Beyond mobility: how inclusive design can respond to a new interpretation of accessibility

Passenger feedback consistently indicates that, although the picture is improving, airport assistance areas aren’t performing as they should. They have not evolved to meet passenger needs – or to align with a contemporary understanding of accessibility. In the UK, this is reflected in CAA audit feedback, as well as updated CAA guidance that increasingly emphasises a broader interpretation of accessibility. Here, Ayesha Tankaria, Associate Architect and Marilize Crafford, Architect and Associate Director, look at how inclusive design can respond to a new interpretation of accessibility.  

 Many facilities were designed at a time when diverse accessibility issues and hidden disabilities were not commonly recognised. Design standards such as BS 8300 and PAS 6463 simply didn’t exist. Accessibility was synonymous with mobility, and airport assistance areas were designed primarily as a holding space for people needing physical support.

Today, we view accessibility through a much broader lens. The UK Government defines it as follows: "Accessibility means that people can do what they need to do in a similar amount of time and effort as someone that does not have a disability. It means that people are empowered, can be independent, and will not be frustrated by something that is poorly designed or implemented."

When we consider accessibility, we must also consider disability. Contemporary understanding of disability, in line with the Equality Act 2010 and modern design standards (e.g. BS 8878 on inclusive design) encompasses physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual and psychological impairments. Any of these can lead to accessibility issues. Inclusive design should enable people with a range of different disabilities – physical or not – to have an equitable experience.

Perhaps we should go even further, and define accessibility so it includes individuals who self-identify as having accessibility needs. This would support anyone who feels as if they cannot do what they need to do in a similar amount of time and effort as others – whether they have a disability or not. It could extend to anxiety, fatigue, overstimulation or language barriers, for example.

Inclusive design principles 

Adopting such a broad definition of accessibility could be perceived as trying to be everything to everyone (a potentially impossible task). But with the right approach, it can work.

At AtkinsRéalis, we set out inclusive design principles at the start of each project. While these are different for every client, they usually follow the same broad themes. 

Independence and empowerment 

Whatever their needs, passengers should be given the tools to move independently through the airport as much as possible. They should be empowered and supported to make their own choices about their journey and have autonomy over their experience.

This can be achieved in various ways, including clear wayfinding, approachable information points and different options at each stage of the journey.

Flexible, multifunctional spaces

To cater for a diverse range of physical, sensory, cognitive and neurological needs, accessibility areas should be flexible and multifunctional.

A modular system enables various configurations to fit the space available, working with the physical constraints that space presents. It’s a kit of parts that offers the flexibility to create different zones and meet diverse accessibility needs. 

Anticipation, expectation and predictability

Feedback suggests people often struggle to anticipate their journey or plan ahead. This can cause stress and anxiety, particularly for neurodivergent passengers.

Much of this can be addressed through messaging and signage in the terminal building. Alongside physical design, good communication and tools like interactive maps and digital planners are instrumental in creating predictability and alleviating anxiety.

A calm and welcoming environment

A considered approach to spatial layout, lighting strategy, furnishings and decor establishes a relaxing atmosphere. It minimises sensory issues and prevents the environment from becoming overwhelming.

Avoiding bright lights and glass will reduce glare, and using a neutral palette will contribute to a feeling of calm. Bringing nature into the terminal, through biophilic design and maximisation of natural light, can instantly uplift a space, and has a proven impact on wellbeing. 

Responding to change

A more inclusive understanding of accessibility means recognising that everyone experiences the world differently. Rather than catering for one specific need – i.e. mobility – we must now cater for individual needs. This means considering a huge range of diverse, disparate – and sometimes conflicting – requirements and sensitivities.

Taking a standards‑informed approach, drawing on frameworks such as the CAA Airport Accessibility Code of Practice and BS 8300, helps ensure facilities meet passenger expectations. Starting with a clear definition of accessibility and with a set of agreed inclusive design principles can also really help.

A flexible solution has the capacity to respond to individual needs by providing different kinds of support. Offering various options and empowering people to choose will ultimately create a sense of autonomy and control that will reduce – if not eliminate – many sources of anxiety.

In line with a clear societal shift in the accessibility narrative, facilities must be upgraded to reflect the diverse reality of passenger requirements. By approaching projects through inclusive design, airports of the future can support everyone to have equitable access to a positive and stress-free journey, whatever their needs.