Organization in 2011. With a global

population of over 1.2 billion, constituting around 15% of the total population, according

to WeThe15 in 2021, urban development initiatives must prioritize their inclusion.

Achieving the targets outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals necessitates

genuine participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Importantly, 80% of

persons with disabilities reside in lower-and-middle-income countries, where urban

development can be particularly challenging due to limited resources and often a lack of

climate and crisis resilience.

1.3 Facilities

To achieve good facilities for PWD, a principle of accessibility, safety, and

convenience — and universal for the use of the interaction of all people. In this current

situation, forming an accessible environment requires a more ambitious and

comprehensive assessment of all urban green recreational spaces (A. Kopeva et. al.,

2018).

Most PWD encounters three main problems when using sidewalk components to

travel through the built environment: small sidewalks, uneven sidewalk surface

conditions, and objects on sidewalks. Additionally, wheelchair users experience unique

challenges, such as while utilizing drop curb features. To ensure accessibility, especially

for people with disabilities, these two components—sidewalk and drop curb—are

essential since they help people go from one place to another. If these characteristics are

absent or improperly built, they may restrict movement and endanger people with

disabilities (Jaafar et. al., 2021).

 According to I. Azami, et. al. (2018), this issue must be taken seriously by all

qualified major participants in the sector, who must create the appropriate facilities

compliant with the Malaysia Standard (MS) and provide essential accessibility.

Accessibility of public transportation is crucial if PWDs are to be included in society to a

greater extent. PWDs are entitled to employment, a fulfilling social life, and freedom of

movement. SDG Goal 11 can benefit everyone, particularly PWD, for their sustainability

and general well-being. Therefore, a friendly and welcoming environment is required to

encourage PWDs to engage in society. The need for a good infrastructure cannot be

overstated.

The PWDs' access and facility needs should be addressed as part of DBKL's

obligations rather than being treated as merely a charitable gesture. However, the

inadequate access and amenities for the PWDs should not be the only reason for the

DBKL. Government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the corporate sectors

must continuously commit to helping DBKL build barrier-free environments and

infrastructures. For instance, while submitting a BPA application, the PSP should

completely incorporate the accessibility and facility requirements of PWDs into their

design plans without waiting for local government feedback (H. Kamarudin et. al., 2013).

Theoretical Framework of the Study

Ecological Systems Theory

The Ecological Systems Theory of Urie Bronfenbrenner emphasizes that an

individual's development is influenced not just by isolated factors but by a complex

interplay of various systems within their environment. The interactions and relationships

between these systems are crucial in understanding how an individual's behavior,

development, and experiences are shaped throughout life. The Concentric circle diagram

of Ecological Systems demonstrates the relationship of all variables with the individual as

the central idea.

Figure 1. Concentric circle diagram of ecological systems

The microsystem corresponds to the immediate surroundings, such as the NU-

Manila campus, with which people with disabilities interact directly. It refers to the

architectural layout, classrooms, paths, restrooms, and facilities at the university.

The mesosystem then shows the interactions and relationships that exist between

the microsystems. This includes how the architectural design (microsystem) interacts

with policies and educational programs (exosystem) at NU-Manila to ensure an inclusive

and accessible educational experience for PWDs.

 Exosystem represents external factors indirectly influencing the microsystem. In

this case, it encompasses policies related to accessibility and inclusivity at both the

university and governmental levels, as well as societal attitudes towards PWDs. These

factors significantly impact the design and implementation of accessible architecture at

NU-Manila.

Macrosystem encompasses the broader cultural, societal, and legal contexts. It

includes cultural attitudes towards disability, accessibility laws, international conventions

like the UNCRPD, and educational policies that shape the approach to accessibility in

architectural design at NU-Manila.

Lastly Chronosystem accounts for changes and transitions over time. This

involves the evolution of architectural standards, advancements in assistive technologies,

changes in legislation, and societal shifts towards greater inclusivity, all of which

influence the ongoing improvements and adaptations in architectural design for

accessibility within the campus.

Conceptual Framework of the Study

The primary concept of this study focuses on identifying how the Role of

Architecture can help in enabling an accessible urban environment for people with

Disabilities (PWD), specifically the blind people at the National University- Manila.

Figure 2 shows the relationship of the independent and the dependent variable, which

contains the role of Architecture and the urban environment at the National University -

Manila. The mediator variable, which includes the design considerations, shows the

relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The moderator variable,
which is the PWD, will influence the outcome of the dependent-independent variable

relationship.

