DOORS&WINDOWS
White paper explains
why fabricators
should care about
inclusive door design
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has
published a free new white paper detailing the
true cost of buildings not complying with
the guidelines governing inclusive design.
» WHEN TALKING ABOUT INCLUSIVE
design, many people immediately think of
those with a disability or specific, specialist
requirements. While inclusive design
encompasses the needs of these people, its key
objective is to make a site inclusive for all, no
matter what. In fact, despite public perception
and the wheelchair being the symbol for
accessibility, less than 8 per cent of disabilities
require the use of a wheelchair*. Whether
it’s the elderly, disabled or children, everyone
should be able to access and use a building and
its facilities easily and safely.
Titled Inclusive design – why should you
care?, the new white paper illustrates the
importance of inclusive design, and what the
guidelines governing this state. These include
Approved Document M and, crucially, BS
8300-1 and 8300-2:2018, which is a British
Standard setting out how buildings should
be designed, constructed and maintained to
create an accessible and inclusive environment
for all. It applies to both new builds and
refurbishments.
With this knowledge, fabricators can then
educate their customers on why it is critical
to ensure aluminium door hardware meets
the demands of an inclusive environment,
helping to realise new sales opportunities in
the process.
“Everyone should be able to access and use
a building and its facilities easily, comfortably
and independently, including being able
to escape in the event of a fire or other
emergency,” explains Eryl Jones, Manging
Director of the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware
Group.
“Key market
drivers, such as an
ageing population
and consumer
spending power, are
having an impact on the
need for inclusive building designs. For
example, the UK government states that by
2037, those over 65 will account for nearly
a quarter of the population, and disability
charity Purple reports that businesses are
losing approximately £2 billion a month by
ignoring the needs of disabled people. The
‘grey pound’ also accounts for £320 billion of
annual household spending, with the over-50s
holding over three-quarters of the nation’s
financial wealth.
“There are real benefits to be gained
from buildings implementing inclusive
solutions. This includes greater consumer
loyalty and spending opportunities, as well
as increased differentiation, credibility and
brand awareness. With inclusive design a top
consideration for buildings, the fabricator
market is in a unique position to generate new
sales opportunities with door and hardware
solutions that can meet these demands.
“Our new white paper aims to demystify
what the guidelines governing inclusive design
state, providing all the key details that those in
the building industry need to know to deliver
accessible and safe building environments for
everyone.”
Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager
at the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
(GAI), adds: “At the moment, the headlines
are rightly dominated by fire safety – following
the Grenfell tragedy – and on-going issues
related to the Covid-19 pandemic. While
these are of huge importance, accessibility
must always have room in any discussion
relating to the construction industry. This
paper states: ‘All those involved in the design
and construction of a building should not
simply be working towards inclusivity but
demanding it every single time.’ The GAI is
firmly in favour of this statement.”
Bob Perry, CEO of the Door Hardware
Federation (DHF), comments: “Our society
is changing – both in its demographics and its
attitudes – and it is clear that any company
that fails on inclusivity will be left behind.
At the same time, however, the requirements
around inclusive design are somewhat
opaque and there is still much confusion in
the industry. What this white paper from
ASSA ABLOY does is present everything
the industry needs to know about the issue.
It outlines the relevant standards, explains
what they really mean, and tells them exactly
what they need to do to make sure their door
hardware is compliant. On behalf of the DHF,
I recommend that it is essential reading.”
To download the white paper for free, please
visit: www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.
co.uk/inclusivedesign
*Disability Sport, ‘Facts and Figures About Disabled People in the UK’, http://www.disabilitysport.org.uk/facts-and-figures-about-disabled-people-in-the-uk.html
CLEARVIEW-UK.COM » AUG 2020 » 19