Inclusive Environments

Question 1

How important is diversity of user needs

Answer 1

Good equality and diversity practices make sure that the services provided to people are fair and accessible to everyone. They ensure that people are treated as equals, that people get the dignity and respect they deserve and that their differences are celebrated.

Question 2

How do local planning policy, building regulation and health and safety apply to inclusive environments?

Answer 2

Planning

From a planning perspective, the latest National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF 2019) provides guidance in section 8 on the provision of healthy, inclusive and safe places. These should “promote health and wellbeing, with a high standard of amenity for existing and future users”.

Construction industry Council

When considering inclusive design more specifically, the Construction Industry Council set out five key principles:

1. Placing people at the heart of the design process;
2. Acknowledging diversity and difference;
3. Offering choice where a single solution cannot accommodate all users;
4. Providing flexibility in use; and
5. Creating an environment that is convenient and enjoyable for all to use.

Building Regulations

The Building Regulations, in Approved Document M (volumes 1 and 2), provide minimum requirements for the “ease of access to, and use of, buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants, and the ability to move through a building easily including to toilets and bathrooms”. This includes the pitch for ramps and steps, building dimensions and facilities to enable wheelchair access.

BS 8300, introduced in 2018, goes a step further and builds on the minimum requirements of Approved Document M, specifically in relation to best practice for lighting external areas, ramp gradients and rises, accessible viewing for audience seating, sanitary facilities, WC layout and baby changing facilities.

Question 3

What is the governing legislation relating to inclusivity?

Answer 3

The Equality Act 2010 which repealed the Disability Discrimination Acts of 1995 and 2005.

It is illegal to discriminate against someone on the grounds of the protected characteristics, which include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Section 20 of the Act states “where a physical feature puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage… in comparison with persons who are not disabled” the service provider must “take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the disadvantage”.

Question 4

What is an inclusive environment?

Answer 4

An inclusive environment recognises and accommodates differences in the way people use the built and natural environment. It allows for its use in a dignified, equal and intuitive manner for all (now and in the future).