Inclusive Environments Flashcards
(6 cards)
What is meant by “inclusive environments”?
Inclusive environments are places that are accessible, usable, and welcoming to all people, regardless of age, disability, gender, or other characteristics.
The goal is to remove physical and social barriers in the built environment so everyone can participate equally and independently in society.
How does the Equality Act 2010 influence the creation of inclusive environments?
The Equality Act 2010 legally requires that reasonable adjustments be made to avoid discrimination and promote accessibility, particularly for disabled people. This includes considerations in design, access, and services provided in residential and public environments. The Act informs both policy development and planning practice.
How do planning policies support inclusive design?
The NPPF (2024) emphasises the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and accessible places that promote health, well-being, and social cohesion. Local Plans are required to include policies that ensure developments provide for diverse needs—for example, requiring wheelchair accessible homes or inclusive public spaces.
Can you give an example of how you’ve considered inclusive environments in your work?
I reviewed a Local Authority’s housing standards and incorporated requirements for wheelchair accessible dwellings and appropriate car parking provision into a proposed site’s tenure mix and development appraisal. This ensured alignment with planning policy and helped deliver a development that met the needs of a broader range of future residents.
What is your understanding of the relationship between design and inclusivity?
Design plays a crucial role in creating environments that promote dignity, independence, and equal access. Inclusive design ensures that people with different abilities and needs can use and navigate spaces comfortably. This includes considerations such as step-free access, suitable gradients, signage, and adaptable internal layouts.
Why is inclusive design important to RICS members?
RICS members have a duty to act in the public interest and promote high standards in the built environment.
Supporting inclusive design aligns with the RICS Rules of Conduct and demonstrates a commitment to equality, sustainability, and responsible practice. It also helps create developments that are more resilient and marketable.
