Designing movement space for elderly and disabled people in the construction law in selected countries

Background Building law regulations determine designing the built environment recognising the needs of users of different ages and psychophysical abilities. Seniors and their spatial needs are covered there to a limited extent. The benchmark for design are wheelchair users. Their spatial requirements are greater in relation to independent walkers, including most older people. This makes it difficult to adapt the whole built environment to the needs of people with less mobility dysfunction. This can be considered in terms of spatial design and investment costs. Material and Methods The paper analyses the building regulations of 3 countries in terms of legal conditions to shape the architectural movement space of older people and disabled people. Analytical and comparative methods are used. Such research is becoming relevant and necessary. The analyses are conducted in the context of ageing populations. They are justified by statistical data on the age groups of Polish society. This is followed by design analyses of the legal requirements in the wheelchair movement space and proposals for alternatives, e.g., people walking with canes (case study). Their aim is to indicate methods to limit excessive communication spaces in buildings while maintaining functional values for all users. Results Research may show the possibility of greater diversification of regulations and alternatives to current laws. They are dedicated to participants in investment processes to shape accessible buildings. They can also be used in legislative work on amendments to the construction law. Conclusions Changes in building regulations and a detailed approach to the mobility needs of older and disabled people (walking independently) are proposed. These decisions can provide benefits (spatial and economic savings). They fall into the “design for all” trend and sustainability of the built environment. These demands are based on no longer valid normative regulations.