27 July 2017 | Fresh Workspace Ltd

Modern office inclusive design should address everybody’s needs.

Over recent years the principle of inclusive design has extended beyond its original focus on meeting the needs of disabled people to incorporate a more general principle of how to use office interior design as a way of making sure everybody can work in the most appropriate and most productive way possible. So what can designers and managers do to make sure that their office fit-out does not exclude or make life difficult for a large proportion of the workforce?

The first step is to ensure that the company has a culture of inclusivity. The second is to get advice to ensure that the organisation understands what their legal obligations are. These two factors should feed directly into the development of sophisticated and intelligent office interior solution.

So when it comes to the office design itself, there are a number of important steps that must be taken. What these steps are − and whether they are even necessary − will vary from site to site and depend on factors such as whether we are looking at a new office design or an office refurbishment. Added complications may include that the building is listed or has other restrictions, which raises issues of exemption and what adaptations are permissible. Ideally, designers and facilities managers should be consulted early enough in the building procurement and development process to allow informed input on issues of access and allow for the development of the appropriate office interior solution.

Other Press Releases from Fresh Workspace Ltd

17/1/2018 - How organic design reflects the way people move around a building The story goes that, after Rem Koolhaas had been appointed to design the McCormick Tribune Campus Center at the Illinois Institute of technology in 2003, the legendary architect noticed how students had created their own pathways between the existing buildings on the site. The site of the new building included a field in which they had worn down the grass to such an extent that distinct grooves had been carved out that reflected their movements from place to place.

06/10/2017 - Harnessing the power of electricity in the design and fit out of offices We are now completely dependent on the reliable and uninterrupted provision of electricity to such an extent that the economy would falter very quickly if there was any significant disruption in its supply. This is particularly true when it comes to workplace design, fit-out and management.

23/8/2017 - The future of work - how those who design and manage workplaces will be essential in shaping this future. So far, the main impact of Brexit has been to make the future uncertain. You couldn’t ever argue this was a good thing but past experience tells us − or should tell us − that adversity and uncertainty in the economy often sparks both a renewed focus on property and workplaces and a great deal of innovation in response from the profession.

09/8/2017 - Activity based and agile working are nothing new - they’re a return to an old order One of the most talked about office design trends right now is activity based working. The principle itself is pretty simple: it means work that is based on a range of specific activities which people do in a number of different and appropriate locations.

13/7/2017 - Why personal space is a workplace essential Office spatial dynamics have changed dramatically in recent years. As a result, the modern office serves significantly more people per square foot than ever before.