Abstract
Architectural education is deeply intertwined with society and the understanding of user needs. Universal Design (UD) stands as one of the most significant concepts that emphasize user-centric approaches in design environments and buildings that include everyone. However, architectural education curricula in Egypt lack the integration of Universal Design concept.Accordingly, this study aims to develop a framework for embedding Universal Design within architectural education. The study adopted a research methodology that incorporated analytical, qualitative, and deductive approaches, beginning with an analysis of current strategies employed for integrating Universal Design within various architectural schools. It then examined the second edition (2018) of National Academic Reference Standards for Engineering in Egypt (NARS) to evaluate their incorporation of the Universal Design concept. Additionally, the research conducted a questionnaire among faculty members from various architectural faculties and departments across Egypt to assess their awareness of universal design and identify the most suitable stages and methods for its integration into architectural curricula. The research concluded by developing systematic steps for integrating Universal Design into the educational system and formulating a strategy for teaching it as a dedicated course across different academic years. This serves as an initial step toward effectively embedding the concept within architectural education programs in Egypt.