Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Type — Commercial
Location — Melbourne / Naarm
Status — In Construction
New parenting rooms and Changing Places facility located within the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The project further encourages people with high support needs to participate in the community and helps to facilitate a more equitable and inclusive society.
Before commencing the design Folk extensively researched user group experiences including reaching out to users and support workers for feedback on existing Changing Places Facilities. The predominant response was the desire for spaces that are non clinical – users have already spent more time than most in clinical surroundings. Designing a space that is comfortable and inviting, providing both privacy and dignity for users. Design guidelines for Best Practice Universal Design were also incorporated into the design response.
Folk’s interventions within the parents’ space caters to a broad range of users:
grandparents, parents and children. Seat heights, back and arm rests allow people
with varying physical abilities to ergonomically use seating. Incorporating spaces for
wheelchair parking alongside this seating ensures equal access for all.
Availability of well thought out universal access facilities can determine whether or not
people with greater support needs can join the wider community in everyday activities.