Download in Adobe PDF format - Helen Hamlyn Centre - Royal ...

‘Design should be non-stigmatising and
even aspirational. The ramp at the front
steps of the Victoria and Albert Museum
curves elegantly next to the building without
disturbing the stepped approach. It is
an access used by both the abled and disabled.
It does not accentuate the differences
between them and it looks good.’
Peter Burgess, retired teacher
he outlined his daily misadventures as a
disabled person with the designed world
– such as his ugly electric armchair which
reclines and helps him get up but has no
safety system for power cuts. When one
happened recently, he became stuck in the
reclining position and had to wait until power
was restored.
“When I look at my pink Draylon armchair
it makes me yearn for a Corbusier Chair
for the disabled,” said Burgess. He thanked
the design teams for “designing products
that are practical, easy-to-use and good to
look at. It is with your help that our independence
is maintained in an inclusive way.”
David Alcock of Scope read the judges’
verdicts on each project and then passed the
baton to Sean Lewis, Director of the DBA,
to announce the winner – Wire Design, with
a highly commended prize going to Wood
& Wood. Lewis praised the teams for their
dedication to the inclusive ideal and the
quality of their work. He announced that the
2007 DBA Inclusive Design Challenge would
have a new slant with a patient safety brief
put forward by the National Patient Safety
Agency, who will be sponsoring the event.
11