Inclusive Design

Apart from looking great and welcoming people, a commercial interior must function well. It should accommodate the movement of people – staff work patterns, visitor peaks & troughs, emergency egress, etc. Legislation has dictated the need to cater for wheelchair users for entry into and around public buildings, but what about those who suffer with an invisible disability?
  • Most vision impaired people retain some residual sight but you probably won’t know who they are! Sufferers will enter a room and look for reference points to navigate the space safely. A “framework” within a space will help by using colour & tone contrast and varied textured surfaces.
  • Those with a hearing impairment will usually wear hearing aids but, because aids are so discreet these days, you probably won’t be aware of it! The most common problem faced by a hearing aid wearer in an interior is reverberation, due to the continuing trend for hard flooring and minimal window dressing. The principal solution? – acoustic control.
  • Dementia is a term used for several diseases that effect memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities. Generally, sufferers can become disoriented and anxious in unfamiliar buildings. Beneficial measures? – colour & tone contrast, clear signage, dimmable lighting.
  • Last but not least – the many people who are unsteady on their feet, through e.g. age, arthritis, medication – all those with a wide range of disabilities who are not regular wheelchair users. Considerations? No trip hazards, ergonomic seating, strategic handrails.
Our challenge is to apply the various solutions available in a discreet and cohesive way that does not compromise our principles of good interior design – intelligent use of space and exceeding the expectations of your visitors.
The statistics are important to bear in mind. In the UK, there are 2M vision impaired, 9M hearing impaired and just under 1M people with dementia. They could be your customers or service users. It is not only morally right to embrace everyone’s needs but it makes good business sense. How inclusive are your premises?

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