This photo provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government shows design models for a childcare space.
SEOUL, March 23 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday it had developed a universal design model for childcare spaces in public facilities, easily accessible to all groups of people.
Universal design ensures safe, comfortable access for all visitors regardless of gender, age, disability and nationality.
Based on expert counseling and public surveys, various insights on child development have been reflected in the new design guidelines.
The model focuses on overcoming the social norm that ‘childcare is for mothers,’ opening up the space to allow men, the disabled, foreigners, caretakers and other guardians to freely engage in childcare activities.
For instance, the nursing room comes with an empty space below the counter in the kitchen area, accommodating wheelchair users or those of taller stature.
The space also has in place multi-purpose footrests to help guardians easily replace a child’s diaper without having to spend too much effort, as well as hangers with varying heights to hang bags from.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
