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Greater focus on inclusive design will improve the liveability of the built environment for all people, says a UNSW expert in the impacts of the built environment on people's physical and mental wellbeing.

A new study has found that the majority of washbasins in accessible bathrooms are not usable for some wheelchair users. While accessible bathrooms are designed to enable independent, safe and comfortable use for people living with disability, the Australian Standard basin heights are prohibitive for most wheelchair users, says Dr Konstantina Vasilakopoulou from UNSW.

“The study of participants found the washbasin height prevented them from using the washbasin efficiently, with approximately half of participants excluded from using them at all,” says the Acting Director of the 91���˰涶�� Modifications Clearinghouse at UNSW Art, Design & Architecture and Leader of the Livability Lab.

“The research demonstrates the need to re-evaluate Australian Standards. These kinds of public spaces should promote the user’s safety, autonomy and dignity, however with the current standards, some of the wheelchair users’ knees would touch the washbasin or the pipework underneath it, preventing their effective use.”

The 91���˰涶�� Modifications Clearinghouse (HMinfo), established in 2002 by Emeritus Professor Catherine Bridge, conducts and translates research for industry and consumers to promote a more inclusive built environment. It publishes , and to improve their wellbeing and quality of life through home modifications. 

The research team also runs the Livability lab focused on biomechanical studies to inform design for improved liveability and useability of the built environment. The multi-disciplinary staff, including biomechanist Ms Jai Raina, physiotherapist Mr Rahm Ranjan, occupational therapist Prof. Bridge, has offered a better understanding of the participants’ needs and how these can be translated into design opportunities. 

“The Lab enabled us to explore and assess a range of scenarios with participants using motion capture and video technologies to record participants’ movements,” Dr Vasilakopoulou says.

The study into the spatial requirements of wheelchair users in public accessible bathrooms was commissioned by long-term HMinfo partner Caroma. Participants were interviewed and completed an optional survey to share their thoughts and experiences, before undertaking tasks at a custom-built test rig in the Livability Lab. 

Participants simulated using a washbasin, including how the interaction between different elements – for example, soap dispenser, tapware, and washbasin – influenced effective and hygienic handwashing. 

“We were interested in the usability of the bathroom elements, as well as of the overall experience of the user,” Dr Vasilakopoulou says. “For example, almost all the participants – 19 out of 20 – mentioned that the accessible bathrooms should have more free space for the person to be able to enter, close the door, maneuver, use the bathroom and exit the space safely and comfortably.”

The position of the tap and the types of taps used had the potential to prevent adequate handwashing, the research found. “[Additionally] mirrors, soap dispensers, light switches, automatic hand-dryers are often placed too high for people in a seated position,” Dr Vasilakopoulou says.

The study also found that the inclusion of change tables, the use of steps, the appropriation of accessible bathrooms for storage, and issues with the doors increased their inaccessibility as well as the possibility of injury during transfer from wheelchair to toilet.

 “This demonstrates that, despite our best efforts, even accessible spaces can be designed with an able mindset. It reinforces the need to co-design these environments with people with lived experience to ensure they are fit for purpose.”