Compliance today has such a large impact on the design development of the built environment, where accessibility is but one issue to resolve. It was heartening to see the National Affordable Housing Consortium (NAHC) bring ‘accessibility issues’ to the forefront in 2014 with the ‘Whole of Life: Whole of Use’ design competition, open nationally to selected universities. The design competition arose from the National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms, which have the potential to stimulate accessible housing growth in the future.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Built Environment Master of Architecture Students were awarded first place, providing winners in two categories. The educative process was holistic, engaging both private and public expert advice for the students. Dr Dijana Alic, course coordinator for UNSW students, described the process as a ‘steep learning curve’, as the principles of adaptability, accessibility, independent living, Livable Housing Guidelines (platinum level) and safety by design were incorporated into the competition solutions, resulting in a high level of accessibility.
Congratulations to UNSW masters students and the NAHC for promoting awareness of accessibility and inclusiveness in the design of the built environment.