In a world where nearly one in seven people live with some form of disability, the call for inclusive spaces is louder than ever. This isn’t just a social issue; it’s a commercial and design challenge that’s trickling into every sector, including maritime. A recent study published in the EPJ Web of Conferences, led by Amaal Elattar from the Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design Department at the College of Engineering and Technology – Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, sheds light on how we can make our outdoor spaces, including those on ships and in ports, more accessible and engaging for children with special needs.
Elattar’s research zeroes in on playgrounds, but the principles can easily be translated to maritime settings. The crux of the matter is that play-based learning is crucial for kids’ development, and natural environments are particularly beneficial. However, there’s a global shortage of inclusive playgrounds, and the same can be said for maritime spaces designed with accessibility in mind.
So, what’s the hold-up? According to Elattar, it’s often down to a lack of prioritization and clear design criteria. “This gap arises from the lack of prioritisation in landscape design and the absence of clear development criteria,” Elattar states in the abstract of the study. The study aims to change that by establishing comprehensive design principles that integrate the needs of children with disabilities.
The key principles are accessibility, visual continuity, and sensory engagement. Accessibility is a no-brainer—it’s about ensuring that spaces are navigable for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. Visual continuity is about creating clear, unobstructed views, which can be particularly important for children with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities. Sensory engagement, on the other hand, is about stimulating the senses in a way that’s enjoyable and beneficial for all children.
For the maritime sector, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is to retrofit existing spaces and design new ones with these principles in mind. The opportunity? Well, that’s the chance to lead the way in creating truly inclusive spaces that cater to all passengers and crew, regardless of their abilities. It’s about more than just ticking boxes; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that enrich lives.
Think about it—cruise ships could have sensory gardens that stimulate the senses, with textured paths, fragrant plants, and calming sounds. Ports could have playgrounds that are accessible to all children, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Even the design of ships themselves could be more inclusive, with clear signage, tactile surfaces, and spaces that cater to different sensory needs.
Moreover, by prioritizing inclusivity, the maritime sector can tap into a largely underserved market. Families with children with special needs often face barriers when it comes to travel, and by addressing these, the maritime sector can open up a whole new world of opportunities.
Elattar’s research, published in the EPJ Web of Conferences, is a step in the right direction. It provides a roadmap for creating inclusive spaces, and it’s up to us to follow it. After all, every child deserves the chance to play, learn, and grow in an environment that caters to their unique needs. And in the maritime sector, that means creating spaces that are accessible, engaging, and enriching for all.