Built Environment Network January 2026

The business case for accessible and inclusive cities

We are delighted to be joined by Amanprit Arnold, Disability Urban Strategist and Accessibility Innovator from Disability Urbanism. They will share their best practice with us around inclusive city design, and outline why we need to think about accessibility at the very start of the process.

This presentation will look at best practice inclusive spaces with a focus on Deaf inclusion, with some practical guidance that you can implement.

RNIB Grimaldi Building

For our second presentation, we shall be joined by Tricia – Marie Smikle, and Mary Noble from RNIB and Jean Hewit, at Buro Happold.  In collaboration with Kay Elliott Architects,  Trisha, Mary, Jean and their project team set to co-create a space that would be a beacon of accessibility. 

The Grimaldi Building became the first in the UK to adopt the new guideline BSI PAS 6463 (Design for the Mind – Neurodiversity & the Built Environment).  Providing different types of working environments, such as collaborative and focus spaces with appropriate acoustics, became a guiding principle to suit the different needs of people with varying types of visual impairment and neurodivergent traits.

Join us to hear more about this Disability Smart Award-winning project that has resulted in the creation of a modern, inclusive and accessible workspace that caters to the needs of employees, volunteers and customers.

This meeting is for Business Disability Forum Partner and Member organisations only. Invitations have been sent to Partners and Members that are part of the Built Environment Network.  If you haven’t received an invitation and you are interested in attending either just this meeting or becoming a Network Member, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

This event will operate using the ‘Chatham House’ rule.

If you require this content in a different format, contact enquiries@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk.