Architects are innovative creatives who envision all aspects of a built environment in ways others cannot, including essential elements that can often be overlooked. This includes designs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
As corporations and higher education further prioritize DEI, architects increasingly leverage accessibility features and inclusive design strategies to ensure all users enjoy comfortable, functional spaces. This allows everyone to feel included and empowered regardless of age, size, ability, preferences, or background.
What Is DEI Architectural Design?
DEI architectural design focuses on creating welcoming, productive spaces for all.
Diversity in design accommodates everyone’s work tasks and considerations, like lactation rooms for nursing mothers or quiet areas for employees who are neurodivergent.
Equity in architectural design ensures occupants don’t feel inferior or disadvantaged. Examples of this include larger toilet stalls or gender-neutral bathrooms.
Lastly, inclusive design instills a sense of belonging and creates accessible, safe built environments for all users, regardless of age, gender, language, abilities, or cultural background.
DEI architectural design aims to break down barriers that may otherwise exclude certain individuals and enhance the experience for diverse users.
5 Best Practices for DEI Architectural Design
Architects must take the following five principles into consideration to develop DEI spaces:
1. Evaluate Your Unconscious Biases
Our minds are biologically prone to take mental shortcuts, which can lead to errors in judgment and perception. Unconscious biases are beliefs or attitudes we aren’t consciously unaware of. These beliefs can unintentionally yet profoundly impact a structure’s inclusivity and accessibility.
Architects can take one or more of the Implicit Association Tests (IAT) from Harvard University to become aware of their unconscious biases. They can also ask for feedback from their colleagues to identify potential DEI design blind spots.
2. Keep All Users in Mind
Traditional designs were created with primary users, such as clients and staff, in mind. To develop DEI spaces, architects must consider all potential users, including maintenance crews, vendors, and partners. A DEI built environment accommodates the full user spectrum. This allows everyone to feel welcomed and supported.
DEI spaces go beyond minimum ADA requirements. Current requirements only consider anthropometric averages and may exclude people with disabilities.
Other examples of DEI designs that cater to all users include:
- Readability of spaces
- Below-the-counter storage spaces that are accessible to people of all heights and mobilities
- Open floor offices that eliminate outdated hierarchies
- Same-size bathrooms and workstations
- Private wellness suites
- Non-gendered bathrooms
3. Safety and Well-Being
DEI built environments promote the health and safety of all occupants. Architects can craft health-conscious designs by incorporating features that promote total user well-being, such as access to green spaces, enhanced ventilation, non-toxic materials, and natural light.
Well-lit stairwells, intelligent security systems, and ample signage can help keep all occupants safe.
Additionally, architects must consider users’ mental well-being by using soothing colors and biophilic principles to create calming, safe environments.
4. Cultural Inclusion and Sensitivity
Architects must be mindful of all users’ cultural beliefs when building structures that support DEI. Some ways to promote cultural inclusion are:
- Non-gendered bathrooms to make everyone feel respected and safe
- Flexible, neutral reflection and worship areas
- Multicultural design elements, including art and materials
5. Technological Innovations
DEI built environments support digital inclusivity, allowing everyone access to user-friendly technology. Smart design features, like touchless access systems and navigation apps, improve the user experience. Architects can also incorporate assistive technologies, such as screen readers, voice-activated controls, and hearing loops, to assist people with disabilities.
SAAarchitects is Committed to DEI Built Environments
DEI design allows everyone to feel connected and accepted. SAAarchitects strives to develop spaces that foster a sense of belonging and empowerment by leveraging innovative strategies that dismantle barriers and eliminate exclusion.
Contact us today to learn how we can transform your office or university into a safe, productive, and inviting space for all.
