With its “Green Open Spaces For All!” research project (in German), the Research Group for Open Space Management aimed to develop furniture designs for green spaces and public gardens which make them accessible and more inclusive for people with visual, hearing and mobility impairments and to make sensory experiences possible for everyone. In collaboration with BURRI public elements, the Swiss Union of the Blind and the Swiss Office for Barrier-free Architecture, three types of outdoor furniture have been developed: a bench, a lounger and a table-bench combination. 

Thanks to the pioneering spirit of BURRI public elements, this inclusive range of furniture is now on the market, helping to promote the philosophy of inclusion. 

Inclusive design

What makes furniture inclusive? The design does not only focus on aesthetic aspects, it also incorporates the specific needs of visually and mobility impaired users so that enjoying the outdoors while comfortably seated becomes an option for everybody. White contours and tactile markings help the visually impaired find the furniture. The seating surface has no large gaps, making it easy to retrieve accidentally dropped items. Thanks to the ideal height of the seats, shifting from a wheelchair to the lounger or the table-bench combination is comparatively simple. And none of this makes the furniture any less comfortable - the shape allows for a stable sitting position and provides the necessary support. 

A part of the greater whole

Inclusive furniture is just one of many research activities the research group is involved in. A guideline for planning practice has been developed and the gardens of the ZHAW Institute of Natural Resource Science (IUNR) in Grüental have been upgraded with the introduction of a tactile paving network, a tactile site map, sensory flower and herb beds and a choice of three tours around the gardens. Each element reflects the goal of the project, namely to ensure that everybody can find their way around and enjoy our gardens.

The project has been funded by the Federal Office for the Equality of People with Disabilities (EBGB). In addition, the Béatrice Ederer-Weber Foundation has co-funded the project’s pilot application in the gardens in Grüental.

Further information

• Research project “Green Open Spaces For All!” (in German)
• Burri public elements: Landi Inclusion project
• Research Group for Open Space Management