Integrating Accessibility as a core element of workspace design.
A large international law firm recently expanded its Melbourne office at the Rialto Towers, adding a second floor to create a total workspace of approximately 3,700 square meters across two levels. Architecture & Access was engaged by Acuity to provide access and Universal Design advice for the commercial redevelopment across multiple stages of the project.
While there were specific requirements regarding the function and use of individual spaces, the expansion offered an opportunity for the design team to revise the office layout, shifting away from traditional practices that emphasised hierarchy and relied heavily on individual private offices. The design focused on creating inclusive, collaborative workspaces, with a mixture of open-plan areas and private offices that fosters communication, flexibility, and accessibility for all employees.
A key accessibility challenge was guiding the design team through a process that balanced aesthetic appeal with functional needs, emphasising the importance of integrating accessibility from the very beginning of the design. This approach ensured that accessibility wasn’t an afterthought but an integral part of the workspace.
Central to the design is a collaborative breakout space on each level, connected by a new intertenancy staircase. This staircase provides seamless movement between floors, enhancing interaction among teams and building a cohesive atmosphere across the expanded office.
The creation of these central informal breakout spaces brought challenges in terms of layout and circulation with careful measures to ensure these areas were fully accessible, with wide pathways and adaptable seating arrangements to support all mobility requirements.
Ultimately, this project underscored the value of balancing visually engaging design with an accessible workplace. This approach serves as a valuable model for office refurbishments by prioritising accessibility throughout the design. This not only results in an environment that is inclusive and collaborative but also future proofs the office to adapt to evolving work practices and team needs.
Credit: Acuity Project Management,
Photographer: Peter Clarke
