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Building and Construction Authority

Universal Design Guides

Universal Design Guide for public spaces complements the Code. It helps designers integrate user-friendly features in various spaces, including hawker centres and shopping malls.

Download the latest Companion Guide
Last updated 18 March 2026

Your guide to Universal Design

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive built environment through Universal Design (UD). The guides provide comprehensive guidance and practical solutions to help designers and developers create user-friendly spaces that empower everyone, making Singapore a truly inclusive and age-friendly city.

Principles of Universal Design

The Seven Principles of Universal Design is developed by the Centre of Universal Design, North Carolina State University, with a consortium of universal design researchers and practitioners from across the United States.

  1. Equitable Design
    The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. 

  2. Flexibility in Use
    The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. 

  3. Simple and Intuitive
    Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration level. 

  4. Perceptible Information
    The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities. 

  5. Tolerance of Error
    The design minimises hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. 

  6. Low Physical Effort
    The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with minimum of fatigue.

  7. Size and Space for Approach and Use
    Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user's body size, posture and mobility. 

Explore our Universal Design Guides

Explore and download the following editions of our Universal Design guide:

Cover of guide with illustrations of varied user groups in front of a blue, abstract Singapore skyline

Companion Guide to Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment 2025 [PDF, 9.4MB]

To support Qualified Persons in exceeding baseline standards in the Code on Accessibility, this Companion Guide provides non-mandatory design recommendations that promote user-centric accessibility. It consolidates insights from the Code Review Committee, industry and public feedback, research findings, and current design trends.

Cover of Guide to Universal Design Index with illustrated diverse people and “UDI” logo.

Guide to Universal Design index (UDi) 2022 [PDF, 6.4 MB]

Designed for architects, designers, and building owners, the Guide to Universal Design index (UDi) 2022 helps users navigate the UDi's framework, procedures, and applicability. To deepen understanding and awareness, the guide provides detailed explanatory notes and visual examples of the user-friendly features found in the UDi checklist.

Cover of Universal Design Guide for Public Places 2016 with cityscape and people silhouettes.

Universal Design Guide for Public Places 2016 [PDF, 25.8 MB]

This guide offers best practices for designing public spaces that are accessible for everyone. It features up-to-date examples of user-friendly provisions, ensuring a better experience for anyone using the built environment from the moment they step out of their home.

Cover of Universal Design Guide 2007 showing people in inclusive public settings.

Universal Design Guide 2007 [PDF, 20.8 MB]

The 2007 edition contains guidelines for adopting Universal Design across a wide range of building types. This includes commercial, residential, public, and community facilities.

Cover of Universal Design Guidelines (Commercial Buildings) 2006 with accessibility icons.

Universal Design Guidelines (Commercial Buildings) 2006 [PDF, 40.7 MB]

Launched in September 2006, these were the first Universal Design Guidelines specifically for Commercial Buildings. The purpose was to raise awareness among designers, building owners, and developers about adopting Universal Design, and to encourage UD application in commercial building design.