In 2006, England’s
Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE),
a leader in accessible and universal design, published Five Principles
of Inclusive Design.
The way places are designed affects our ability to move, see, hear and communicate
effectively. Inclusive design aims to remove barriers that create undue effort
and separation, and thereby enable everyone to participate equally, confidently
and independently in everyday activities. Meeting access needs should be an
integral part of what we do every day, and we should use our creativity to
find innovative and individual solutions.
1. Inclusive design places people at the heart of the design process. Design
and development should create spaces and buildings that people can use to form
vibrant and sustainable communities. To achieve this, we must ensure that as
many people as possible are involved in the design; wheelchair access should
not be the base level or an optional extra.
2. Inclusive design acknowledges diversity and difference. Everyone at some
point will probably experience limited mobility. It is important to identify
barriers to inclusion as early as possible within the design process,
“As
our aging popula-tion increases, we need to argue that
inclusive design is not a choice, but a basic essential.”
|
so that
good design can overcome them. The needs of wheelchair users and persons
with mobility disabilities must be addressed, as well as barriers
experienced by people with cognitive and learning disabilities, mental
illness, visual and hearing impairments.
3. Inclusive design
offers choice, where a single design solution cannot accommodate
all users. Considering people’s diversity
can break down barriers and exclusion, and often achieve superior
solutions that benefit everyone. By applying the same high design
standards to meet the access requirements of all users, inclusive
design embraces everyone on equal terms. An environment should exceed
minimum technical specifications.
4. Inclusive design provides for flexibility in use. Meeting the principles
of inclusive design requires an understanding of how the building or space
will be used and who will use it. Places need to be designed so that they can
adapt to changing uses and demands.
5. Inclusive design
provides buildings and environments that are convenient and enjoyable
to use for everyone. Access to a building isn’t simply
a question of the physical layout. Signage, lighting, visual contrast and
materials must be considered. Opportunity to use all elements within
the site is crucial.
Inclusive design must be considered at the outset of the design process, and
remain integral throughout. The principles relate as much to the design process
as to the final product, and apply equally to management, operation and information.
Users should be involved during all parts of the design process from the planning
phase, through detailed design, and on to construction, occupation, management
and operation.
As our aging population increases, we need to argue that inclusive design
is not a choice, but a basic essential. The way buildings and spaces are designed
should reflect these five principles. ![]()
Information taken from guide published by CABE, London, England 2006
