Inclusive Environment

Mandatory Competency Level 1 of APC pathway RICS

Kasun Dulanjana
What is Inclusive Environment?

 The Environment that can be accessed and used safely, easily and with dignity by
everyone’, ‘does not physically or socially segregate, discriminate or isolate’ and
‘is well designed, functional, efficient and sustainable, and delivers an enhanced
user experience - Construction Industry Council, UK (CIC)

 The Environment that facilitates dignified, equal and intuitive use by everyone. It
does not physically or socially separate, discriminate or isolate. It readily
accommodates and welcomes diverse user needs - RICS
What is Inclusive Environment? (Cont.)

 By making inclusive environments a mandatory competency on all pathways, RICS

has emphasized the importance of “making places everyone can use” (The
principles of inclusive design. They include you- CABE).

 The Environment should not present people with barriers with;

• Their enjoyment of that environment

• Participation of activities within it

APC point of view - RICS
Level 1 mandatory competency on all pathways

 Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and processes that deliver

accessible and inclusive environments, recognizing the diversity of user needs
and the requirement to put people (of all ages and abilities) at the heart of
the process. In doing so, have regard to the legal, economic, sustainable and
social case for making inclusion the norm not the exception.

 Surveyors have a responsibility to remove barriers creating undue effort and

separation, enabling all users to “participate equally, confidently and
independently in everyday environments”
APC point of view – RICS (cont.)

Examples of knowledge comprised within this level are:

 Knowledge of best practice technical standards relevant to country of

practice
 Recognition of the diversity of user needs
 Local planning policy, building regulation and health and safety requirements
as applied to inclusive environments
 Appreciate and distinguish between ethical issues as opposed to legal
requirements
Example of Principles and Processors

 Act of Law
 Regulations
 Guidance

 Planning and Building Regulations - Extraordinary No 392/9 of 10th March

1986 (UDA, SL)
 Building Code Regulation & Construction Specification – Article (26):
Environmental requirement conditions, Dubai
 Disability discrimination Act 1995 which has been consolidated in Equality Act
2010
 Qatar Construction Specification
Examples of user needs and requirements

 Age  Access ramps

 Disability  Hearing aids
 Ethnicity  Disabled toilets
 Gender  Disabled car parking spaces
 Gender expression  Escape routes
 Faith  Wet rooms
 Economic circumstance  Adapted kitchens
Overall topics need to cover
 Recognizing diverse user needs in respect of age, gender, ability, ethnicity,
religion, etc.
 Equality legislation
 Planning legislation and requirements
 Building regulations and codes
 Accessibility
 Visual clarity
 Audibility systems
 Employment law
 Impact of health and safety regulations
 Corporate policy
 Ethical considerations as opposed to legal requirements