HEIs must ensure campuses are accessible to all

Some higher education institutions (HEIs) are letting inclusive and accessible building design slip down the agenda despite increased legislation, Equality Challenge Unit said today (3 December 2009).

The higher education equality body was speaking on the publication of new guidance to support the sector to develop buildings and outdoor spaces that are genuinely accessible and inclusive.

Managing inclusive building design for higher education stresses that it is vital that accessibility is considered at every stage of the building process and that there needs to be user involvement throughout for campuses to meet the needs of staff, students and visitors.

Sue Cavanagh, ECU Deputy Chief Executive, said:

'Institutions need to maintain their commitment to accessibility and inclusive building design, whether they are starting a new-build or looking at ways to adapt existing buildings. This is especially important when the economic climate makes capital building projects less frequent and institutions are relying more on using, or renovating, old and inaccessible buildings. The campus environment has a major influence on the student experience, on the experience of staff members, and on the attraction of an institution.

With new-builds, HEIs need to ensure that physical and cultural accessibility is prioritised from the very beginning. It can be dangerous to assume that architects or planners have taken these issues into account, or that they have an in-depth understanding of the needs of staff and students and how the building will be used. By considering and addressing equality issues from the outset, institutions reduce the need for costly alterations or adaptations later on to comply with their legal duties.

When it comes to refurbishing existing buildings, institutions need to be more prepared to argue the case for adjustments with planning departments - especially when dealing with listed buildings. If a local authority planning department rejects an initial design on aesthetic or sustainability grounds, a university or college will often see this as the start of a negotiation process. However, if the planning department objects to the installation of a lift or external ramp within a listed building the response, too often, is to accept the decision.'

Managing inclusive building design for higher education makes the case for reinvigorating inclusive design issues within institutions. Developed in partnership with the Association of College an Business Officers (CUBO), it provides practical advice on how to ensure that, for any major building or refurbishment project, inclusive design issues are prominent.