London Olympic Park's inclusive design hailed as setting new standard for industry

2/8/2010

The design of the Olympic Park has been praised for its inclusivity and accessibility, and highlighted as potentially changing the way future developments are designed.

The Olympic Delivery Authority’s Inclusive Design Strategy was recognised at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) ‘Award for Equality and Diversity’ at an awards ceremony in London last week.

The Judges’ comments stated: “The Olympic Delivery Authority has turned traditional design principles on their heads. By taking a holistic view of people’s needs, it is using the power of the Games to change the way that people think about designing places….There is a strong indication that these principles will influence future sports facilities design.”

The ODA published its Inclusive Design Strategy in September 2008, which set out the framework for how the Olympic Park will become the most accessible and inclusive in London. Practical examples include:

* wider pathways with smooth surfaces and seating and resting places at regular intervals
* setting a new UK benchmark for wheelchair spaces and amenity seating
* gentle gradients giving all users greater freedom of movement
* clear and easily understood signage
* excellent provision of baby changing facilities and buggy stores
* a range of accessible toilet facilities

ODA Head of Design, Jerome Frost said: “We want to ensure that people of all cultures, faiths and ages and disabled people find the Olympic Park welcoming and easy to use in 2012.

“Inclusive and accessible design principles have always been at the heart of our plans and we have embedded them into the ODA’s procurement, design and construction processes. An integrated approach across all buildings, open spaces, parklands, infrastructure and public transport means that we will be able to go further than any previous Olympic Park.

“After the Games, the most accessible sporting venues in London and an inclusive public park and will be left for the local community. Aside from the physical legacy, we hope we can set a precedent for the industry and future developments will meet the same high inclusivity standards.”

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