Figure 2. Moderated-Mediation Model

The architect influences the overall outcome of NU-Manila's urban environment

by including design considerations to facilitate and provide for the diverse needs of PWD

on campus. The researchers used this to exhibit the correlation of Design consideration to

the Dependent and Independent variables to gain information and connections to solve

the problem. As the Architect's role is to examine numerous factors for the design process

of the campus environment, this will aid the PWD community. Aside from that, the PWD

will impact potential improvements at the National University of Manila to accommodate

their needs better and provide accessibility.

Definition of Terms

1. Accessibility: The ability of people with disabilities to access any of the

services, systems, and the environment easily. (Definition of Accessibility,

2023)

2. Accessible design: Designing buildings, spaces, and products that can be used

by everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This includes features

such as wheelchair ramps, Braille signage, and audio descriptions.

Accessible Design: A Guide to Designing Buildings, Spaces, and Products for

People with Disabilities" by the National Organization on Disability (NOD)

3. Adaptive design: Designing products and environments that can be adapted to

meet the changing needs of individuals over time. For example, a building

might be designed with flexible layouts and accessible features that can be

modified as needed to accommodate changes in user needs.

Adaptable Design: A Framework for Creating Inclusive Environments" by the

World Institute on Disability (WID)

4. Architecture: It is the art and technique of designing and building. (Gowans,

A. et. al., 2023)

5. Assistive technology: Devices or tools that help people with disabilities

perform specific tasks or functions more easily. Examples include screen

readers for visually impaired individuals, voice recognition software for

individuals with mobility impairments, and communication devices for

individuals with speech difficulties.

 Assistive Technology: A Reference for Health Care Professionals" by the

Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North

America (RESNA)

6. Barrier-free design: Designing buildings, spaces, and products that do not

pose physical or attitudinal barriers to people with disabilities. This includes

removing architectural barriers, such as stairs or steep slopes, and promoting a

culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity.

Barrier-Free Design: A Guide to Building and Planning for Accessibility" by

the Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

7. Cognitive accessibility: Designing products and environments that consider

the cognitive abilities and limitations of users, including those with learning

disabilities, memory problems, or other cognitive challenges. This might

involve using simple language, clear instructions, and intuitive controls.

Cognitive Accessibility: A Guide to Designing Inclusive Websites" by the

International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP)

8. Disability rights movement: A social and political movement advocating for

the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, including equal access to

education, employment, healthcare, and other opportunities. The disability

rights movement has played an important role in shaping attitudes towards

disability and driving change in society.

Disability Rights: The Struggle for Accessibility" by the Disability Rights

Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)

9. Inclusive design: An approach to design that actively seeks to include and

accommodate the needs of diverse users, including those with disabilities. It

goes beyond universal design by considering the unique needs and

experiences of different individuals and groups.

The Inclusive Design Manifesto" by Brandon Schauer and Heidi Holmes

10. Inclusivity: All people, regardless of their race, age, language, and class, get

fair and equal treatment in the environment. (Inclusivity, 2023)

11. National University – Manila: A private and non-sectarian university located

in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines.

12. People with Disability: People who have mental or physical impairment.

(World Health Organization, 2020)

13. Sensory integration: The process of using multiple senses (such as sight,

sound, touch, taste, and smell) to understand and interact with the

environment. This term is often used in reference to designing environments

that are more accessible and comfortable for individuals with sensory

processing challenges.

Sensory Integration and Design: A Guide for Architects, Engineers, and Other

Design Professionals" by the American Occupational Therapy Association

(AOTA)

14. Social inclusion: Promoting social interaction and community engagement

among individuals with disabilities, as well as between individuals with

disabilities and those without disabilities. This can involve designing spaces
 and products that facilitate social connection and collaboration, as well as

promoting cultural awareness and understanding.

Social Inclusion: A Guide to Building Communities that Value Diversity" by

the Social Innovation Generation (SiG) Network

15. Universal design: A design approach that considers the needs of all users,

including those with disabilities, from the initial stages of planning and

design. The goal is to create products and environments that are usable by

everyone, without the need for special adaptations.

Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments" by the Center for

Universal Design at North Carolina State University

16. University Facilities: It is considered as the spaces, areas, buildings, rooms,

offices, and any other services that have a specific function that the student in

the university utilizes.

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The purpose of this study is to introduce the research methodology for this

qualitative study regarding what are the roles of architecture in providing accessible

urban environments for PWDs in the NU-Manila campus. A study where organizing and

carrying out a framework is referred to as the research design. Important factors in

research design include the plan, choosing who and what to study, and the methods to be

applied for data collection and analysis. A qualitative study is useful when the objective

is to explain a phenomenon by drawing on an individual's experiences in particular

circumstances.

The researchers used descriptive design to determine the perceptions of the

participant on what are the roles of architecture that can contribute to enabling accessible

environments for PWDs, perhaps in answering the “what question”. It does not respond

to questions about how/when/why the qualities came to exist. Descriptive design allows

us to describe current facilities available to people with disabilities (PWD) at NU-Manila

to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Researchers chose this

design to provide students with more convenient access to accurate and definite answers.

