Architectus acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work.

We honour their unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters, sky, and communities and their rich contribution to society.

This website uses cookies to offer you a great experience and to help us understand how our website is being used. By using this website, you consent to our use of cookies. For full details on how we manage data, read our Privacy Policy.

Accept
3 December 2024
Architectus | Rail for all: the impact of inclusive design

Rail for all: the impact of inclusive design

Anyone who’s ever been a daily rail commuter knows how easy it is to switch into auto pilot. Shuffle through the fare gates or just tap on. Stride across a concourse to lifts or stairs. Weave down the platform for a good spot to wait for the train.

But for the more than 4 million people in Australia living with some form of disability, the experience can be dramatically different. That’s because rail hasn’t always been designed with the needs of everyone in mind.

“Inclusivity should be part of design, always,” says Principal Sector Leader Rail, Amanda Kershaw. “Accessing public transport isn’t a privilege – it’s a right.”

Amanda and her team have been involved in a range of work throughout the rail network in Queensland, where the principles of inclusive design are most effective when they’re inherent and invisible.

Striving for outcomes beyond compliance 

Celebrating accessible public transport and achieving outcomes beyond compliance were driving features of the Queensland Rail Station Design Manual, a collaboration between Architectus and Queensland Rail.

This overhaul created concise guidelines for consistent station upgrades with a ‘strategic imperative’ to create accessible and inclusive spaces that benefit all customers, including people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities, seniors, children, parents with prams and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Since the guide was completed, we’ve extended our knowledge and understanding of how to design more inclusive and accessible rail infrastructure through our ongoing work with Queensland Rail on the state’s Station Accessibility Upgrade Program.

With valuable input from the Rail Accessibility Reference Group, we designed Roma Street Station’s subway seating to be easier and safer to use – and then took it one step further by incorporating space underneath for guide dogs.

Architectus | Rail for all: the impact of inclusive design

Roma Street: a more accessible, inclusive hub

More recently, our team completed the upgrade of Roma Street Station’s Platform 2 and the connective subway from Roma Street to the Roma Street Parklands, the current access route connecting all platforms. Part of the city-shaping Cross River Rail project, the refresh enhances this integral intermodal hub in Brisbane’s city centre.

Like all our station design work in Queensland, we gained valuable insights during the design process from the Cross River Rail Accessibility Reference Group – customers and community members of all abilities and backgrounds with specific experience in providing advice to transport projects.

Their input on projects shapes elements that many may take for granted but are vital to an inclusive and accessible outcome. That includes the station identification, primary path of travel, intuitive wayfinding, lifts and stairs, lighting, public furniture, unique physical features like tactile paving, and customer information systems such as electronic signs and audio messaging.

This holistic approach to design has far-reaching impacts.

“When a station is easier to navigate, it not only benefits someone using a visual or mobility aid. It’s good for all customers,” says Amanda.

How details make the difference

Working with Senior Associate Romina Richardson and the wider team, Cross River Rail Accessibility Reference Group member Charlie shared his experiences of navigating Roma Street Station’s subway as a customer with a vision impairment.

His unique viewpoint demonstrates how even small details can make a big difference – like a bench that’s easy to identify and use, thoughtfully designed with a resting spot for guide dogs that might be making the journey too.

To hear more from Charlie, check out the video below from the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, released on the UN’s International Day of People with a Disability.

 

More