Author: Sofia Milici
Creating places that work for everyone requires practical guidance, real-world examples and a clear vision of what inclusive design looks like on the ground.
The Zero Project has contributed to this effort with its publication “Champions of Inclusive Spaces“, a guidance document that brings together:
- Ten in-depth case studies from around the world.
- Expert commentary on Universal Design.
- Twenty short reviews of innovative, inclusive solutions.
These case studies span a wide range of environments like airports, community centres, other public buildings and shared spaces. Each example demonstrates how Universal Design can transform everyday places into environments that support dignity, independence and participation for people with disabilities.
Showcasing projects supported by OHAC
We are particularly pleased that one of the projects where O’Herlihy Access Consultancy (OHAC) acted as Universal Design Advisors is featured among the case studies and Expert Commentary sections of the publication. This inclusion highlights the impact that a structured Universal Design approach can have on:
- The layout and usability of buildings and public spaces.
- Wayfinding, information and signage.
- Integration of accessibility into the wider public realm.
The case study illustrates how early engagement, clear standards and close collaboration with clients and design teams can deliver spaces that feel welcoming and intuitive for all users.
In addition to this case study, Champions of Inclusive Spaces also references the “Universal Design Guidelines for Changing Places Toilets”, developed by O’Herlihy Access Consultancy for the National Disability Authority Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. These guidelines provide a practical, Universal Design-based framework for:
- Guiding where Changing Places Toilets should be located within a building, taking account of how the building is used and operated
- Setting out good practice for the provision and detailed design of Changing Places Toilets
- Supporting the effective management and ongoing maintenance of these facilities
- Complementing the implementation of the Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2022 and the associated Technical Guidance Document M 2022, which set out the minimum statutory requirements
While Part M and TGD M 2022 establish a statutory minimum level of provision in Ireland, the guidelines take a Universal Design approach that looks beyond minimum compliance and encourage additional provision where practicable and appropriate. Together with the featured case study, this means that two projects involving O’Herlihy Access Consultancy are highlighted in Champions of Inclusive Space and that Ireland, as an involved country, has played an important role in advancing this agenda.
Moving from examples to everyday practice
Publications like “Champions of Inclusive Space“ play an important role in showing what is possible, but the real goal is to make this level of inclusion the norm rather than the exception, by:
- Learning from international case studies.
- Applying Universal Design principles from the earliest stages of projects.
- Using national guidelines and standards in day-to-day practice.
we can move towards a future where inclusive spaces are simply “how we do things”, rather than something special or unusual.
If you want, you can read the full Zero Project report “Champions of Inclusive Spaces“ and you can also access the “Universal Design Guidelines for Changing Places Toilets“.