Architecture should reflect diverse society - CABE

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Architects and planners need a new design philosophy to put inclusion at the heart of the development process, says the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

The report, Inclusion by Design, which investigates equality, diversity and the built environment,  calls on local authorities and built environment professions to take more notice of the different ways in which people experience buildings and places.

It notes that too often, architects and planners fail to understand how our experience of a place is directly influenced by our social, cultural and economic background. As a result, the design and management of buildings and places unintentionally exclude different types of people.

Richard Simmons, CABE chief executive, said: “Even though accessibility has improved over the last decade, the fact remains that poor and disadvantaged people are far more likely to live in poor quality environments. The professions need to better mirror the diversity of the society they serve.”

However, in some places, inclusive design is already inspiring very good solutions. Public space in Spa Fields, Islington, North London, has been redesigned to create a safer space for women, and gave local young people work experience during the construction.

Other examples of good practice include:

* Health centres that can cater for patients seeking asylum after torture
* Schools with learning spaces that work for pupils with hearing impairment
* Town squares with seating designed in consultation with older people
* Estates that have safe places for young people to socialise.

CABE has also published an Equality scheme and action plan for itself, and is setting up a new group to advise it on inclusive design and equality.

Article by Caroline Jones

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