Recent Articles
What is Universal design?
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We suggest that there are seven key elements to Universal Design.
- A design that is equitable
- A design that is flexible enough to accommodate our differences
- A design that is simple and intuitive
- A design that is perceptible and informative
- A design that minimises errors
- A designed product that requires low physical effort
- A design providing appropriate size and space.
Equitability
Universal designs express the same meaning regardless of a person's ability, for instance, the main pedestrian entrance to a building, means, the main entrance to a building, regardless of a person's ability.
Flexibility
A universal design accommodates the widest group of individual's preferences and abilities, and it does this by providing a range choices, rather than simply applying the statistical averages. For example, left and right handed automated teller machines.
Simplicity
A universal design is complicated design by reason of its inherently designed simplicity. It is a design that is purposefully easy to apprehend regardless of the end user's experience, knowledge, language skills or concentration levels. Universal signage is a reasonable example of simplicity.
Perceptability
Universal design communicates the necessary information available to the user, regardless of the user's abilities, for instance, TGSI's can be used to indicate a hazard, or entry doors can be activated by voice or movement, with appropriately intuitive configurations inherent in the design informing the user of those capabilities.
Low susceptibility to Error
Universal designs seek to reduce the potential for error by providing fail safe alternatives, for instance a bell button on a lift or button operated automated doors.
Effortlessness
A universal design can be used effectively and comfortably while minimising fatigue, for instance, providing rest spots on stairways, access ways and ramps, as well as handrails for assistance.
Proportionality
Universal designs provide size and space proportions to each user regardless of their body size, posture or mobility. Widened doorways being a simple instance of this technique.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Why provide Disability Access?
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The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is the UK's representative forum for the professional bodies, research organisations and specialist business associations in the construction industry. It has published a new "Essential Principles Guide for Creating an Accessible and Inclusive Environment" which aims to support, guide and motivate clients, developers and contractors to achieve high standards of access and inclusion in all their projects.
If leaders in the construction industry champion inclusion from the outset, those employed to design, construct and manage projects are more likely to achieve high quality accessible and inclusive developments.
Building owners and developers will greatly benefit by generating a development that will:
- Place people at the heart of the design process
- Acknowledge diversity and difference
- Offer choice where a single solution cannot accommodate all users
- Provide for flexibility in use
- Create an environment that is convenient and enjoyable for everyone to use.
Inclusive design does not need to increase costs. If planned and integrated into the client’s business case from the outset it can be cost neutral. Redesign and post completion retrofitting can be very expensive, can lead to compromise and inefficiencies, and even legal redress if discrimination is the result. Access by design will generally provide a much improved user experience where independence and dignity can be reliably maintained, compared to relying on management arrangements, such as the need for a member of staff to operate a portable ramp.
Sydney Access Consultants are committed to removing the barriers to access, one step at a time.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
About Us
- Details
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
What?
We are dedicated registered* architect professionals fully qualified in Access Consulting and we improve city accessibility, architecture, interior design and perform project management as well as training and awareness seminars.
Why?
Sydney Access Consultants™ is committed to promoting and facilitating equitable access to the built environment for people living with a disability. We achieve this by assisting people to find practical, innovative and cost-effective solutions to access questions encountered in everyday life.
Where?
Following up on our International appointments for Smart Cities developments, Sydney Access Consultants has recently established a branch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, trading as Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT. Kuala Lumpur is our gateway to the ASEAN.
Kuala Lumpur is the hometown of Daniel Wong, Architect Partner, so we are no strangers to the Malaysian way of life or the ins and outs of practising architecture in Malaysia.
How?
We propose to collaborate with Malaysian Architects in our areas of interest including Smart City developments that consider good access, Aged Care and accessible housing developments, policy and urban planning.
Our Partners in Malaysia will concentrate on providing advice in our particular area of expertise, especially access consulting, for which we're accredited in Australia. We are collaborating with PAM to introduce an education and awareness program to the Malaysian built environment.
Available Services
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Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Disability Access Advice
- Public buildings and community facilities
- Access to the workplace
- Aged care facilities
- Access to education
- Access to transport and infrastructure
- Access to tourist attractions
- Accessing your business services
- Access to Public Services
- Accessible Streetscapes
- Making Apartments livable
- Is your hotel accommodation really accessible?
- Planning your medical clinic for access
Continuing Professional Development Seminars
- Discourse on making our cities more accessible
- Access awareness training
- Preparing Disability Access Plans
- Interpreting the Disability Standards - a practical approach for architects and developers
- Making Cities Livable
- Designing an environment for senior's living
- Retirement Resorts
- Common access mistakes and how to overcome them.
- How to use TGSI effectively
Architectural Documentation
- BIM services from the Australian Construction Industry
- Housing with Care Facilities
- Workplaces for all
- Housing Diversity to meet the growth of an aging population
- Step-free urban growth
- Smart Cities Strategies
What is an Access Consultant?
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User Rating: 5 / 5
Definitions
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Inclusive Access* All environments should be accessible, regardless of ability. Everybody is different and there is no ‘average’ person. As a result encouraging an accessible environment will benefit you, because people with disabilities, people of small or tall stature, parents with prams, delivery persons and so forth will have greater access to the built environment. Creating built environments and facilities that are accessible to all is a right protected by law under the mandate of the United Nations, to which Malaysia is a signatory. It is an indispensable pre-requisite for social inclusion, focusing on equal opportunity and diversity. Accessibility to the built environment affects a large number of people within society in their day-to-day normal life, concerning their safety and physical, mental and social well being. Even a single step can deny entry to a person pulling a suitcase on wheels, or a person using a wheelchair or pose a safety hazard to anyone with impaired vision.
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Business and Human Rights* The business and human rights agenda is expanding rapidly into view. There is now global recognition that business can be a vehicle for the promotion and realisation of human rights. The United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). These principles provide a global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse human impacts linked to business activity. Businesses can also play a key role in advancing human rights within their organisations and the wider community. For example, businesses that seek to accelerate gender equality through setting targets or adopting special measures, or promote human rights within the community through education and awareness raising activities.
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Built environments* are those that have been created or modified, such as buildings, streetscapes, sports grounds, parks and gardens, transport facilities and the like. The term also includes fixtures, equipment, services, communications and other facilities.
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Accessibility* Environments with greater accessibility are those that are easier, safer and more enjoyable to reach, use, experience and move around in.
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Access Consultants* are experts who offer advisory or other services in relation to accessible environments. Services include accessibility appraisals, audits, design, research, training, information on codes, and advice on good practice in accessibility.
Sydney Access Consultants (Malaysia) PLT
Level 6, Menara Darussalam, 12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur