As the world grapples with division driven by suspicion and fear, architects are finding solutions which harness barrier-free design to create public spaces and facilities where we can find common ground and build stronger communities
‘‘A lthough you’re not likely to be in the frontline of the tumultuous political and sociological events taking place in the world today, as architects and designers, you’re better placed than most to make a difference to the way people live and interact.
Every day, thousands of new public leisure buildings and spaces are planned, built, refurbished and opened, creating the environments in which we spend significant parts of our lives.
The qualities of these spaces define how we interact with each other and the opportunities which are available to us. They also change our behaviour in a thousand subtle ways.
We’re seeing an increase in division and loss of understanding between generations, social groups and nations and these divisions are creating mistrust and conflict. As a result, it’s never been more important for our leisure buildings and spaces to be safe, secure, inclusive places where people of all ages and interests can spend time together with purpose.
This need is driving an interest in barrier-free design – an approach which promotes inclusivity for a diverse range of groups.
Perkins + Will’s Toronto office has just completed a new building which perfectly illustrates the power of this design approach.
Their Meadowvale Community Centre and Library in Mississauga, Canada was designed to ‘unite learning with wellness’. Facilities have been provided for all ages for social, fitness, research and creative pursuits, while accessibility and inclusivity have inspired the architectural vision, with each space designed to observe, be sensitive to and open effortlessly into the next.
“From the layout of the amenities to the amalgamation of the library, there’s truly something here everyone can use,” Perkins + Will’s Andrew Frontini told CLAD. “Design plays a vital role in fostering inclusivity and accessibility for a diverse community. Shedding our preconceived notions of accessibility allowed us to frame the centre as a gateway for the whole community.”
If the buildings we make are conceived and designed to enable peaceful, purposeful co-existence, we’ll be making an invaluable contribution to a world which is showing signs of stress on so many fronts.
And as war zones and blighted cities are rebuilt, we’ll have the opportunity to inspire those commissioning them to build barrier-free buildings to create resilient, healthy communities.
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
As the world grapples with division driven by suspicion and fear, architects are finding solutions which harness barrier-free design to create public spaces and facilities where we can find common ground and build stronger communities
‘‘A lthough you’re not likely to be in the frontline of the tumultuous political and sociological events taking place in the world today, as architects and designers, you’re better placed than most to make a difference to the way people live and interact.
Every day, thousands of new public leisure buildings and spaces are planned, built, refurbished and opened, creating the environments in which we spend significant parts of our lives.
The qualities of these spaces define how we interact with each other and the opportunities which are available to us. They also change our behaviour in a thousand subtle ways.
We’re seeing an increase in division and loss of understanding between generations, social groups and nations and these divisions are creating mistrust and conflict. As a result, it’s never been more important for our leisure buildings and spaces to be safe, secure, inclusive places where people of all ages and interests can spend time together with purpose.
This need is driving an interest in barrier-free design – an approach which promotes inclusivity for a diverse range of groups.
Perkins + Will’s Toronto office has just completed a new building which perfectly illustrates the power of this design approach.
Their Meadowvale Community Centre and Library in Mississauga, Canada was designed to ‘unite learning with wellness’. Facilities have been provided for all ages for social, fitness, research and creative pursuits, while accessibility and inclusivity have inspired the architectural vision, with each space designed to observe, be sensitive to and open effortlessly into the next.
“From the layout of the amenities to the amalgamation of the library, there’s truly something here everyone can use,” Perkins + Will’s Andrew Frontini told CLAD. “Design plays a vital role in fostering inclusivity and accessibility for a diverse community. Shedding our preconceived notions of accessibility allowed us to frame the centre as a gateway for the whole community.”
If the buildings we make are conceived and designed to enable peaceful, purposeful co-existence, we’ll be making an invaluable contribution to a world which is showing signs of stress on so many fronts.
And as war zones and blighted cities are rebuilt, we’ll have the opportunity to inspire those commissioning them to build barrier-free buildings to create resilient, healthy communities.
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
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An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
