One of the biggest challenges that architects and engineers face nowadays is creating spaces that truly promote social interaction. The emotional impact of urban design has become a priority during recent years for many different firms and companies. However, the relevance of inclusive architecture and urban design has increased significantly and is an essential part of the development of any city. Because of the concept still being quite fresh, the question of how to achieve truly inclusive spaces remains.
In order to approach inclusive architecture, we need to understand what it really is, first. Then, thinking of different ways of designing more inclusive spaces would be the next step. Also, we should fully understand the impact of inclusive urban design before approaching it. Inclusive architecture is one of the biggest trends for 2019 in the field, and here is why.
What Exactly is Inclusive Architecture?
Talking about inclusive architecture and urban spaces can sound quite simple at first. However, understanding the concept and how to actually achieve inclusive spaces can be quite complex. It involves many different aspects of architecture, engineering, and urban design, to begin with. In order to simplify it, we can think of this as the concept of creating public and private spaces that are universally accessible.
Designing an environment in a way that can be accessed by as many people as possible regardless of age, gender, and disability would be the main objective. In order to achieve this goal, we should follow some of the principles of inclusive design.
How Can We Design More Inclusive Spaces?
Designing truly inclusive spaces can be quite a challenge. After all, it entails thinking of every single obstacle that a given space could generate, keeping in mind every single vulnerable group of society. Nevertheless, following some of the principles of inclusive architecture and urban design, the goal can be achieved.
To begin with, inclusive spaces must be designed in a way that everyone can use them in a safe, easy, and dignified way. The design of these spaces must be responsive too, welcoming its users’ feedback and input. Inclusive spaces are also flexible, meaning that different people can use them according to their needs. Convenience and accommodation are essential aspects of inclusive spaces too, as they ensure access for all people regardless of age, race, gender, mobility, etc.
Lastly, we must make sure that inclusive architecture designs spaces that are realistic and achievable, which is the challenging part. Offering multiple solutions to help balance everyone’s needs can be quite complicated yet is not impossible.
What Is the Impact of Inclusive Design?
The importance of designing and creating inclusive and accessible urban spaces should be a priority within the field. Besides, the impact of these spaces on our society could be incredibly positive if achieved. These spaces help us acknowledge the wide diversity of our communities and makes them all equally important. Also, inclusive design recognizes the range of ability and mobility, including helpless infants and elderly people and everyone in between.
Being able to provide universally accessible spaces for our cities removes barriers, both physical and social. As a result, interaction is enhanced thus everyone becomes able to participate in everyday activities equally, confidently, and independently.
