Creating accessible, inclusive and safe schools isn’t just about meeting legal standards – it’s about building environments where every student, educator and staff member can thrive.
Architecture & Access has provided specialist accessibility and safety in design advice for the VSBA school bundles, ensuring educational facilities go beyond merely meeting minimum standards. Our specialised involvement in the VSBA schools bundles reflects our commitment to creating spaces that prioritise the needs of the younger population, ensuring that these environments remain inclusive, safe and adaptable for years to come.
Ensuring accessibility and safety in schools is crucial, not only because it aligns with ethical obligations but also because it meets legal requirements. Accessibility promotes inclusivity, equity and safety for all students, educators and staff. This article highlights Architecture & Access’s significant role in the VSBA New Schools Bundle 2024, an architectural project that exemplifies the importance of accessibility and safety in educational environments.
As part of a state government school building infrastructure initiative, Architecture & Access were involved in the development and delivery of ten schools across Victoria. These schools are divided into two bundles. Architecture & Access was engaged by GHD Architects for Bundle A and by DesignInc and Brand Architects for Bundle B to provide specialised access and safety in design consultancy services for these projects.
The schools are designed with a vision to create collaborative learning environments, featuring several buildings such as administrative offices, learning and teaching spaces, community hubs, and both indoor and outdoor activity areas. The enhanced facilities provided in these schools include:
- Accessible paths of travel, including ramps and walkways, alongside stairs
- Inclusive playgrounds with gardening beds
- Inclusive and collaborative indoor and outdoor learning spaces
- All-gender toilets
- Height-adjustable workstations in learning areas
- Luminance contrast between doors, frames, and walls, among many other accessible features
- Design for safe use of the buildings for all user groups
Moreover, the schools have embraced inclusivity by incorporating Early Learning Centres (ELC) and kindergartens on school sites, offering access to maternity care and facilities for young children. The inclusion of specialist supported inclusion schools further ensures that students with disabilities have access to education in facilities that cater to their specific needs, making learning and play areas fully accessible. Image: Riverdale Primary School with fully accessible spaces
Architecture & Access has been involved in the project from the initial stages of schematic design through to the construction phase at various sites. During the design phase, the Architecture & Access Accessibility team, alongside the Safety in Design team, collaborated closely with architects in numerous workshops. These sessions focused on enhancing inclusivity and safety, particularly in areas such as indoor and outdoor tiered seating with accessible wheelchair spaces, accessible workstations in labs with appropriate tapware, and the design of accessible sinks.
In addition to participating in specific design workshops, Architecture & Access played a crucial role in reviewing and improving access to all indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring that these schools are models of accessibility and inclusivity.
The VSBA’s New Schools Bundle 2024 demonstrates the essential role of thoughtful, inclusive design in creating educational spaces that cater to the needs of all students, regardless of their abilities. Architecture & Access is proud to contribute to this important initiative, helping to shape the future of safe and accessible education in Victoria.
Image credit: Dianna Snape Photography
