Inclusive Environments Level 1

Question 1

What primary and secondary legislation impacts on inclusive environments?

Answer 1

Primary:
- Equality Act 2010
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- Planning & Building Acts

Secondary:
- National Planning Policy Framework
- Building Regulations
- Fire Safety Regulations

Question 2

What disabilities might need special attention when designing or refurbishing premises?

Answer 2

Wheelchair users - widening doorways, ramps, lifts, accessible toilet facilities, automatic doors

Those who are visually impaired - providing information in alternative formats, such as Braille

Question 3

How do you ensure that your projects meet high levels of inclusive design?

Answer 3

I ensure this through playing my part in incorporating accessibility, usability and equity into the planning and execution phases of a project. For example, cost planning for accessibility features such as ramps, wider doorways and accessible rooms. Another example would be during Value Engineering, ensuring that inclusivity is not compromised during value improvement exercises.

Question 4

What standards and guidance might be relevant to your area of practice?

Answer 4

British Standard 8300 - relates to disabled access within buildings

Building Regulations Part M - Access to and use of buildings

RICS Rules of Conduct

Question 5

What is Part M of the regulations?

Answer 5

Access to and use of buildings

Provides info about ease of access to and use of buildings, including facilities for disabled visitors or occupants

Question 6

What other building regulations affect inclusive environments?

Answer 6

Nosie, overheating, electrical vehicle requirements?

Question 7

What is the Equality Act 2012?

Answer 7

A piece of primary legislation which makes it unlawful to discriminate against the protected characteristics

Question 8

Can you name any protected characteristics under Equality Act?

Answer 8

Age
Disability
Sex
Gender Reassignment
Race
Religion or belief
Sexual orientation
Marriage or civil partnership
Pregnancy or maternity

Question 9

How does planning affect inclusive environments?

Answer 9

Planning plays a vital role in shaping inclusive environments by ensuring that the build environment meets the diverse needs of all users. For example:
1. Access & connectivity - ensuring transportation systems, pavements and public spaces are design designed with universal accessibility in mind (e.g. drop curb and wide pathways)
2. Public spaces & amenities - ensuring community spaces are inclusive and welcome, including seating, shade and accessible restrooms
3. Building Regulations & Equality Act 2010 - local planning authorities can enforce building regulations and laws which mandate inclusive features.

Question 10

How does light, occupancy, air, welfare facilities affect inclusive environments?

Answer 10

Each element influences the comfort, safety and well-being of end users. For example -
1. Light - essential for visibility & safety, visual accessibility and psychological effects
2. Occupancy - space design, flexibility and use considerations
3. Air quality - comfort, health implications and biophilic design
4. Welfare facilities - accessible amenities, social spaces and support services

Question 11

What types of buildings come under inclusive environments?

Answer 11

All buildings, places and spaces

Question 12

What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit / the conflict in Russia and Ukraine bringing to inclusive environments?

Answer 12

1. Regulatory uncertainties
2. Labour shortages
3. Supply chain disruptions
4. Economic constraints

All hinder the ability to prioritise accessibility & inclusivity in design and planning efforts