Designing inclusive, accessible covered event spaces

Inclusivity is a legal requirement in many regions, yet it is often an afterthought in temporary infrastructure planning. A successful public or community event ensures equal access for all attendees, regardless of physical ability.

Accessibility requirements and best practice

Accessibility starts at the entry threshold and extends throughout the covered space.

• Ramps and Flooring:
  • UK: Under the Equality Act 2010, any change in level—even 50mm at a structure base—must be mitigated with a compliant ramp (1:12 gradient). Flooring must be slip-resistant, firm, and able to support wheelchairs or mobility aids without rutting.
  • US: ADA Standards for Accessible Design mandate similar ramp gradients and stable, slip-resistant flooring for public facilities.
• Door Widths:
  • Internal and external doors should provide a minimum clear opening of 800–850mm (UK) or 32 inches (US) to accommodate standard wheelchairs and strollers.

Shelter for all weather and audiences

Inclusivity also means protecting attendees who may be more vulnerable to the elements.

• Thermal Comfort: Temporary structures should provide draught-free, reliable heating or cooling. This is especially important for children, elderly attendees, and health-vulnerable groups.
• Quiet Zones / Sensory Spaces: Temporary structures can serve as sensory-friendly areas for neurodiverse attendees. High acoustic insulation is essential to offer a genuine refuge from the noise of the main event.

Sightlines, access routes, and interior design

• Unobstructed Views: Clear-span structures ensure that wheelchair users or those with mobility aids can see stages, screens, or exhibits without being blocked by internal supports.
• Lighting: Interior lighting should be consistent, glare-free, and paired with high-contrast signage for visually impaired attendees.
• Access Routes: Pathways inside the structure must remain wide, obstacle-free, and clearly marked to meet both UK safety standards (The Purple Guide) and US accessibility guidelines (ADA, ICC A117.1).

Reliability as an inclusion enabler

Structural reliability directly supports accessibility:

• Stable flooring prevents slips or wheelchair instability in wet conditions.
• Secure ramps and entry points ensure all visitors can move freely.
• Robust engineering keeps inclusive features functional throughout the event, not just at setup.

Choosing engineered, tested temporary structures ensures accessibility is more than a checklist—it becomes a genuine feature of the event experience.

Reference:

• UK: The Purple Guide – Chapter 6: People with Disabilities
• US: ADA Standards for Accessible Design; ICC/ANSI A117.1

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