Inclusive Environments Flashcards
What are the six principles for creating inclusive environments, as set out by the Construction Industry Council?
- Contribute to building an inclusive society now and in the future;
- Apply professional and responsible judgement and take a leadership role;
- Apply and integrate the principles of inclusive design from the outset of a project;
- Do more than just comply with legislation and codes;
- Seek multiple views to solve accessibility and inclusivity challenges;
- Acquire the skills, knowledge, understanding and confidence to make inclusion the norm, not the exception.
What part of the Building Regulations relates to inclusive environments/design?
- Part B – Fire Safety
- Part M – Access to and Use of Buildings.
How do the RICS Rules of Conduct relate to inclusive environments?
- It is an ethical and moral requirement required of RICS Members under the Rules of Conduct.
- These require Members to treat others respectfully (Rule 4) and act in the public interest (Rule 5).
What are some examples of fundamental design principles to create inclusive environments?
- Focusing on people, including consultation with stakeholders and building sustainable communities;
- Acknowledging diversity and difference;
- Offering choice rather than one design solution;
- Providing flexibility of use;
- Providing a positive experience when using spaces, including neurodiversity through signage, lighting, visual contrast and trained staff.
How does the Equality Act 2010 and Part M of the Building Regulations influence the use and design of buildings?
- Part M sets minimum standards for the construction and refurbishment of buildings with regard to access and use, including setting requirements for door widths, lifts and WC’s.
- The Equality Act 2010 aims to ensure that people are not unfairly discriminated against and that buildings and places are made accessible and convenient to use by all.
Are there any other parts of the Building Regulations which relate to inclusive environments?
- Approved Document K (protection from falling, collision and impact) – staircase pitch.
- Approved Document B (fire safety) – each protected escape stairwell must have a space on every landing where wheelchair users – if a building is likely to accommodate them – can await assistance in safety.
What other legislation is there relevant to inclusivity?
- The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
- The Equality Act 2010 says public authorities must comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty. This is in addition to their duty not to discriminate against you.
- The duty aims to make sure public authorities think about things like discrimination and the needs of people who are disadvantaged or suffer inequality, when they make decisions about how they provide their services and implement policies.
Can you provide an example of how inclusive design can be implemented within buildings?
- The use of induction loops.
- Level access and use of lifts for wheelchair users.
- Adaptations for those who are visually impaired - This includes adequate lighting, non-slip floor coverings, visually contrasted numbers, the use of Braille, keeping accessways clear, providing handrails and installing audio alerts for lifts and escalators.
- Smoke alarms with a flashing light/strobe light or vibrating pad.
Are you aware of any recent changes to the Building Regulations concerning inclusive environments?
- Introduction of Approved Document T (Toilets).
- People, regardless of ability, age or sex and of any other protected characteristic, should be able to access buildings and use their facilities. The toilets incorporated into a building should take account of the needs of everyone who may access the building, both as visitors and as people who may live or work in it. It is not appropriate, except in exceptional circumstances, to assume that certain groups of people will be excluded from a building because of its use.
