INCLUSIVE DESIGN AS A TOOL IN THE DESIGN OF SPORT COMPLEX FOR THE DISABLED, KANO

Abstract

Inclusive design takes into consideration the varying needs of diverse users in order not to socially exclude any potentials user irrespective of one‟s ability from the use of any functional space. The seven principles of inclusive designs enhance the wide use of spaces thereby minimizing architectural disability and increasing diverse users of the built environment. The study aimed at integrating an inclusive sporting complex which can accommodate varieties of users irrespective of age, sizes, physical challenges and ability. A mixed research methodology was used for the study in order to allow for research triangulation and wide range of data collection. The instruments of data collection used for the study include interviews, visual surveys and observation at the respective case studies selected for the study. Two management staff at each of the stadium, coaches of the physically challenged persons were altogether interviewed at SAS and Rwang Pam stadium while a total of ten physically challenged persons were also interviewed. The research found out that there is minimal application of inclusive design in all the selected case studies which result in the negligence and exclusive of the physically challenged persons from fully participating in social and entertainment activities such as sports. There is no any special or dedicated facility which adequately meets the design requirements of the physically challenge in any of the selected case studies. This tends to question the usage of spaces and the sporting facilities thereby intensifying architectural disability and social exclusion among the physically challenged persons. As such, there is need to always take into consideration the physically challenge persons by integrating inclusiveness in the design approach of public spaces as reflected in the proposal sporting complex which explores the principles of inclusive design.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of Study

Buildings and spaces should achieve the required performances regarding functions as well as standards. A functional space is not considered as being well designed without adequately taking the users into consideration.Inclusive design is an evolving and complex concept, whose definition can be extended to address not only age, gender and disability, but also race, income, education and culture. It is worth noting that everyone needs to be part of social life through the use of public buildings and spaces(Afacan, 2010) inclusive of sporting facilities as this tends to help in the social integration of people with various forms of disability. By considering people‟s diversity, inclusive design seeks to provide an environment which addresses a wide spectrum of needs. In this way it can break down barriers and remove exclusion. “The quality of buildings and spaces has a strong influence on the quality of people‟s lives. Decisions about the design and management of places can enhance or restrict a sense of belonging. Such spaces can increase or reduce feelings of security, stretch or limit boundaries, promote or reduce mobility and improve or damage health”. Spaces should therefore be designed in order to integrate a wide range of user needs into both new and existing sports facilities. Adopting the principles of inclusive design should therefore be seen as an important part of meeting Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) duties(Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), (2006).

1.2         Statement of the Research Problem

Public spaces tend to be an integral part of society ought to take into consideration diverse kinds of users of such spaces such that all potential users of such spaces will not be disadvantaged or be disabled in using such spaces (Fletcher, 2006). Although there are building codes, standards and regulations, yet these are not maximally incorporated into the design of both public and private spaces.Thus, limiting usage of designed spaces most especially sport complexes in Nigeria (Ugochukwu, 2011). The challenge of non-inclusion of diverse users in sporting facilities and complexes is not only prevalent in some developed nations but also in developing countries such as Nigeria as the disabled are being marginalized and socially excluded.

As such, the need to address this challenge in sport complex which will give topmost priority to the disabled remains paramount through the exploration of inclusive design in sport complex for the disabled.

1.3       Aim and Objectives

This research is aimed at exploring inclusive designdesign in order to offer the users equal participation, and independence through the usage of sporting facilities. This aim can be achieved through the following objectives;

1. To identify design parameters that affects the inclusion of the disabled in Nigerian sporting facilities/stadium.
2. To identify the challenges associated with sporting complexes, stadia as regards inclusive design.

• To determine the level of inclusion of sporting facilities and stadium in Nigeria.

1. To formulate or develop a suitable design framework using inclusive design in the design proposal of Kano sports complex.

1.4         Research Questions

An attempt has been made in order to answer the following research questions mentioned below;

1. What design parameters affect the inclusion of disabled people in the use of sporting facilities?
2. What are some of the challenges associated with sporting complexes as regards inclusive design?

• What is the level of inclusion of sporting facilities and stadium in Nigeria?

1. How can a suitable a suitable design framework/model be formulated or developed using inclusive design in the design proposal of Kano sports complex?

1.5       Scope of the Study

The research is streamlined to the study of inclusive design in sporting facilities/stadia in (two geo-political zones of Nigeria (North-central and North-West) in order to reduce the complexity of the scope thereby enhancing the research reliability.

1.6       Justification of Study

Kano State is a sport loving State and is known for their track record of excellence and outstanding performances in Para soccer and other sporting activities of the physically challenged persons over the past twenty five years both at national and international level (Musa, 2015). The Kano para soccer team have won twenty three golden medals and several silver and bronze medals in the past silver jubilee. Also, in the just recently concluded tournament, the same Kano team of physically challenged players emerged as winners by winning the gold medal. Despite these track records of excellence, there has not been any befitting training facilities that has been provided specifically for the use of the physically challenged persons. Thus, it can be said that despite the fame and glory these teams have brought to the KanoState Government and the Nation (Nigeria) at large, yet these persons are marginalized and not being properly equipped with any indoor sport complex which will further enhance their performance. Hence, it is as a result of this backdrop that thisresearch seeks to bridge the gap thereby giving the physically challenged a sense of belonging disabled thereby re-integrating the physically challenged persons into the broader society as indoor sports complex is an integral part of any civil.

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