Thirty years ago, something quite extraordinary was underway in the space of access and inclusion. New legislation was being drafted that would require all public buildings to be accessible - a significant challenge for a design profession that was largely unprepared, says Dr David Bonnett, architect and founder of David Bonnett Associates.
David however, already had over ten years of ‘access’ experience as a practising architect, including a PhD in the subject. This, along with personal lived experience of disability, meant he was well placed to respond to these changes. David set up David Bonnett Associates (DBA), in late 1994 and the following year the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 became law.
In celebration of three decades of inclusive design, David explores how DBA continues to make the built environment a better place since their early days of championing accessible architecture.
The evolution of anti-discrimination since 1995
The Disability Discrimination Act was the first UK legislation created to protect disabled people against various forms of discrimination. The objective of the act was to promote an inclusive and accessible built environment, where those living with disabilities and long term health conditions could live equitably to those around them. Before the act was introduced, access to many health services, public transportation, leisure facilities and education was limited for these individuals.
When the act came into effect, it became compulsory for building owners and service providers to make reasonable ‘adequate’ provisions or adaptations to ensure equal and independent access for everyone using non-domestic environments. However, the level of adequacy was often left open to interpretation.
Those responsible for public buildings became aware of the implications of this new requirement and public funding bodies like Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, were quick to make accessibility a condition for funding. In a similar process, government-financed institutions like universities were invited to bid for ‘access improvement’ funding.
Emergent architects welcomed the new legislation. For David Bonnett Associates, that created opportunities to work in partnership with others as a practice that already understood the demands and recognised the opportunities provided. Early projects included the De la Warr Pavilion, the Hackney Empire, Tate Britain, the Royal Festival Hall, and Walsall Art Gallery. Today, the practice continues to work with the architects who were a part of these initial partnerships to improve accessibility across the UK.
Practice expansion to meet a growing demand for inclusive design consultation
DBA expanded as workload increased and today, key members include John Darvill, a fellow Director of DBA, who has been with the practice since the early days. Under John’s guidance, DBA established a strong position with commercial projects, especially in London with projects that ranged from Bloomberg to the Shard.
A specialism in hotels and theatres, including the RSC Theatre in Stratford, was successfully led by the late Stuart Robinson. Historic building projects were led by David for many years, helped later by Pauline Nee who continues as a Practice Director. Notable among DBA’s long list of historic building projects are the Queen’s House, Greenwich, Kew Palace and more recently Buckingham Palace. Working on Kings Cross, Crossrail and HS2, among others, DBA has contributed for over two decades to improving accessibility on the UK’s railway network.
Inclusive and accessible housing
A large part of DBA’s work was and continues to be, housing - primarily in the Greater London area. DBA took an early lead in the development of Lifetime Homes Standards and was appointed as Access Consultant to ensure the 2012 Olympic Village met these expectations. This gave the practice valuable insights into the application of the standards on a large scale, a role that continues today in Canada Water, Elephant & Castle and other major developments across the capital.
At the heart of DBA’s success over the last 30 years has been its interest in consultation with local access groups within London, most notably in the Stratford area for the Olympic Village. Additionally, the practice has contributed to the development of standards and the distribution of knowledge through publications, and presentations in the UK and abroad. David continues to share this knowledge and was a member of RIBA and Civic Trust award panels for many years. His experience coupled with good-humoured persuasiveness has meant that access is now an essential element when award panels are reaching decisions. This important role has now been passed over to John Darvill.
Looking forward with DBA
Now in 2024, the practice has become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) - a legal arrangement that allows a company to be owned by its employees, passing responsibility for continued future success to a younger team led by Struan Cameron as Practice Director. Struan and others in the team have been with DBA for a decade or more, providing continuity of ambition and professionalism for a much-valued client base.
The initial limited focus on physical access to buildings has broadened over the years to include the design of public spaces and public transport infrastructure and operations. ‘Disabled access’ is now referred to as inclusive design, encompassing a much wider range of characteristics and design considerations. David Bonnett Associates is proud to remain at the forefront in responding to these new social expectations through inclusive design.
Architects are in a unique position to help shape the built environment to best suit the needs of everyone. By breaking down access barriers to homes, businesses, schools and more, we can welcome greater diversity into spaces that in turn encourage collaborative and new ideas to make our world a better place.
