Thanks for bringing up the issue. I would like to
add/ask the following;
I think if one could imagine an Access Champion taking
the 'torch of accessibility/inclusive design' and
carrying it throughout the whole
design/construction/management process from inception
to post occupancy, one could also see many people
(with different designation) changing hands and taking
hold of that role of an Access Champion.
How does one see to it that implementation is being
carried out and sustained to completion? Does the
Access Strategy translate directly to the Access
Statement / Design Statement and then straight to
Detailed Design?
Is the DDA being left to interpretations by the term
'reasonable adjustments', where decisions could be
made to accomodate all sorts of views, including the
"design signature" of an architect?
Does the answer lie within the planning and building
control function? Should there be an Access Officer in
every planning and building department in all local
councils to coordinate with the Access Consultant and
Access Groups (Advisory Group), and to make sure the
'torch of accessibility/inclusive design' is carried
throughout the process. Are there any other ways?
Perhaps, that would settle the 'building' part of the
process but what about the 'management and services'
part, where the service provider takes over?
I suppose if we get it right in the first place with
the building part of the process, a big percentage of
accessibility/inclusive design is being achieved.
But in the case of historic buildings, it may not be
as straight-forward as that, as so many times it is
being stated that the DDA does not over-ride the
conservation legislation, that refers to PPG 15.
It looks like the natural Access Champion is the
Architect. But I have asked one architect in an
interview and he stated that, "Architects have to
champion many things..."
Perhaps, architects may be waiting for a "Social
Architecture" revival (that emerged in the 60s), but I
think it is here already, with the expectation of
using user groups in the design process. I think there
may be a reluctance to accept this way of designing. I
may be wrong, but...
Hope this adds to the forum.
From:
Naziaty Yaacob (Ms)
PhD Candidate - Topic on "Accessibility to Historic
Buildings"
SURFACE Inclusive Design Research Centre
The University of Salford
SCPM Maxwell Building
Salford M5 4WT
Tel: 0161 295 5279
Mobile: 07734881287
Email:[log in to unmask]
Web:www.inclusive-design.it
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