Zahraa Loonat
Inclusivity is ensuring all individuals, from all walks of life, with different beliefs and opinions feel comfortable, and welcomed within a space or situation. As individuals we all have specific preferences when it comes to our way of working, communicating and just living. Choices made to cater for one group of people may create a challenge for others who function or feel a different way. Empathising with not just one universal category of people but with all types of people will assist in creating a space that creates a community without excluding individuals who fall into a category that is overlooked. As with everything, mistakes will be made and there is always room for improvement but being proactive and adapting the design of the workplace is progress in the right direction.
Inclusivity is vital, in more ways than we are aware of. The need for balance is greater than ever, especially in the workplace. As designers, we need to question the way of working and educate ourselves on different conditions whether they be hidden or visible to succeed in creating an inclusive space. Building diverse teams to conquer the challenges different people face to create the needed solutions. These solutions will not only benefit those who face the challenges but also those who do not as they alter the way the workplace in a way we were not even aware required any change.
A common misconception is that accessible, inclusive spaces are not as aesthetically pleasing as designs which are not. When aesthetics is made less of a priority, the space catered to those with disabilities, whether these are visible or hidden, those who are made use of them beyond their control feel a sense of abnormality. However, aesthetics is just as important as functionality in spaces and together they make not only a space that is accessible but also a space ideal for all people.
Zahraa Loonat
4 Minutes • 09.02.2024
Providing a wide range of settings allows people to have control over how they participate in an environment. Meeting rooms to gain privacy, breakout seating to escape from unwanted noise, phone booths, and desk spaces; are all examples of spaces that allow a different way of working. When allowed to select which setting suits their needs, employees feel considered in the design process of a space. Having a selection of spaces for people to use eliminates the feeling of being excluded from people who feel they are not listened to or seen in the workplace.
Physical disabilities are usually addressed with specialist equipment however people who suffer from conditions like autism often experience sensory overloads in certain situations which are affected by factors which can be overlooked at times. These kinds of disabilities are hidden and the issues faced by those affected are only seen when we really ask and educate ourselves on them. By using this knowledge, we can adapt the design of the workplace to help control these feelings.
The phrase ‘first impressions matter’ is embedded into us and for good reason in this case. When we walk into a place, the first space we see sets the tone for the rest. The importance of the space that greets people, whether they are visitors or staff that are familiar with the space, is something that is overlooked.
Materials used within a space play a role in the way the human senses are affected. Hard floors and high ceilings create echoes within the space and therefore a disruptive environment. Acoustic materials on walls and ceilings minimise background noise and echo while adding colour and texture to a space too.
Warm, neutral or cool lighting all create very different environments. Personalised temperature and lighting allow people with sensitivity to these factors to have control over the environment they work in, encouraging productivity and focus.
Colour triggers emotions, feelings and memories. It influences mood which affects our wellbeing. Having bright, vibrant colours in small doses adds life to a space and allows those who engage with them to thrive in the workplace without distracting those who struggle to keep focused. By adding small accent colours into a space alongside neutral, earthy colours, already numerous challenges people face are addressed.
Spatial planning in the workplace tends to be a repetitive setup with multiple routes to different areas which can often confuse and trigger some conditions. Creating an orderly, defined layout will allow ease in navigating our way through our offices. Using a shift in materials and lighting to identify a change of location creates a distinctive change in the space which can be understood and seen by all.
Navigational flow and wayfinding contribute to productivity in the workplace and should be well thought out by empathising with the users of the space and figuring out solutions that will benefit them specifically. Signage and artwork are pieces that dress and help people navigate a space.
