A guide for designers to understand the inclusive design features required to ensure accessibility and dignity for all users at TAFE NSW.
Organisations that own or operate multiple buildings often require a standard for the design and construction of new buildings or the refurbishment of older buildings. To achieve this, design standards are developed to document the higher level of design specification for a particular architectural detail, fixture or fitting and to guide future design teams on how and what to include within a building.
With regards to access for people with a disability, these standards aim to ensure access and inclusion and can include features such as setting a different minimum for the number of wheelchair seating spaces in an auditorium, the specification of certain fixtures that are known to be more inclusive or easier to use and greater circulation space requirements.
Architecture & Access have been involved in the development of many of these design standards but a recent project with TAFE NSW was a standout project. Architecture & Access worked with JMA Architects and TAFE NSW over eight months to deliver the Accessibility and Dignity Design Standard. The project entailed completing an Accessibility Audit of a sample of two of the TAFE NSW campuses, one regional and one in metropolitan Sydney. This assisted us to understand and define, for the team, some of the current accessibility issues.
A research report was prepared by Architecture & Access regarding best practice for the design of inclusive and accessible tertiary education buildings and campuses. This report was presented to all stakeholders. Subsequently, focus groups and workshops were held with internal stakeholders including staff with a disability, maintenance and safety personnel, with each group given the opportunity to share their stories and lessons from past experiences. This provided some rich data and personal insights into the everyday struggles that the built environment can present. Some recommendations included providing overhead cover for accessible parking bays so that a person using a wheelchair hoist can get out of their car without getting wet, especially in one of Sydney’s downpours.
Architecture & Access researched local and international standards and guidelines concerning access for people with a disability, and inclusive design. This was then collated along with the feedback from the focus groups and workshops and grouped under relevant building/campus elements.
The Standard is easy to navigate and uses an image in each section and explains inclusive design features, as inclusive design is not always immediately obvious or visible. Diagrams with dimensions were used where needed, to explain the specific height or circulation space required.
The guide is a great resource for TAFE NSW; developed through a collaborative process it will aid designers of campus upgrades and new builds to have a clear understanding of the inclusive design features required to ensure accessibility and dignity for all users at TAFE NSW.
