According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), more than 43 million Americans (12% of the population) have a mobility, vision, hearing, and/or cognition disability. As airports undergo architectural or logistical change, it is imperative to consider elements of universal design, also known as inclusive design, into planning and design efforts from the start. Inclusive designs cater to the needs of as many users as possible, regardless of age, health, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, and faith.
Thinking Inclusively
Airport management, design teams, and stakeholders may ask, “How do I make a design upgrade inclusive if I’m unsure of the challenges those with disabilities face?” Decision makers may be clouded by their own individual experiences when considering design, as well as influenced by budget and client demands. The first step is to educate yourself and acknowledge the forms disabilities take.
Disability Considerations:
- Visible Versus Invisible: A majority of disabilities are not visible to the common eye, such as chronic pain, diabetes, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions, to name a few.
- Needs Vary: Everyone is unique, and the barriers a disability creates will differ from person to person. The capabilities of one does not define the capabilities of another. Thus, you cannot judge a disability by its cover.
- Cater to All Qualities of Life: Give equal thought to how design encapsulates all qualities of life. Moving walkways may aid those with physical disabilities, but a sensory area may be more beneficial to those living with emotional or mental disabilities.
- Attitudes: Negativity has no place in designing a space fit for all. Recognizing disabilities is vital, but accepting, respecting, and looking past them is key to understanding how to create a positive travel experience for airport patrons.
Once the differences of others are better understood, the airport can then determine in what ways inclusivity can be cultivated in the design. It is important to understand that although meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a great starting point, the standards do not encompass what is truly needed to make a space accessible and safe for all. With that in mind, engaging with community stakeholders throughout the design process is crucial to creating an inclusive and comfortable airport space for all.
Implementing Inclusive Design
Airports are busy, fast-paced environments for even the most traveled patrons. The hustle and bustle of an airport for someone living with a disability can be overwhelming to the point that air travel may be seen as impassable. Although a customized planning approach should be used to fit a client’s practicality, structural, and budgetary needs, the following are examples of ways the Mead & Hunt Aviation and Architectural groups have incorporated inclusive design into our clients’ spaces and may be a design consideration for your organization to implement as well:
- Wellness Rooms provide a quiet, comforting space for those who need a place to decompress from airport noise, congestion, etc. Wellness rooms should have ambient lighting, Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) walls/ceilings, and a calm color palette.
- Sensory Rooms should incorporate quietness, furniture elements that provide privacy, and materials for focus, such as fidget spinners and noise-reducing headphones. These spaces provide an oasis for those with autism or other sensory complications.
- Private, Accessible Restrooms are beneficial for those with mobility concerns and provide privacy for those who may need assistance with using the facilities.
- Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA) in terminals save time and energy by providing an accessible space for service animals. SARAs should include cleanable turf, waste bag supply and disposal, water supply, and specialized exhaust ventilation.
Everyday Ways to Promote Inclusivity in Airports
As inclusive design elements continue to evolve, airport stakeholders are encouraged to stay involved with industry trends. Promoting inclusivity in the airport environment must continue long after construction is complete, and it is essential for airport staff, vendors, and travelers to advocate for an efficient air travel process for all.
To engage further with this topic, I invite you to take in research, initiatives, and real-life examples of incorporating inclusivity into air travel linked below.
- California TSA Officers Help Passengers with Autism Prepare to Fly – Members of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) recently boosted passenger comfort levels by allowing people with autism who had never flown an opportunity to experience the process of going through a TSA security checkpoint in a calm and focused setting.
- Airport Disability Compliance Program (ADCP) – If unaware, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a program whose mission is to ensure travelers with disabilities have access to airport services. The ADCP also monitors that regulatory requirements are being met and looks to increase awareness of accessible air travel measures.
- Shared Spaces for All: An Inclusive Design Challenge for Airports – Mead & Hunt Aviation and Architecture staff recently shared an article that brings inclusive design into perspective for airport stakeholders.
As part of our firm’s commitment to sustainability and resilience, Mead & Hunt recognizes the crucial role technology plays in shaping the future of architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) practices. In line with this vision, we have established Inclusive Design and Technology (IDT) Teams as an integral part of our Core Sustainability and Resilience Team (CSRT). A dedicated group, the Access in Customer Experience (ACE) Team will leverage the power of technology and human-centered design to create universally accessible and inclusive user experiences within airport spaces. By combining cutting-edge technological and universal design solutions with a deep understanding of accessibility and diversity, our aim is to revolutionize the way airports cater to the needs of all individuals, irrespective of their abilities or backgrounds.
If you would like to learn more about Inclusive Design efforts and ways to get involved or stay up to date with trends, please do not hesitate to connect with me via LinkedIn or email.
