Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1035602
OCTOBER 2018 | 33 Inclusive Design RENDERING COURTESY JANET ROSENBERG & STUDIO (LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE) facilities. Designing and constructing to this standard shall be included as a man- datory requirement. "The Rosalie Sharp Pavilion, which will be their new campus gateway, was designed to these standards taking into consideration circulation paths, accessible routes, slip-resistant materials, and power operator entrances to name a few," says Tania Bortolotto. But it's not just about what goes on inside the building, as the team at Janet Rosenberg & Studio (Landscape Architecture) can attest to. "Accessibility is extremely important in how we design our landscapes from the very onset of projects. Accessibility is about inclusive design for people of all abilities," says Janet Rosenberg. "All members of our studio follow the Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces, part of Ontario Regulation 191/11 under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 [AODA]," she says. "We are always trying to understand how we can allow people to move fluidly and safely through spaces, creating engaging and welcoming experiences that serve the needs of all users," adds Rosenberg. Two great examples of projects the team has worked on that showcase all-inclusive design are the Market Square project in Guelph, which included the revitalization of Carden Street along the length of the square, and the implemen- tation of a Grand Stair and Ramp project at Islington Terrace. Accessibility planning crosses many disciplines, as SPH Planning & Consulting Limited (SPH) – a recognized leader in accessibility planning, inclusive design and construction – understands. "A key change that we have seen in the field of inclusive design is a greater awareness of the importance of stakeholder consultation early in the process for new construction as well as retrofit projects," says Shane Holten. "Often provincial and municipal clients have accessibility advisory committees in place that have been working with staff for years on a variety of projects and have been advocating inclusive design principles, whether it's a large infrastructure project such as a new health-care centre over a 10-year period, versus developing accessibility design standards that may address a wide range of issues in both the short and long terms, that may impact the broader planning and design of the community, streetscape, facilities and the built environment, as well as the diverse needs of users of all ages and abilities." Holten adds that understanding how inclusive design can address mental health issues, design for dementia, and other cognitive disabilities is becoming more promi- nent. "There appears to be a younger generation of specialists and experts that have emerged, often focusing on these areas of inclusive design as part of their education through college and university – way more common than 15 years ago." A Islington Terrace, Etobicoke, ON.