Company information
Arup
At Arup, we design and deliver ground-breaking icons through our work in infrastructure, building design and specialist technical services. Independent in ownership and spirit, we’re a global firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical experts who use our skills to make a positive difference in the world.
Accessible Environments
Designing inclusively provides buildings and landscapes that are accessible for all users and maximises independence for disabled people. Our Accessible Environments team works with clients to incorporate inclusive design into their schemes by providing best practice guidance and practical solutions.
Accessible design meets minimum codes, for example a ramp to provide access to a building for wheelchair users.
Inclusive design allows people to experience and access buildings and facilities in an equal manner – so if this ramp is at the back of the building, away from the entrance, then this is not inclusive. An automatic sliding door that allows everyone to access the building through the same entry point is inclusive.
Our Accessible Environments team’s inclusive approach includes consultation and engagement with disability user groups, as well as reference to ongoing research and industry-related guidance papers that suggest good practice.
The principles of an inclusive design address the needs of all users, not only disabled people, and will include the following user groups:
- Individuals with mobility, sight, comprehension or hearing disabilities
- The multigenerational population (including children and older people)
- People with temporary injuries
- People with phobias (such as heights and confined spaces)
- People whose movement may be encumbered in any way i.e. pregnant women or people with young children
We work collaboratively with the project teams, enabling inclusive design to be an integral part of our solutions. Working as a multi-disciplinary team allows us to work with a variety of people, on a wide variety of complex projects, including a wide range of existing and new build sites containing elements such as residential, commercial, education and sports, from concept to tender phase, construction and hand over.
Key recent projects include:
- Turner Contemporary Art Gallery in Margate
- Various venues and parklands (including Eton Manor, the Copper Box and the Orbit) for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games
- Singapore National Stadium
- One Hyde Park in London
- The refurbishment of the iconic Lloyd’s of London building