EDITOR ' S QUESTION
The key to creating inclusive buildings , environments and communities is to design to enable people of all ages and abilities to navigate around and access and as much possible independently . Accessible design doesn ’ t just benefit disabled and older people but makes things easier for all of us . This includes physical accessibility , sensory accessibility , as well as the integration of assistive and wearable technologies .
Smart Building technology is becoming a major ingredient in planning for , constructing , running and interacting with buildings . At home , work or out and about .
It allows us to gauge the sustainability and suitability of development both at a large scale ( community , city , national and even international ) and at small scale ( within a building , individual home , room or system ).
Advances in technology mean that gathering of building use data is much easier than ever before , and this data can allow monitoring of any features , including those which maximise accessibility , to help enhance and improve usability and comfort .
Smart Technologies can be used to integrate and automate systems which will enable easier access in many different ways . We have all experienced the benefit that an automatic door can bring for example , and this same concept can translate to anything , from automated or customised adjustments in heating and lighting levels , to accessing travel information and ordering food !
AI is likely to be relied upon more and to adapt to the results from monitoring of features in buildings and systems , to enhance the overall functionality or adjust things based on the occupants ’ needs .
As we design in the present , we must embrace the potential technologies of the future and integrate systems , like data enabled connectivity , that we can foresee will allow us to enhance inclusivity and the experience for everyone in our buildings and cities . �
VAILA MORRISON
RIBA , STANNAH ’ S INCLUSIVE DESIGN EXPERT
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