The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) serves our members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Inclusion is at the heart of this. To develop this further, the RIBA launched our Inclusion Charter, which commits us ‘to embedding inclusive design in all projects, contributing to the development of inclusive environments’.
RIBA, with generous support of Pareisse Wilson (Project Lead), Motionspot, Heathrow and Jane Simpson Access, is proud to have created the Inclusive Design Overlay to the 2020 RIBA Plan of Work.
The overlay is a truly collaborative piece of work, with contributions from over 100 professionals from across 25 different built environment professions, offering insight and best practice into inclusive design. It is therefore well placed as a resource for all built environment professionals. We are confident this will become a valuable industry document to support better long-term inclusion and access outcomes for everyone involved in the procurement, design, management, maintenance and use of the built environment.
The overlay introduces inclusive design within five key team roles; Client, Project Management Team, Design Team, Construction Team and Asset Management Team. These are key roles as they have the greatest influence over the inclusive design strategy, application and deliverability and therefore success in the overall outcomes.
The overlay highlights when and why to engage with an Inclusive Design Lead (Consultant or Champion) on projects and outlines the purpose of their role and remit. Underpinning the overlay are inclusive design enablers that support the effective implementation of inclusive design across the project such as an inclusive design strategy.
Organisations and projects that demonstrate the application of the RIBA Inclusive Design Overlay may be eligible for the Construction Industry Council’s (CIC) ‘Inclusive Environments Recognition Certification’. Please visit the CIC website for further information.
Download the Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work below for complete guidance.
