Think laterally: accessibility is for everyone, not just the few

摘要

The government's proposed changes to Part M of the Building Regulations to provide step-free access to all new homes is wonderfully refreshing. Since the introduction of Part M in 2015 I have noticed an increase in the numbers of disabled and less-abled persons in streets, cafes and so on, which means the legislation is working. This is because, where premises are compliant, people with disabilities are able to comfortably leave their homes and enjoy activities a physically fit person does. It is not only the increase in confidence and visibility of disabled people in public spaces that is encouraging. Older people, frail people, children in pushchairs, people with bags of shopping are all benefiting. Accessibility is not just for people with permanent physical disabilities; it is for everyone, because at some point in our lives, we all need a bit more help. The sooner we realise this as architects, the better we can design our buildings and the faster we can remove the stigmatisation of disabled people. Making provision for designs with generous dimensions and accessibility equipment in public spaces means we are fundamentally restructuring our society and mobilising those who struggle the most to engage in normal social activities.