Just before the festive holidays, CAE held its first open CPD (Continuing Professional Development) day for CAE members at Holyer House in London. The programme comprised a series of ‘bit-sized’ CPD sessions pertaining to different elements of inclusive built environments. Both speakers and attendees took the opportunity to share knowledge and inspiration around each topic.
Dignified Entrances – Stepless Video Case studies from around Europe
Chris O’Connell of Guldmann asked participants to put aside financial and regulatory limitations for a moment in order to imagine the types of external and/or internal lifts that could be possible as appealing access solutions. Steering away from the types of lifts that can end up being quite sterile and clunky looking in order to simply ‘meet regulations,’ Chris shared a series of images and films featuring aesthetically-pleasing stair lifts from across Europe installed in both residential and public buildings. Such lifts, with their seamless integration into the fabric and design of the built environment, he suggested, provide a more dignified entrance for lift users while still safely serving their primary purpose.
Equality of Access to Audio for People with Hearing Loss (RIBA Approved CPD)
Ian Chisnall of Ashdown Audio Visual provided insights on getting hearing loops right. His knowledge is based on both the technical expertise of his colleagues as well as hearing aid users’ personal feedback regarding the frustration of poorly installed or designed hearing loop systems. Using examples of installation projects, Ian explained the importance of considering the placement of microphones, interference caused by adjacent rooms or upper floor through ceiling disturbances, as well as determining which type of technology to use (Audio Frequency Induction Loop System, Infra-red or Radio Wave, and Wi-Fi signals).
Step on it! Stairway Safety (RIBA approved CPD)
Tim Hayes of Quantum Flooring took participants through the art (and science) of safe and accessible stair design. He shared rules of thumb for ensuring that stairs are suitable for use and meet Approved Document M regulations, in terms of measurements (risers, treads and landings) and nosing. Nosing, Tim explained, should be slip resistant for the entire width of the tread, and should be used on both carpeted and tiled flooring.
Measuring Visual Contrast
Professor Hilary Dalke of Cromocon demonstrated how to measure the LRV (light reflectance value) of many surfaces in the built environment using the Cromocon metre. When assessing the contrast between surfaces, such as a door and a doorframe, Hilary proved that there is certainly more than meets the eye. Using a metre, one can achieve an unbiased measurement of 23,000 colours in order to ensure that sufficient contrast between surfaces in a building are achieved to the benefit of people with visual impairments. This may include chairs as they contrast against floors, the distinction of walls as they meet flooring, and more.
Changing Places
Nick Kent of OpeMed shared the achievements of Changing Places (CP) over the past year, and referred to examples of CP installations to illustrate how flexibility of Part M regulations may sometimes be required in order to get a CP facility installed. This included considerations of how much circulation space is available in a room versus the dimensions of the room itself. With the group Nick also discussed the tricky topic of locking CP facilities despite their public purpose.
Following the workshops, speakers and attendees enjoyed a festive social, and Tracy Proudlock won a special CAE Hamper of surprises!