Inclusive Environments L1

Question 1

WHAT IS AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT?

Answer 1

An environment that can be accessed and used safely, easily and with dignity by everyone.

Does not physically or or socially discriminate or isolate.

Well designed, functional, efficient and sustainable.

Question 2

WHAT IS INCLUSIVE DESIGN?

Answer 2

Making places everyone can use.

Removes barriers so all can partake equally and independently in everyday environments.

Question 3

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INCLUSIVE DESIGN?

Answer 3

All stakeholders involved in the building lifecycle, from site acquisition, design, construction, management and use.

Employers when providing a workplace, must adhere to Equality Act, British Standards and Building Regulations to provide a technically compliant, safe and intuitive space to use.

Question 4

WHAT LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE DICTATES INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS?

Answer 4

Part B: Fire Safety (Landing space for wheelchair user)

Part K: Protection from falling, collision or impact - stairs, ladders, ramps, windows, doors (vision panel)

Part M: Access to and use of buildings

Fitwel - Voluntary building cert (similar to BREEAM) focuses on health and wellbeing of building users

Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Historic England - East Access to Historic Buildings

Design Management Systems: Manging Inclusive Design (BSI)

Equality Act 2010

Local Planning Authority Policies

Question 5

WHAT IS THE EQUALITY ACT 2010?

Answer 5

Landmark legislation consolidated several previous laws, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including provisions related to access in various domains - services, transport, public facilities in urban and rural areas.

Question 6

WHAT ARE THE PART M BUILDING REGULATIONS?

Answer 6

Set out detailed standards for accessibility in new buildings and significant renovations, in urban & rural settings.

Includes entrances, toilets, circulation spaces.

Question 7

WHY PRIORITISE INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS INTO BUILDING PROJECTS?

Answer 7

Inclusive society regardless of physical ability.

To adhere to relevant legislation and approved documents - Part B, K, M, Equality Act.

Non-compliance can lead to legal consequences - ethical responsibility and legally mandatory.

Economic advantages - To increase the amount of people able to use a building, access a business to spend or work (ageing population).

Social equity.

Question 8

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES WITH IMPLEMENTING ACCESSIBILITY REGULATIONS?

Answer 8

Retrofitting existing buildings (particularly heritage) - adapting to modern standards is costly and logistically challenging.

Evolving standards - Accessibility changes over time, meaning ongoing updates and adaptions in planning and construction practices.

Public awareness - Education and outreach to ensure compliance.

Enforcement of regulations

Question 9

WHAT DOES RICS SAY ABOUT INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS?

Answer 9

RICS Ethical Standards state to show respect for all, promote trust, integrity, take responsibility, provide a high level of service and go above the minimum requirements from an ethical perspective wherever possible.

Question 10

HOW CAN DESIGN BE INCLUSIVE?

Answer 10

Including consideration to appropriate colour schemes, signage, lighting, acoustic performance.

Consider physical disabilities and neurological.

Question 11

WHAT ARE THE SIX KEY PRINCIPLES TO INCLUSIVE DESIGN?

Answer 11

1. Build an inclusive society now and in the future
2. Apply professional and responsible judgement
3. Apply and integrate inclusive design from the outset of a project
4. Do more than the legislation and codes state
5. Seek multiple views to solve accessibility and inclusivity challenges
6. Acquire skills, knowledge and understanding to make inclusion the norm, not exception

Question 12

NAME EXAMPLES OF INCLUSIVE DESIGN FOR VARYING IMPAIRMENTS / DISABILITIES

Answer 12

Visual - Braille, adequate lighting, visually contrasting numbers, clear accessways, providing handrails, non-slip floor coverings, audio alerts in lifts / escalators.

Wheelchair - Flat entrances, ramp gradients, providing alternative solutions to stairs i.e. lifts.

Question 13

NAME CASE LAW RELATING TO INCLUSIVE DESIGN

Answer 13

RBS v Allen (2009)

Wheelchair user unable to access Sheffield bank due to stair entry.

Bank refused to alter the physical access.

Court of Appeal ruled reasonable adjustments to be made including installation of a platform lift, plus compensation for the customer in question.

Question 14

WHAT DOES PART M BUILDING REGULATIONS STATE REGARDING INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS?

Answer 14

Provide minimum requirements for the ease of access to and use of buildings, including facilities for disabled users, and the ability to move through a building easily including to toilets and bathrooms.

Question 15

WHAT ARE THE PROTECTED CHARACTERISTICS UNDER THE EQUALITY ACT 2010?

Answer 15

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orietation