Inclusive Environments Flashcards
What is an inclusive environment?
An area or building which can be accessed and used safely, easily and with dignity by everyone.
It does not physically or socially segregrate, discriminate or isolate.
Is well-designed, functional, sustainable and delivers an enhanced user experience.
What is inclusive design?
Designing a place that everyone can use, by removing barriers that create undue effort and separation.
It enables all users to participate equally, confidently and independently in everyday environments.
It is about more than just complying with the minimum requirements of legislation and is about considering all user needs throughout the decision making process.
Who is responsible for inclusive design?
Everyone - all those involved in the design, construction and use of a building.
Surveyors can be involved at any stage of a property’s lifecycle and should be promoting inclusive design throughout.
What are the principles of inclusive design?
- Placing people at the heart of the design process
- Acknowledging diversity and difference
- Offering choice where a single solution cannot accommodate all users
- Providing flexibility in use
- Creating an environment that is convenient and enjoyable for all to use
What are the key documents and legislation relating to inclusive environments?
Equality Act 2010
Approved Document M (Access & Use of Building)
British Standard BS 8300
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
What is the Equality Act of 2010?
Key piece of legislation - replaced the Disability Discrimination Act of 2005.
It states that disabled individuals should not face barriers to access any premises. If a barrier is faced and the disabled individual is put at a substantial disadvantage in relation to a non-disabled individual, then the service provider is under an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to facilitate access.
Not just about access (through ramps or lifts) but also relates to services provided within a building (providing auxillary aids such as hearing loops or visual aids).
What is a hearing loop system?
Hearing loops are systems that transmit sound directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants - providing assistance in public places to those with hearing loss.
What does Approved Document M do?
Relates to 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’. It is split into Volume 1 Dwellings and Volume 2 Buildings other than Dwellings.
It provides specific guidance on the safe degrees of pitch for ramps and steps, as well as building dimensions and facilities to facilitate wheelchair access.
What is BS 8300?
Introduced in 2018 - goes beyond the minimum standards outlined in Approved Document M.
Part 1 provides guidance relating to the accessible and inclusive design of new public spaces. Part 2 relates to internal design to meet all user requirements. It does not apply to individual residential dwellings.
Guidance relates to lighting external areas, ramps gradients, WC layouts and baby changing facilities.
What is the NPPF position on inclusive environments?
The framework says that the provision of inclusive spaces should ‘promote health and well-being, with a high standard of amenity for existing and future users’.
Emphasising that high quality, inclusive design is a key principle of sustainable development, going beyond just aesthetic factors.
