Creating Sensorially Accessible Space Sarah Clemerson

1. Creating Sensorially Accessible SpaceSarah Clemerson Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

2. Outline of presentation • Introduction • Presentation of three projects • Chester Rd – Unit for school leavers on the autistic spectrum • Trafalgar Square inclusive play area • Bancroft Recreation Ground – inclusive park • Questions and open discussion about design guidelines needed to meet sensory rights and needs • How can we lobby for neuro accessibility. Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

3. ‘If we remove hurdles for some people we remove hurdles for the rest of us’.Ken Livingstone, Disability Capital, October 2007 Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

4. David Morris, Mayor’s Senior Policy Adviser (Disability Issues). “....everybody is on a spectrum of difference.  Normality is an illusion.  A mirage of perfection and people strive towards it, driven by the fear of isolation and consequently label and stigmatise those people with different abilities."(personal communication, 01/010/07) Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

5. My Philosophy • That people know what they need • The social model of disability – Designers need to get alongside people on the neuro-diverse continuum to understand their culture and how they perceive the world. Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

6. British Library, London, UK Photo: http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/British%20library/index.htm Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

7. Photo: http://www.mass.gov/envir/forest/images/multiLayerForest.jpg Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

8. Findings - Design Criteria • Reduce design to its essentials in terms of both form and function. • Use amorphous forms • If pattern must be used make sure it is symmetrical • Use simplified, familiar forms, for equipment and furnishings that unambiguously indicate the item’s function. • Use natural elements and materials wherever possible • Have a dual purpose retreat area, where the internal environment can be controlled by the user. • Have a choice of environments to cater for both hyper and hyposensitivity. • Have intermediate areas between main areas • Reduce as far as possible sudden noises and visual clutter Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

9. Chester Road Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

10. Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

11. Main Adaptations • Simplify the space to its essentials • Use recognisable forms and materials • Screen out or distract from noise and visual clutter from surrounding houses and roads • Provide a variety of areas where residents could either be alone or mix with others. Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

12. Ken Domon Museum of Photography Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture Completed: 1983, Isamu Noguchi Photo: Toru Waki Minimalism - reduction of space and form to its essentials Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

13. Shaker design – form indicates function Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

14. Photo: Sarah Clemerson Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

15. Trafalgar Square Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

16. Main Adaptations • Testing design criteria in a public space • Social justice • Retreat areas • Use of amorphous forms • Limited range of play equipment • Fully inclusive space for children • Aim to create a feel good factor for entire family by providing a fun place for their disabled child. Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

17. Image: Sarah Clemerson Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

18. Photo: Sarah Clemerson Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

19. Bancroft Recreation Ground Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

20. Main Adaptations • Use of nature • Fully inclusive space for all members of the community • Choice of spaces • Opportunity for children to colonise the space • Integrated play opportunities Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

21. Photo: Sarah Clemerson Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

22. Photo: Sarah Clemerson Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

23. Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008

24. The Way Forward • Contact local planning departments, Local Councillors, Member of Parliament. Be specific about you needs and speak in relation to a specific place as it relates to you. • Accessibility Officers - become one - Association of Access Officers http://www.access-association.org.uk/ • Explanatory Notes to Planning And Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2004/en/ukpgaen_20040005_en_1 • Under this Act Statements of Community Involvement are required to be produced by ‘Regional Planning Bodies’. That is how they have involved you in the process. • Also amendments to the Act - Circular 01/06 (Communities and Local Government): Guidance on Changes to the Development Control System require ‘Design and Access Statements’ to be produced to say how they will meet the needs of groups with specific needs for each project. • UKPlanning http://www.ukplanning.com/ukp/index.htm you can access all local authority planning websites from this site and look at the planning documentation. • Human Rights Act • Disability Discrimination Act – Disability Equality Duty • Other people may have something to add - please do Presentation Autscape Conference Sarah.Clemerson@ntlworld.com 1 July 2008