Inclusive design consultancy Human Space has been commissioned by the Canadian government with the aim of making the country’s federally-owned heritage buildings more accessible. The two-and-a-half-year project will seek to improve accessibility for users with disabilities without compromising the buildings’ heritage value.

The project will begin with an environmental scan of federally-owned heritage buildings as well as an outreach program to establish dialog with disability groups, heritage professionals, and other relevant parties.

The research will also involve the study of national and global precedents on accessibility guidelines in heritage structures, and a series of on-site workshops with focus groups, including users of mobility devices, and people with hearing or vision difficulties. The design team will then test solutions with user groups and publish a public report including advice on best practice.

“Our nation’s heritage buildings exist for everyone’s enjoyment, and they provide keys to understanding our history,” said Human Space director Jesse Klimitz. “Therefore, it is essential that we work together to make them accessible to all people, regardless of their disability.”

“Modifying heritage buildings while preserving their historical integrity is difficult work,” Klimitz continued. “However, with collective discussion and thought, we will find solutions that will enable access, while also responsibly caring for these important places.”

The new commission comes two years after Human Space partnered with the Canadian Urban Institute on a research project to enhance accessibility in Ontario’s public spaces. The consultancy also previously worked with the Canadian town of Oakville in Ontario to overhaul the community’s existing accessibility guidelines, creating a new design standard.