Inclusion in Practice: The Good, The Bad & The Built

Architecture has a profound impact on how people live, move, connect and belong. While inclusive design is widely recognised as an important goal, many buildings and spaces still create barriers through inaccessible layouts, poor engagement processes or a failure to understand the diverse needs of communities. Equally, there are many examples of projects that demonstrate how thoughtful, people-centred design can create more equitable and welcoming places.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring how equity, diversity and inclusion can be embedded more effectively across the built environment. The panel will bring together professionals, community advocates, researchers and people with lived experience to explore how Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) can be embedded more effectively across the built environment.

Drawing on themes from the exhibition, the discussion will focus on practical lessons from projects, policies and lived experiences that have shaped approaches to inclusive design. Rather than assigning blame, the session aims to create a positive and reflective conversation about what works, what challenges remain and how the profession can continue to improve.

Panellists will share perspectives from across the design process, including architecture, community engagement, research and lived experience. Together, they will explore questions such as:

• What does inclusive design look like in practice?
• How can communities be meaningfully involved in shaping places?
• How do project teams move beyond compliance and minimum standards?
• What role do clients, designers and users play in creating inclusive environments?

The discussion highlights that inclusion is not the responsibility of a single profession or individual. It requires collaboration, listening, curiosity and a commitment to learning from both successful and challenging experiences.

Alongside the panel, visitors will be able to explore the Inclusion in Practice exhibition, which showcases a range of projects through case studies, photography, drawings and personal testimony. The exhibition examines both positive examples of inclusive design and projects that reveal the consequences of overlooking diverse user needs, encouraging honest reflection on how design decisions shape people’s everyday experiences.

Whether you are an architect, designer, student, client, community representative or member of the public, this event offers an opportunity to engage in an important conversation about creating places where everyone can participate, contribute and belong.

Date: Monday, 21st September
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: 53Two
Tickets: Free

This RIBA NW initiative is proudly sponsored by Velux.