OUGD601 - Inclusive Architecture

INCLUSIVE ARCHITECTURE:

Design Council, Mei-Yee Man Oram – “In this day and age, we as an industry should make an effort to create environments that encourage social interaction, integration, communication and respect – places that celebrate diversity and difference. In other words, places that are inclusive.”

“It’s putting the person, the human at the centre of what you do. Because no matter what industry or sector you’re in, there’s a human in there somewhere, so just anticipate and consider their needs.” – Kathryn Townsend, Head of Customer and Client Accessibility, Barclays UK.

Inclusive environments are:

·      Welcoming to everyone

·      Responsive to people’s needs

·      Intuitive to use

·      Flexible

·      Offer choice when a single design solution cannot meet all user needs

·      Convenient so they can be used without undue effort or special separation and so that they maximise independence.

Tom Perry, Head of Cities Programme

“If we want an inclusive society we need to create buildings and spaces that are accessible and inclusive to all.” – Tony Burton, Chairman – Construction Industry Council.

‘Inclusive Fitness Initiative’ - BS8300:2001 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people.

·      Sport England and the IFI has been working in partnership with a number of fitness equipment manufacturers for more than five years to ensure that the equipment available on the market is as inclusive as current technology and development will permit.

·      The lack of availability of accessible fitness equipment can no longer be used as an excuse for ‘exclusive’ fitness facilities. Furthermore, it has been shown that if planned properly, the provision of inclusive fitness equipment does not lead to the need for additional investment or additional space. It simply ensures that your fitness gym is functional for more users than ever before.

·      All fitness facilities in England should aim for full accessibility. IFI Mark accreditation should be the goal for all new and refurbished centres. The Mark is applicable to all fitness facilities regardless of sector and greatly increases the size of the market able to be targeted by a fitness suite.