What it is like to use a wheelchair around London’s streets from a Landscape Architecture & design perspective?
We covered a route of many public places of varying character with the objective being to assess the landscape details that affect wheelchair users navigating the city.
We started our journey on Horselydown Lane (close to Tower Bridge) with the route expected to take 3-4 hours to navigate. We were all given a wheelchair, which we shared between 2 people thereby getting the experience of both a user and a pusher. Also present were some of the regular wheelchairs users from Southwark Disablement Association as well as designer Sally Kimmis who was also a wheelchair user to be on hand to talk to and discuss the issues that came up.
Key takeaways included:
Enhanced Awareness: We gained a deeper understanding of the daily challenges faced by wheelchair users, fostering empathy and a user-centered approach in their design processes.
Practical Insights: The session provided practical insights into accessible design, emphasizing the importance of smooth surfaces, adequate ramp gradients, and accessible public transportation options.
Inclusive Design Strategies: We learned about various inclusive design strategies, such as wider doorways, lower countertops, and accessible public bathroom facilities, which can be incorporated into urban planning and architecture.
Policy and Standards Review: The CPD highlighted the need for stringent adherence to accessibility standards and encouraged a review of current policies to ensure they meet the needs of all city residents.
Collaborative Opportunities: The event fostered collaboration between designers, urban planners, and wheelchair users, leading to potential future partnerships aimed at creating more inclusive urban spaces.
Overall, the CPD session underscored the critical role of inclusive design in creating accessible and welcoming cities for everyone.
