Accessibility is a crucial topic at the moment. Sadly almost every city in every corner of the globe has things that make it tricky for people with different disabilities. This can include steps and stairs as well as simpler things like bad lighting. It’s important to think carefully about how to make cities more inclusive. Crucially, it doesn’t always take huge changes to make that a reality. We want to have a closer look here, then if you want some help from an award winning architect in London, we’re happy to help.

Darkness

One of the biggest barriers to accessibility is actually the lighting. Cities in general are turning the lights down lower to save costs. It can make streets and public spaces a bit darker. Many businesses are doing the same, including restaurants. While the majority of people won’t notice the change, anyone with visual impairments can really struggle. Dimming the lights may mean that things are no long visible at all, including stairs, obstacles, or even signs and menus.

The key here is to think about lighting carefully and ensure you’re providing it at a level that works for people with visual impairments. Reducing the glare is also vital, especially in dimmer spaces where there may be brighter artificial lights and neon signs.

Contrast

Getting the contrast right is also a crucial thing for accessibility. It applies in a number of key areas. For example, it is relatively easy to make sure there is proper contrast on stairs and steps. It can make a huge difference in allowing people to clearly see where the lip of each stair is and how deep they are. Whatever building or space it is, talking to a top architect in London can help.

Ensuring you think carefully about contrasting is important if you’re looking to provide any information. Light text on a dark background works really well. Consider it for signs, menus, and other products. Plus, make sure that Braille alternatives are available and easy to find.

Noise

Another crucial thing to think about is how noisy spaces are. The sound can be a massive problem for various people, including those with hearing impairments or neurodiversity. It may not seem like a big thing to have background music playing, but if it’s too noisy it can cause distractions, anxiety, and block communication.

There is a lot to think about here, including the volume of music, background noise in spaces from users, and even the choice of materials. The goal should be to ensure that spaces aren’t so noisy that they deter users or even create a chance of them suffering distress or physical injury.

Discuss the details with a creative architect in London

As you can see, a number of relatively small things can have a big impact on accessibility in cities. While thinking about ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets is vital, factors like noise, lighting, and offering clear information are equally important. It is easy to overlook their importance, but it is a mistake to do so. It could exclude people and have a big impact on their lifestyle.

If you do want to maximise accessibility to include everybody, it’s a good idea to discuss designs with a top architect in London. We can do just that, helping you to ensure you carefully consider all key details. More importantly, we can offer recommendations about key things like lighting, layouts, and materials.

So, if you want some help, either with new builds or renovations, contact us.