The design, construction and management of public buildings and the spaces around them affects everyone. All public buildings are subject to the Building Act 2004 and the Building Code, and it is important that everybody will find the buildings easy to use, access or understand.

Permanent or temporary disability across a wide range of human capabilities affects about a quarter of the population at any one time. Everybody should be able to access public buildings with their normal level of support. 

The Buildings for everyone guide has been developed for those who own, design, build and manage public facilities to:

• improve understanding of universal design and promote accessibility in public buildings
• improve understanding of the user experience for people with disabilities
• provide guidance on the requirements of the Building Code relating to access
• provide clarification of the areas where opportunity exists to design and construct to a better level of usability and accessibility.