Expo Dubai 2020 will showcase new levels of accessibility, ensuring that the topic is thought through at the very first stages of design and that the approach is anchored in the project and the program. With the help of the UK based company Direct Access consultancy, specialized in the incorporation of accessibility into building designs, the expo will try to put in place solutions for regularly faced issues.
Steve Dering, head of engagement in Dubai at Direct Access, explains that “Expo 2020 has considered where accessibility can be included in line with the Dubai Universal Design Code […] for established premises, organizations are meant to submit plans to Dubai Municipality by 2020, setting out how they plan to retrofit to comply. We also advise on tender specification and assist with reviewing submitted tenders for accessibility compliance,[…] During the fit-out stages, we can specify products and ensure that they are installed correctly – for example, I am deaf and have a hearing aid, so I can check that a hearing enhancement system is correctly installed, which a machine cannot do. We often sit in on architectural meetings where drawings are discussed and make contributions that way, including directly with clients.”
The process of work will interlink Direct Access with architectural firms, sharing information using different BIM systems, where the consultants will review plans and drawings at each stage, advise according to the Dubai Universal Code and international standards – similar to what is used for London Olympics 2012 - and finalize the design with the team, before moving on to the next phases. They will oversee both the conceptual and execution part of the expo site.
Steve Dering, head of engagement in Dubai at Direct Access, states:
It’s about ensuring that people understand the language of access and the requirements of Expo 2020 to be an expo for everyone. Expo 2020 is all about innovation and connecting minds – we look for new innovative ways for accessibility and introduce those,” he said. “Consistency is a key feature in making public spaces more accessible – if different spaces apply codes differently, this can actually create a health and safety hazard. Take for example tactile paving at the start and end of stairs. This needs to be 300mm before the start of the hazard. Uncertainty about consistency can be difficult
News via Middle East Architect.
