Accessible Architecture is a Vital Component in the Sustainable Design Agenda

Accessible Architecture is a Vital Component in the Sustainable Design Agenda

This webinar is part of the RAIC 2024 Conference on Architecture, now available to stream!

Topics: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice

Length: 1 hour | What's Included: Video, Quiz, and Certificate of Completion 

The needs of persons with disabilities is too often forgotten in our quest to counter climate change. Typically, this is because the real needs of persons with disabilities are not understood, and that architectural solutions will be hard to achieve, expensive and aesthetically unappealing. Climate change has challenged decisions makers, mainly our political leaders, to deal with better city planning and place making that is more sustainable complete with affordable housing and infrastructure. More and more these same   decision makers are also faced with the need to focus on natural disaster relief efforts. The needs of persons with disabilities must always be part of these conversations. Architects have the choice to act aggressively in the initial planning for solutions to combat the negative effects of climate change and to design more purposefully for persons with disabilities. The design solutions that work best for persons with disabilities generally work best for everyone. This presentation will reinforce this fact.

By the completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Better understand how accessible architecture is so necessary to allow for successful sustainable design.
• Identify 9 major principles that the sustainable design and accessible architecture agenda share.
• Explore accessible architecture and how it is part of the sustainable design process right from the beginning.
• Recognize that accessible architecture that adapts to the needs of the end users throughout a day or a lifecycle has sustainability and flexibility that lasts a lifetime. 

Subject Matter Expert:

Ron Wickman
BA, BEDS, M.Arch., Architect, AAA, MRAIC
Principal, Ron Wickman Architect

Ron Wickman is an Architect, Author and Activist who specializes in Accessible Architecture. He set up his own Edmonton based practice in 1995, and he specializes in providing consulting services for persons with disabilities and for projects focused on affording individuals with disabilities greater choices for independent movement. Ron has first hand experience with creating accessible environments because he grew up with a father who used a wheelchair. He has written many articles and two books on accessible design, and has also been a guest speaker and participant in sessions involving accessibility, innovative housing and urban and community planning. He has won numerous awards for his work.