Inclusive Design in Action: Creating a Space Where People Feel Welcome

A people-centered approach to space planning and design can enhance our sense of community, break down barriers and ensure spaces are accessible and functional for people to enjoy today and in the future. 

Creating a space with intention

Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) partnered with Steelcase, an American manufacturer of furniture seating and space solutions for commercial interiors, to create spaces designed for an innovative inclusion center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Steelcase products are available in CET Commercial Interiors where users of CET draw and order design plans. 
 
Kamara Sudberry, Steelcase Inclusive Design Leader, approached the SOMI project with inclusivity and community top of mind from the beginning. This is how Sudberry framed it in a 2022 article on Steelcase’s website: 
 

“When we approached this project, we wanted to engage as many people as possible who will use the center’s shared spaces. We didn’t want to just design for this community. We needed to design with them.”

Inclusive design in action and its community impact

The goal was to create a space where all people feel welcome. Steelcase and Sudberry included a wide range of perspectives and types of disabilities when designing to make the process as inclusive as possible.

Image above originally shared by Steelcase - Place of Pride. "Breakout spaces concept: Acoustic tiles applied to the wall help dampen sound, important for those who might get over-stimulated or struggle to isolate voices. Lounge seating serves as a landmark while chairs and personal tables can be moved as needed. Shielded spaces allow for individual privacy or small private group conversations."

They wanted representation across communities to ensure that everyone had a voice. To do so, they sent pre-read documents and images ahead of each design session, added image descriptions read aloud by screen readers, used a sign language interpreter, and had both in-person and online information gathering sessions throughout the design process. 

However, truly inclusive designs are all unique—where planners take into account the needs, wants and desires of the people whom the space is intended for.

The future of work arrangements starts at the beginning.

By using design software that caters to the whole ecosystem of commercial interiors, companies can prioritize safety and inclusivity with a plan that realizes the future of work. That’s why our company, Configura, creates software—our CET suite—that allows users complete flexibility to deliver on their design vision from start to finish.  

Successful companies are emphasizing designs that meet the needs of all employees and workspace visitors, prioritizing a sense of belonging, safety and ingenuity.

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