Inclusive Environments are an initiative created by The Design Council Cabe to raise awareness about the importance of designing places that meet the needs of the diversity of people who want to use them. We believe designing and managing the built environment in an inclusive way is essential if we are to create a fair society and a sustainable future.
What are Inclusive Environments
Welcoming to everyone
Responsive to people’s needs
Intuitive to use
Flexible
Offer choice when a single design solution cannot meet all user needs
Convenient so they can be used without undue effort or special separation and so that they maximise independence
The responsiblity to follow and include Inclusive Design lies with those of us that work within the built environment, planners, access consultants, designers, architects, engineers, surveyors, builders, property owners and facilities managers.
It is important with the major growth worldwide and more so nationally, that this initiative becomes a major consideration in the design of buildings and spaces. It is further apparent that the Uk's Population is getting older and the need to included the needs of elderly is majorly important. A policy for this has started to be implemented within the design of homes through the Lifetime Homes Policy.
I think from this we need to expand the knowledge and the implementation of the documents and policies out there, so that we have more policies in conjunction with the building regulations to cover the rest of the needs that are apparent to ensure that Inclusive Design is really what it says it is and is making everyone feel included.