How can you create inclusive outdoor spaces?

1 Understand the users

The first step to creating inclusive outdoor spaces is to understand the needs, preferences, and expectations of the people who will use them. You can do this by engaging with the community, conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, or workshops, and observing how people behave and interact in existing spaces. You can also consult with experts, such as accessibility consultants, social workers, or health professionals, to gain insights into specific user groups.

2 Design for diversity

The second step is to design for diversity, which means creating spaces that are accessible, adaptable, and responsive to different users and contexts. You can do this by applying universal design principles, such as providing multiple ways of access, use, and perception, ensuring safety and comfort, and avoiding barriers and stigmas. You can also use inclusive design strategies, such as providing flexible and adaptable spaces, offering choices and options, and encouraging participation and co-creation.

3 Celebrate identity

The third step is to celebrate identity, which means creating spaces that reflect and respect the culture, history, and identity of the users and the place. You can do this by incorporating elements of local heritage, art, and storytelling, using materials and plants that are native or meaningful to the place, and creating opportunities for expression and interaction. You can also foster a sense of belonging and ownership by involving the users in the design, management, and maintenance of the spaces.

4 Enhance connectivity

The fourth step is to enhance connectivity, which means creating spaces that are well-connected to the surrounding environment, infrastructure, and services. You can do this by providing clear and legible routes and signage, integrating with public transport and bike networks, and creating linkages and transitions between different spaces and functions. You can also support social connectivity by creating spaces that facilitate communication, collaboration, and coexistence among different user groups.

5 Promote sustainability

The fifth step is to promote sustainability, which means creating spaces that are environmentally, socially, and economically responsible. You can do this by using low-impact materials and technologies, minimizing waste and energy consumption, and enhancing biodiversity and resilience. You can also support social sustainability by creating spaces that are inclusive, equitable, and accessible for current and future generations.

6 Evaluate and improve

The sixth and final step is to evaluate and improve, which means monitoring and measuring the performance and impact of the spaces, and making adjustments and improvements as needed. You can do this by collecting feedback from the users, stakeholders, and experts, using qualitative and quantitative methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or sensors. You can also use participatory evaluation methods, such as workshops, games, or storytelling, to involve the users in the assessment and improvement process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?