DIN EN 17210:2025-10 - Draft

Systematically planning and implementing accessibility in the built environment

DIN EN 17210 specifies requirements and recommendations for the accessibility and usability of the built environment. It supports planners, clients and public authorities in designing buildings, outdoor spaces and infrastructures so that they can be used independently, safely and comfortably by as many people as possible. The draft follows the approach of Universal Design and takes different sensory, physical and cognitive requirements into account.

What is DIN EN 17210 about?

The standard describes functional requirements for an accessible built environment and provides recommendations for planning, new construction, conversion, refurbishment and the operation of buildings and public spaces. The focus is on accessibility, orientation, safety and usability for people with different abilities and needs. DIN EN 17210 serves as a basis for procurement, planning processes, assessments and legal requirements in the field of accessible construction. It also supports the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act).

Topics covered

• Universal Design and Design for All
• Orientation systems, signage and visual, tactile and acoustic information
• Accessibility and circulation within buildings
• Ramps, stairs, handrails and lifts
• Outdoor spaces, footpaths, crossings and parking areas
• Sanitary facilities and user areas
• Fire protection, assisted evacuation and safety
• ICT user interfaces and accessible information systems
• Operation, maintenance and objective assessment of accessibility

Practical relevance

The requirements for accessible construction are becoming increasingly important due to legal requirements, demographic developments and growing expectations for inclusion. DIN EN 17210 provides a Europe-wide coordinated basis for improving the usability of buildings and infrastructures for persons with disabilities, older people, families with children and other user groups.

The standard is particularly relevant for the planning and assessment of buildings, healthcare and educational facilities, transport and leisure facilities, and public spaces. It supports user-oriented design and promotes the sustainable development of an inclusive built environment.

Changes compared with DIN EN 17210:2021-08

Compared with the previous edition, the standard has been comprehensively revised and expanded:

• The title and scope have been expanded and now go beyond purely functional requirements.
• The definition of accessibility has been aligned with ISO 9241-112:2017.
• A new definition of the term “hazard” has been added.
• Annex A has been added as a new normative annex on the objective assessment of accessibility.
• The new informative Annex ZA describes the relationship with Directive (EU) 2019/882.
• References to the European standardization mandate M/587 have been updated.
• The foreword and normative references have been revised.

Target group

• Architects and planners
• Clients and project developers
• Engineers and specialist planners
• Operators of buildings and facilities
• Municipalities and public contracting authorities
• Testing, certification and inspection bodies
• Experts in inclusion and accessibility
• Legislative and procurement bodies

Conclusion

 DIN EN 17210 provides a central European framework for the accessibility of the built environment. With its comprehensive approach to accessibility, usability and Universal Design, it supports the planning and assessment of inclusive buildings and outdoor facilities as well as the implementation of European accessibility requirements.