Inclusive design in communal spaces

collaborative furniture for Sense Arts creative studios

CLIENT: Sense

CATEGORY: Charity

PROJECT TYPE: Inclusive design, manufacture and installation

LOCATION: Birmingam, UK

MATERIALS: Birch plywood, Formica

PHOTOGRAPHER: Crumb

APPROACH:

We took an inclusive approach that led to a unique design concept for Sense Arts creative studios. Created to celebrate their community and raise awareness of inclusive design in communal spaces.

We created braille patterns as part of a playful visual language to establish a sense of place, which is used as both a decorative and functional aspect of the design approach. The braille design communicates through a lettering and numbering system to help organise the plentiful storage. The braille panels are made in relief, as a sensory aspect that can be read by touch, and the contrasting visual qualities help to aid visually impaired users. The warmth of the birch plywood brings a calming tone to the spaces, in contrast to the established clinical interiors and corporate style furniture often seen within wider areas of social care.

We optimised storage solutions for an array of different art disciplines across performance, music, and visual arts by creating a flexible and adaptable system for multiple users. Including mobile storage, flip-up desk space and a purpose-built mobile Art Cart. This was playfully designed for art adventures and includes activity trays and flip-up tables, which enable accessibility for wheelchair users. It can be used for a variety of workshops and welcoming events for visitors.