In the year 2021-22, there were an estimated 16 million disabled people in the UK – that’s nearly a quarter (24%) of the population. However, society has some catching up to do regarding inclusion; a lack of accessible housing means that roughly 400,000 wheelchair users in England are still having to live in accommodation which is not suitable for their needs. Public spaces are also a barrier for many, with only 25% of London tube stations having disabled access.

The social model of disability states that “people are disabled by barriers in society, not by their impairment or difference”. By this definition, it is society’s responsibility to adapt and change to meet the needs of people with disabilities. When it comes to creating accessible buildings, this starts with the design process. 

Accessibility in buildings

A survey has found that the most common barriers experienced by disabled people when using public spaces are narrow stairs, doors and corridors. Other problems cited include inadequate lifts, lack of ramps or handrails, and parking problems. However, all these barriers are preventable, provided the design of the building has been well thought through.

There are a range of other building features that could improve accessibility. For example, braille, clear signage and contrasting colours can help anyone with a visual impairment to navigate a space. But designers must equally remember that it is so much more than a tick box exercise; committing to creating spaces that are inclusive, rather than exclusive, brings us all one step closer to an equitable world.

RIBA’s Inclusive Design Overlay

In a bid to improve the UK’s buildings and environments from an accessibility perspective, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) published guidance – its Inclusive Design Overlay – to ensure that accessibility and inclusion are considered throughout the design and construction processes. It states that the Client, Project Management Team, Design Team, Construction Team and Asset Management Team all have key parts to play in creating spaces that welcome everyone. Alex Tait, Director of Practice and Individual Knowledge at RIBA, commented, “Our industry needs a more rigorous and collaborative approach to inclusion throughout the full lifecycle of our projects and assets. This Overlay aims to embed an inclusive design framework within the RIBA Plan of Work.”

Designers leading the way

Architect Alan Dunlop has been highly commended for his design of Hazelwood School in Glasgow – a state school for children with sensory and complex learning needs. Dunlop’s priority was navigation and orientation, so the walls are clad in cork, a warm and tactile material. In the north-facing classrooms, there are windows above eye level, reducing visual distraction for pupils who are visually impaired while maximising the distribution of natural light in the classrooms.

A commitment worth making

Inclusive design consultancy, Motionspot, worked with Bespoke Hotels to design Hotel Brooklyn in Manchester. The aim was “to embed accessibility across all elements of the hotel to ensure that guests with a range of physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments can enjoy everything the hotel has to offer”. The hotel, which opened in 2020, has 18 rooms that are wheelchair and ambulant accessible. It was the first hotel in the world to integrate ceiling track hoists, which are installed in two of the rooms for those with reduced mobility. Hotel Brooklyn’s accessible suites and events added £217,000 onto their revenue in their first full trading year, proving that there is great demand for inclusively designed buildings.