PD CEN/TR 17621:2021 - Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment

Standard Number: PD CEN/TR 17621:2021

Pages: 238

Released: 2021-11-05

ISBN: 978 0 539 16753 5

Status: Standard

Overview

The PD CEN/TR 17621:2021 is a comprehensive standard that addresses the critical aspects of accessibility and usability in the built environment. Released on November 5, 2021, this document spans 238 pages and provides detailed technical performance criteria and specifications to ensure that buildings and other structures are accessible and usable by everyone, including people with disabilities.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: This standard covers a wide range of topics related to accessibility and usability, ensuring that all aspects of the built environment are considered.
• Technical Performance Criteria: Detailed criteria are provided to guide the design and construction of accessible and usable environments.
• Specifications: Clear specifications are outlined to ensure that the built environment meets the necessary standards for accessibility and usability.
• Up-to-Date Information: Released in 2021, this standard reflects the latest advancements and best practices in the field.

Why Choose PD CEN/TR 17621:2021?

Ensuring accessibility and usability in the built environment is not just a legal requirement but also a moral obligation. The PD CEN/TR 17621:2021 standard provides the necessary guidelines and specifications to help architects, builders, and designers create spaces that are inclusive and accessible to all. By adhering to this standard, you can:

• Enhance Inclusivity: Create environments that are accessible to people of all abilities, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.
• Improve User Experience: Ensure that all users, regardless of their physical abilities, can navigate and use the built environment comfortably and safely.
• Comply with Regulations: Meet legal requirements and avoid potential penalties by adhering to recognized standards for accessibility and usability.
• Boost Reputation: Demonstrate your commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, enhancing your reputation and appeal to a broader audience.

Detailed Content

The PD CEN/TR 17621:2021 standard is meticulously organized to provide clear and actionable guidance. Some of the key sections include:

• Introduction: An overview of the importance of accessibility and usability in the built environment.
• General Requirements: Fundamental principles and general requirements for creating accessible and usable environments.
• Specific Criteria: Detailed technical performance criteria for various elements of the built environment, including entrances, pathways, and facilities.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples and case studies that illustrate the application of the standard in different contexts.
• Appendices: Additional resources and references to support the implementation of the standard.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The PD CEN/TR 17621:2021 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals involved in the design, construction, and management of the built environment, including:

• Architects: Gain insights into designing accessible and usable buildings that meet the latest standards.
• Builders and Contractors: Ensure that construction practices align with accessibility and usability requirements.
• Facility Managers: Maintain and manage buildings in a way that promotes accessibility and usability for all users.
• Urban Planners: Develop inclusive urban environments that cater to the needs of diverse populations.
• Policy Makers: Formulate policies and regulations that support the creation of accessible and usable built environments.

Conclusion

The PD CEN/TR 17621:2021 standard is an essential tool for anyone involved in the creation and management of the built environment. By providing detailed technical performance criteria and specifications, this standard ensures that buildings and other structures are accessible and usable by everyone. Whether you are an architect, builder, facility manager, urban planner, or policy maker, this standard will help you create inclusive environments that meet the needs of all users.

PD CEN/TR 17621:2021

This standard PD CEN/TR 17621:2021 Accessibility and usability of the built environment. Technical performance criteria and specifications is classified in these ICS categories:

• 91.040.01 Buildings in general

This document has been developed to support EN 17210, “Accessibility and usability of the built environment – Functional requirements”. This document provides and exemplifies technical performance criteria and specifications for an accessible and usable built environment, following the Design for All/Universal design principles. The document specifies what is necessary to align with these principles which will facilitate equitable and safe use for a wide range of users.

The technical performance criteria and specifications are applicable across the full spectrum of the built environment and can be used as criteria for awarding public contracts (in support of the Public Procurement Directives).

These technical performance criteria and specifications are specifically applicable to the design, construction, refurbishment or adaptation, and maintenance of public or public-use environments including external areas.

Alternatively, national standards and regulations can determine the technical performance criteria and specifications to fulfil the functional requirements of EN 17210.

NOTE 1 Design for All and Universal Design share a similar inclusive design philosophy. Universal Design means the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Universal Design does not exclude assistive devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities where this is needed (UN CRPD).

NOTE 2 Terms such as "design for all", "universal design", "accessible design", "barrier-free design", "inclusive design" and "transgenerational design" are often used interchangeably with the same meaning