Open Space: People Space 3
Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors
A conference on research into inclusive outdoor environments for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities

27th - 29th June, 2011, Edinburgh
OPENspace, in collaboration with research partners at the Universities of Salford and Warwick, is hosting a third international conference in Edinburgh The event will coincide with the publication of findings from the consortium’s flagship research project - Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors (I’DGO).

The focus of the conference will be on recent research into the design and provision of accessible outdoor environments for everyone - people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. It will highlight the importance of inclusive environments in improving the quality of life of individuals at different life stages and explore the links between the design and planning of communities - both urban and rural - and enhanced health and wellbeing.

Bringing together leading international experts, researchers, policy makers and design practitioners, the conference will be delivered through a combination of plenary and parallel sessions. Drawing on expertise in enhancing people’s engagement with the outdoor environment, it will explore themes such as:

What makes people go outdoors and use the environment, and how can outdoor activity promote better health and mental wellbeing?

What design features of the built environment and its environs promote better quality of life and healthier lifestyles throughout all life stages, focusing on the key issues encountered by older people?

What are the physical and psychological barriers to access and how can these be overcome or reduced through good design?

The first call for papers will be issued in October 2010.

Who should attend?

Researchers, designers, planners, policy makers and public health practitioners / professionals and all those with an interest in inclusive outdoor environments.
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This Conference celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the OPENspace - the research centre for inclusive access to outdoor environments — based at Edinburgh College of Art, The University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University

For further information, please contact: Anna Orme <a.orme@eca.ac.uk >, +44 131 221 6177

Edinburgh College of Art (eca) is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC009201