Inclusive Environments – Level

Question 1

• Describe what you understand by the term ‘inclusive environment’

Answer 1

• The design of buildings and spaces which are accessible to all.
• Aims to enable everyone to participate.
• To create a fair society and a sustainable future.

Question 2

• Tell me about some of the primary or secondary legislation in this regard.

Answer 2

• The Equality Act 2010.
• The National Planning Policy Framework 2019
• Building regulations Part M.

Question 3

• How does ‘reasonableness’ filter into the built environment in terms of inclusive environments?

Answer 3

• Existing buildings will need to provide ramps.
• For new build properties access can be considered from the outset.

Question 4

• What current challenges is Covid and/or Brexit bringing to Inclusive Environments?

Answer 4

• COVID is having a massive impact as inclusive environments is all about people getting together in buildings and enjoying them.
• COVID restrictions on social gathering and also restrictions with leaving home unless for certain circumstances.

Question 5

• What is Approved Document Part M relating to the accessibility requirements?

Answer 5

• Part M relates to access to buildings and disabled access.
• State minimum access provisions which include size of door openings for wheelchair access and a size of a lift.
• The size and gradient of pathways.
• Applies to all new builds.
• Also applies to all new change of use.
• Does not apply prior to June 1992.

Question 6

• What is the National Planning Policy Framework?

Answer 6

The NPPF sets out the Governments Planning Policy.

It identifies the need for planning policies that are:

• Safe.
• Inclusive.
• Accessible.
• Promote health and wellbeing.
• Sustainable transport
• Effective use of land
• Strong economy
• Vitality of Town Centres
• These are now finding their way onto local plans.

Question 7

• What is the National Planning Policy Framework?

Answer 7

The NPPF sets out the Governments Planning Policy.

It identifies the need for planning policies that are:

• Safe.
• Inclusive.
• Accessible.
• Promote health and wellbeing.
• Sustainable transport
• Effective use of land
• Strong economy
• Vitality of Town Centres
• These are now finding their way onto local plans.

Question 8

• What are the five key principles of Inclusive design and the four-stage process for Inclusive design?

Inclusive Design - Remember PDCFP

Four Stage Process - Remember VDCI

Answer 8

The five key principles of inclusive design are:

1. People first – Puts people at the heart of the design process.
2. Diversity and Difference – Acknowledges diversity and difference.
3. Choice – Inclusive design offer choice.
4. Flexibility – Provides flexible use.
5. Positive experience – Environments that are enjoyable.

The four-stage process for inclusive design is:

1. Vision stage – Highlighting considerations from the outset such as location of a bus stop.
2. Design stage – Provides opportunity to address any inequalities from location and design.
3. Construction stage – Deal with issues that arise and consider the impact on local people and users.
4. In-Use stage – Whether we find the use of places friendly.