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.
One of the biggest mistakes the fitness industry still makes is advertising almost
exclusively to people who already look and live like gym members. [more...]
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers
confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more
than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
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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.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Researchers in the US have identified an antibody which could greatly reduce the loss of lean
muscle mass in people who are taking weight-loss medications.
Crunch Fitness has announced the launch of Crunch Reform Pilates – its own reformer concept
designed to bring this fast growing, but rather expensive, modality into the mainstream.
The 20th State of the Industry Report reveals a resilient, expanding and competitive
sector, the
importance of differentiation and the ongoing challenge of tackling inequalities.
Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously
and is committed to meeting all legal obligations after news of a tribunal has made national
headlines.
Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first
world championship for running on connected treadmills over five kilometres.
One of the biggest mistakes the fitness industry still makes is advertising almost
exclusively to people who already look and live like gym members. [more...]
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers
confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more
than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Orbit4 With Orbit4, you’ll always have full visibility
of your equipment inventory, the true
market value [more...]
