RIBA London - Inclusive design for external built environments

This seminar will consider how the external built environment, including streets, landscaped areas, the approach to a building and the spaces between and around buildings, can be designed, built and managed to achieve an inclusive environment.

The most recent publication of BS 8300:2018: Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment includes a separate code of practice, which exclusively considers the external environment. It includes aspects of the wider external environment that were not covered in the original standard, particularly in relation to the external public realm. This seminar will explore the importance of this link in the access chain and how public realm, streets and approaches to buildings are vital in ensuring safe, dignified and independent access to services and facilities for all building users. This interactive seminar will cover:

· Navigation, orientation and way finding: inclusive of signage and lighting

· Public transport infrastructure: bus and tram

· Parking provision: on-street and off-street, cycle parking, electric vehicle charging, setting down and picking up points

· Approaches to and around building

· Access routes: hazards, surfaces, obstructions

· Public facilities: seating, landscaping, art, public realm, shared space principles

Speaker: Caroline Lewis, Access Design Solutions

Caroline is co-director of Access Design Solutions. She has provided inclusive design advice within built, pedestrian and transport environments for the past 20 years in both the UK and Australia. Qualified as a town planner, she is a member of the National Register of Access Consultants and a built environment expert at the Design Council. As a BSi and ISO committee representative, she is also recognised for her policy and standards work. Major clients have included Sydney Opera House, advising on a wayfinding strategy, and Barclays Bank regarding accessibility requirements for an assisted self-service device.