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encounter our design, even in stressful situations, such as

fires or other emergencies. By designing to cater to all ability

levels, we create an environment anyone can use and enjoy,

whatever the context. Designing for accessibility thus helps

all users.”

According to Samer Touqan, projects director at Dewan

Architects + Engineers, designers, builders and regulatory

authorities are tasked with collaborating in the mission to

accommodate the particular design needs for each type of

disability through creative solutions.

“These solutions should include all corners of a project

that are reachable to users without discrimination and in-

clusive of open spaces and public facilities,” Touqan said.

“Luckily, the UAE’s codes provide a number of ‘plug and play’

design solutions and criteria, and while these codes have

come a long way in a short period of time, additional guide-

lines are present in a host of international codes, such as the

British Standard Code BS9300, England’s Approved

Document M, and the publications of the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA), all of which are available online.”

Written by Rima Alsammarae

Images courtesy of ITP Media Group

And while Touqan notes that there is much room for im-

provement in the UAE, with current challenges being ret-

rofitting existing infrastructure, developers paying little

attention to needs of accessibility and the lack of a review

panel that periodically tests code compliance, he believes

the UAE is on the right track and has developed many of the

right tools.

“The objective set towards a physically more accessible

UAE is logically attainable,” he said. “And a code gap is no

longer present, provided that the codes are followed and

quality is supervised through construction, commission-

ing, handing over and operations. The date set through this

aspiration should only represent the first milestone towards

a more comprehensive implementation of the requirements

for accessibility both in newly built facilities and in the exist-

ing ones.”

SPECIAL REPORT / 35