Balance between functionality and aesthetics. An inclusive design standpoint

Corresponding the call of the European Green Deal to people’s living spaces, the New European Bauhaus aims to facilitate the transformation of society along three major values: inclusion, sustainability, and aesthetics. However, the embracement of the latter in the design practices imposes for researchers a challenge and the objective of the paper is about exemplifying the balance between aesthetic components and functionality in inclusive design. This paper presents the evolution of different disability models, from medical model, social model to human development model, which improves the comprehension of disability, such as: the impact factors, and final scope ecc. Recognizing the role of aesthetics, the inclusive solutions correspond to the emotional dimension for reaching positive experiences and well-being of users. The analysis of three well-established cases illustrate the solutions to discussing how to reach an inclusive environment and also be emotionally pleasing.