Gender Inclusive Design
Creating inclusive environments means designing for everyone – Gender equity design considers how the built environment can support safety, dignity, access and participation for people of all genders.
Through evidence-based analysis and inclusive design thinking, Architecture & Access works with project teams to identify and address spatial, operational and infrastructure barriers that disproportionately affect women and gender-diverse people.
To support projects at different stages, Architecture & Access offers specialised Gender Equity Design Services including, Gender Impact Assessments and Gender & Sanitary Facility Design:
SERVICE 01
Gender Impact Assessments: Design for Equity
Gender equity in design is a vital part of Universal Design. Inclusive environments must meet the needs of all users – regardless of:
Under the Gender Equality Act 2020, Victorian public sector organisations must conduct a Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) when developing or reviewing any policy, program, or service that significantly affects the public. This ensures gender equity is considered from the start—not as an afterthought.
How Architecture & Access Can Help:
We specialise in Gender Impact Assessments for the built environment, offering:
- Guidance through the GIA process
- Expert analysis of how design impacts people of all genders
- Intersectional insights considering disability, gender identity, and cultural factors
- Practical Recommendations for inclusive design improvements
“Women, people with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities face significant social and economic disadvantages compared with able-bodied, cisgender, heterosexual men.”
— Handbook for Gender-Inclusive Urban Planning Design, The World Bank
SERVICE 02
Gender & Sanitary Facility Design
Inclusive toilets are essential infrastructure—critical for health, safety, and dignity. At Architecture & Access, we ensure your sanitary facilities meet the needs of:
- All genders
- People with disabilities
- Diverse cultural & religious communities
Our Services Include:
- Reviewing project briefs
- Assessing schematic designs
- Consulting with stakeholder groups
Providing Access Advice to support an inclusive strategy
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Evidence-Based Best Practice:
Our research on toilet design, gender, and disability informs best practice recommendations for fittings, fixtures and layouts. We also develop strategies for creating accessible facilities that cater to all genders, including male, female, and all-gender options.
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Supporting Diverse Needs:
We address requirements for families and carers by ensuring spaces are practical and inclusive. Our design advice considers the needs of people who menstruate or have continence requirements, as well as individuals who require private spaces for self-regulation or medication. We also provide solutions that support gender-diverse people, promoting dignity and usability for everyone.
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Our Design Considerations:
We prioritise clear, inclusive signage and wayfinding to help all users navigate spaces easily. Location and layout are carefully planned to maximise safety and enable passive surveillance. We ensure every design choice upholds privacy and dignity, allowing comfort for all users. Additionally, facility composition is tailored to suit the specific needs of different user groups.
