Inclusive Design

Inclusive design is the process of creating an environment in a way that can be used by everyone and where all will feel welcome. As a community-building concept, it goes an important step further than accessible design with which it is sometimes confused.

Accessible design is the process by which design is adapted to the needs of people with physical, visual, and cognitive disabilities.

Inclusive design goes much further, however, to include people with different backgrounds, age, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and people with disabilities. Inclusive design is dedicated to all users of the public realm.

Why is this important in the way that we view infrastructure and the built environment today? The answer is because some existing designs do not always work for everybody - but we can change some “default settings” to create better, more integrated places.?

Users’ identity and sense of belonging

A teenager by definition is someone who is between 13 and 19 years old. The fact that this “someone” includes both boys and girls is crucial in recognising their different needs and expectation of outdoor space functionality.

Girls often prefer their own space where they can sit and chat with friends, whilst boys often prefer more dynamic and competitive activities.

Similarly, elderly people may not stay in or even enter an outdoor site due to their physical vulnerability or low confidence, particularly if they feel intimidated by other people currently using the space. A quieter area dedicated to their needs and abilities could be created to make them feel welcome and safe.

The presence of gender-neutral bathrooms in the public realm can also promote social acceptance. Signage and information boards which include diverse illustrations to represent all users of the public realm will help create a place where everyone would feel included.

Individuals are more likely to use the space if they can see others who they can identify with. Facilities like cafes, outdoor libraries, outdoor cinemas, and classes can also help attract users having similar interests.?

There is nowhere to swing and an adult point of view

According to research, girls (women as well!) love swinging. Also, they often like to just hang out, sit in a hammock, and have a chat. There is no comfort for a teenage girl if she must use the swings surrounded by 3- or 5-year-olds as swings are often only in playgrounds for younger children.

As inclusive alternatives, places to hang out, with benches, hammocks, and swings are very desirable and can be used by everyone.

Unwelcoming messy graffiti and place identification

A place designed for everyone should promote togetherness and look welcoming. A tidy and well-maintained site would attract a wider range of people.

Whilst not every neighbourhood is lucky to have Banksy around, a place with messy, ghastly graffiti can be very unsettling and may be avoided to stay away from trouble. Engaging the community in creating street art, murals, outdoor galleries or immersive outdoor city games, can lead to a wonderful serendipity and have a very positive and lasting impact on the public.

Public safety - a bit about barriers, fencing and MUGAs

According to research, physical barriers like park entrances surrounded by dense vegetation with no lighting, or narrow, dark walled paths, create feelings of danger and are avoided. Objects like fenced MUGA (multi-use games areas), the tall features of skate parks, or tall dense hedgerow, block visibility and make escape almost impossible.

Clear wayfinding, spacious, bright, round underpasses, clear signage and no sharp corners on paths help people to navigate public spaces. Whilst lighting is often used to illuminate buildings, trees, and accents, it is also very important for those who need to commute after dark. Multiple, layered warm light is crucial in creating secure space.

Dogs as best friends but for some just a row of angry teeth

It is important to understand that dogs are not always seen as happy, four-legged furry friends. In some cultures, dogs are not recognised as pets and their appearance in the park may be very scary.

Perhaps specific playgrounds for dogs, or fenced, dog-friendly areas, would be a better solution.

Hospitality

Inclusive design should be integrated in a very early stage of design. An intended space should be functional, responsive, flexible and accommodating for all. The world is full of diverse individuals, and it is important to engage with the local community, stakeholders and to listen to their needs and expectations.

It is important to remind ourselves that what works for us does not always work for others. Ignoring diverse needs and experiences can unintentionally lead to exclusion. This can lead to the public space becoming unusable to many who might otherwise have enjoyed it.???

More information

The concept of inclusive design is relatively new. However, it is becoming increasingly important in providing attractive and welcoming communities designed carefully for everyone to enjoy, and in which everyone feels safe.

If you would like further information about how inclusive design environments can be created, or want to discuss how a specific project space or location can potentially be made more inclusive, please do feel free to contact me directly.

Agata Kryjak, Senior Landscape Architect, Enzygo Ltd