Hi Marcus
I think this is fab! As a lecturer to undergraduate occupational therapy students I shall be using this to make a point!
Best Wishes
Liz
-----Original Message-----
From: Marcus Ormerod [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tue 29/06/2004 08:54
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Importance of consulting users
Hi all
Not sure if anyone else saw an article in the Sunday Times (27-06-04)
that pointed out the importance of user involvement in designing the
built environment.
The structure discussed in the article is Berthold Lubetkin's 1934 grade
1 listed penguin pool at London zoo. The penguins were moved from it
recently due to refurbishment of the Modernist icon design and were
rehoused in the zoo's duck pond. The penguins took a strong liking to
their new residence and the zoo has decided they should remain there.
The article describes the enclosure as "painted white, its oval
geometric composition is intersected by spiral ramps which the penguins
used to totter up and down, delighting several generations of children."
http://www.londonzoo.co.uk/history/architecture.html gives a potted
history of it.
The article goes onto to give comment from a North London architect "the
clean white colour went well with the penguins and it looked arctic." An
expert on penguins commented " their new environment is much more
preferable to a concrete aviary. The pool may replicate people's
impression of where penguins live, but this colony is from South Africa
and like to bask in the sun on a beach so a different habitat is
needed."
I thought this novel article reflected quite well the problems that can
ensue when user interaction is not taken onboard, perhaps next time they
will ask the penguins first!
Cheers
Marcus
Marcus Ormerod
SURFACE
Salford University Research Focus on Accessible Environments
The University of Salford
Bridgewater Building
Salford
M7 1NU
http://www.inclusive-design.it
http://www.accesscode.info
Tel: 0161 295 5405
Fax: 0161 295 5011
Textphone: 0161 295 3194
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