In this study where the researchers used qualitative research methods, the method

was based on phenomenological methodology. The researchers wished to describe the

role of Architecture wherein it enables the PWDs in the NU-Manila campus for a more
accessible urban environment. Also considering what ways architecture will improve the

urban environment by gathering experiences from the specified participants of the study.

Population and Sample

Population refers to an individual the researchers want to focus on in the study.

The researchers included professor Architects teaching at NU-Manila and the blind

individuals who will assess the accessibility, inclusivity, and facilities at NU-Manila. The

researchers chose a sample of three (3) NU-Manila professors with a bachelor’s degree in

architecture.

The sample of this study implies a non-probability/non-random sampling method

where the samples are chosen based on convenience. According to Etikan et al. (2016),

convenience sampling, which is also known as availability sampling, is a non-

probability/non-random where the target population meets specific criteria such as

availability, reachable, and willingness to be part of or to be interviewed are included for

the study. The researchers used this sampling method to gather data easily as this mainly

focuses on the volunteers and willing individuals who would like to be part of the study.

Research Instruments

The questionnaire is a widely recognized and commonly employed research tool

for efficiently gathering and assessing data. Additionally, it is employed in the study to

gather essential data in an open-ended manner, promoting quick completion by

respondents. This is crucial for the swift and effective collection, analysis and
interpretation of data. A researcher-designed questionnaire was employed to collect the

required information about respondent profiles. Prior to distributing the questions,

appropriate authorization and consent will be obtained. This instrument is vital for

overcoming the study's challenges by providing necessary data and information.

Face-to-face interviews will be conducted to gauge architects' opinions. This

method will help the researcher pinpoint critical areas for further investigation and areas

where more certainty is needed. These steps ensure the collection of valuable and secure

data. The researchers utilized a semi-structured interview format, combining both

organized and unstructured sections within the same questionnaire.

Data Collection

Data collection is the process by which researchers gather and collect

information; the information gathered will be utilized to address the problem statement

and investigate the research project further. (Responsible Data Management, 2023) The

researchers used primary data for data collection, with questionnaires initially created by

the researchers following the problem statement to gather and propose solutions for the

research study. The interviews were conducted face-to-face to collect data, and the

researchers asked permission and informed the respondents that the interview would be

video-recorded for transcription and documentation. Table 1 shows all the institutions

that were conducted for the study.

Table 1

List of Respondents and Organizations

Institution/Organization Respondents

Ar. Gabrielle Loreno

National University - Manila Ar. Anthony Sarmiento

Ar. Aldren Rocha

Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The researchers collected additional

data using semi-structured interviews and seven open-ended questionnaires in which

respondents were permitted to completely express their insights and opinions on the

questions presented by the researchers. The three respondents supplied different answers

to the identical questionnaires, allowing the researchers to exploit these insights for

further study. Table 2 shows the following sample questions were included in the

researcher-designed questionnaire.

Table 2

List of Questionnaires

Based on your observations on the main campus of NU-Manila

in terms of its surroundings, what are the possible architectural

Question 1: strategies for creating an accessible urban environment for blind

 individuals on campus?

What are the roles/responsibilities of an architect in urban design

planning that assures "Inclusivity" and "Accessible Facilities" on

Question 2:
the NU-Manila main campus?

How do you think architectural design played its role in shaping

the accessibility for People with Disabilities (PWD) in NU -

Question 3:
Manila Campus?

In your opinion, how can architectural design promote social

Question 4: inclusivity within NU- Manila for PWD?

In your opinion, how can NU-Manila campus provide enough

Question 5:
accessible facilities for PWDs, especially for the blinds?

In other buildings on the main campus, such as the JMB, there

are only two ways to go to the students' respective classrooms or

other facilities, such as elevator and stairs. Do you think these

Question 6:
two are enough, considering the blind people? Or do you have

another option in mind? If so, what would it be?

From your perspective as an Architect, why is it important to

consider and prioritize the PWD, especially blind in making

Question 7:
design considerations in NU-Manila?
DATA ANALYSIS

The respondents emphasized enhancing the experience of blind persons with

disabilities (PWDs) at NU Manila by implementing braille signage, tactile strips, and

connecting buildings to improve accessibility. These changes aim to provide navigation

support and promote a more inclusive environment for visually impaired individuals.

Retrofitting existing structures and staff training were also strongly recommended to

further prioritize accessibility. Overall, integrating these strategies underscores the

commitment to inclusivity and equality, propelling NU Manila towards a more supportive

and accessible campus for all, especially PWDs.

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