Architectural Planning and Design
Accessibility Simplified experts work with architects, engineers, designers, and planners to ensure buildings and urban environments comply with all codes, standards and legislation. The firm specializes in major institutional and commercial projects, primarily large, public use facilities and environments.
Accessibility Simplified works with design teams from the initial functional program stage through SD-DD-CD to IFT/IFC documents, and are available for post-occupancy final audit during the warranty stage.
Our accessibility team liaises with all key and supporting members of the design team: architects and engineers for the built environment, landscape architects, MH and traffic planning, as well as the teams responsible for: Signage, lighting, acoustics, electrical, mechanical/HVAC, security, AV/IT, interior design, FFE, etc.
Accessibility Simplified consultants are able to provide the following architectural services:
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Establishing accessibility criteria
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Determining which of many codes and standards, and legislative requirements (e.g. AODA, CHRA, OHRC) are applicable to the project (mandatory and optional).
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Accessibility Plan Reviews throughout the Design Process at 30%-60%-90% of SD-DD-CD and IFT/IFC
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Detailed, prioritized report of audited findings which identify compliance issues and provide remediation recommendations to the design team on how to correct elements of non-compliance before the final documentation and construction phases.
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Comprehensive pre/post occupancy facility compliance audits.
Case Study - Hospital Campus
Accessibility Simplified works within the diverse GBA Group and The Ottawa Hospital project team to apply a universal design and accessibility lens in the development of the built and landscape environments for the new Civic Campus.
Accessibility Simplified has been working with the Ottawa Hospital (TOH) Project Team (led by HDR, Parsons) and the selected Development Company (led by Parkin, bbb Architects [Ottawa] PCL/EllisDon) through all stages and phases of development of a new Civic Campus hospital. Ensuring accessibility and universal design is considered at all stages from functional planning through to design, construction and final fit-up and occupancy.
The NCD new Civic Campus project includes s 2.5 million ft² facility located on a landscaped 50-acre (20-hectare) site, as well as a 2800 space parking structure.
o Our team has been liaising will all members of the design team architects and engineers for the built environment, landscape environment and traffic planning. As well as the teams responsible for: Signage, lighting, acoustics, electrical, mechanical/HVAC, security, AV/IT, interior design, FFE, etc.
Photo: Zeidler Architecture|David Chipperfield Architects
Photo: Zeidler Architecture|David Chipperfield Architects
Case Study - Heritage + New Construction
Accessibility Simplified works within the diverse Zeidler Architecture|David Chipperfield Architects project team to apply a universal design and accessibility lens in the development of the built and landscape environments for the re-development of BLock2 (BLK2) within the Parliamentary Precinct.
The complex re-development includes new construction melded with heritage buildings in a way that respects the past while also embracing our future.
Block 2 is the city block in front of the Centre Block and Peace Tower, and establishes the threshold between “Town and Crown”. The new and renovated facilities will provide accommodations for the Senate of Canada and the House of Commons, with branch space for the Library of Parliament. The total area estimated at approx. 30,000 sqm.
Photo: Perkins&Will | Provencher-Roy
Case Study - Labs | Offices
Accessibility Simplified worked within a diverse project team - led by the joint venture of Provencher_Roy and Perkins&Will - to apply a universal design and accessibility lens in the development of the built and landscape environments for the new facility.
Laboratories Canada's new Regulatory and Security Sciences Hub, Main Facility, is located in Ottawa (RSS Main). The facility provides seamless integration of complementary federal science capabilities to protect human and animal health, strengthen Canadian borders, increase economic growth, and support international trade. The core of the facility will consist of laboratories that support the important scientific activities of Canada Food Inspection Agency, Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Public Services and Procurement Canada will manage and operate the facility.
Photo: Kenneth Chan
Case Study - Art Gallery | Condo |Education
Accessibility Simplified worked within a diverse project team to apply a universal design and accessibility lens in the development of the built and landscape environments for the re-development new Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG).
The new development also included the addition of a hotel and condominium, as well as student classrooms and performance space associated with the University of Ottawa.
Accessibility Simplified will be liaising will all members of Formline Architecture | KPMB Architects design team: architects and engineers for the built environment, landscape environment. As well as the teams responsible for: Signage, lighting, acoustics, electrical, mechanical/HVAC, security, AV/IT, interior design, FFE, etc. while conducting accessibility reviews of architectural drawings for built and landscape environments; and a post-occupancy audits of all built facilities and public realm.
Photo: Perkins&Will
Photo: Perkins&Will
Case Study - Heritage refurbishment|Office
Accessibility Simplified worked within a diverse project team of Perkins&Will | Provencher-Roy JV, to apply a universal design and accessibility lens in the development of the built and landscape environments for the re-development of Place du Portage III (PDP3)
Activities including an accessibility audit of the existing heritage building, conducted 30-60-90 % |SD-DD-CD & IFT/IVC accessibility reviews of the new architectural drawings for built and landscape environments.
The new design focused on removing barriers, making the entire site and building more inclusive. The new entrance on Laurier connects through to a renovated atrium, which connects to new elevators and up to the public concourse one level above. The concourse has been completely rationalized, providing occupants and visitors with an intuitive journey from front door to lobby to each office floor. Accessibility enhancements include tactile warning devices for the visually impaired and the removal of all barriers to support the movement of persons of all abilities.
Photo: Groupe St. Germain
Case Study - Art Gallery | Condo |Education
Accessibility Simplified worked within a diverse project team to apply a universal design and accessibility lens in the development of the built and landscape environments for the re-development City of Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG).
The new development also included the addition of a hotel and condominium, as well as student classrooms and performance space associated with the University of Ottawa.
Activities including an accessibility audit of the existing art gallery, including the heritage building, conducted 30-60-90 % accessibility reviews of architectural drawings for built and landscape environments; conducted post-occupancy audits of all built facilities and public realm.
Photo: Trinity
Case Study - Stadium | Retail & Commercial
Lansdowne Park Redevelopment &
Lansdowne 2.0 Event Centre and North Side Stands
Accessibility Simplified helped the project team understand the integral importance of accessibility and the necessity to apply a universal design and accessibility lens in the development of the built and landscape environments for the re-development of the public realm and built facilities of Lansdowne Park, a City of Ottawa 18-acre (7.3 ha) historic sports, exhibition and entertainment facility.
Scope of work included partnering in the development and presentation of the Accessibility Framework to guide all project development and activities; completed accessibility audits of existing buildings; conducted 30-60-90 % accessibility reviews of architectural drawings for built and landscape environments; conducted post-occupancy audits of all built facilities and public realm; worked with additional design teams to address accessibility of signage, wayfinding, public art, parking and heritage facilities; accessibility of the park and children’s play area.
Photo: bbb Archtitects (Toronto)
Photo: PCL
Case Study - Convention & Entertainment
The Ottawa Convention Centre project was led by the management team at GBA Group, who ensured that Accessibility and Universal Design was of paramount importance to the design/build team lead by bbb Architects (Ottawa), of the $170 million, four-level 192,000 sq/ft facility.
In order to ensure full inclusion and usability by everyone, the design process was guided by a comparative code matrix of mandatory and optional codes and standards was developed and included: the OBC, the City of Ottawa Accessibility Design Standard (COADS), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – Integrated Accessibility Standard (AODA – IAS), CSA B651 Accessibility of the built environment Standard, Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and other leading codes.
Photo: bbb Architects Ottawa
Case Study - Transportation | PROW
Marnie Peters was part of a larger project team led by bbb Architects (Ottawa) that completed architectural plan reviews of all of the below ground and above ground stations for the City of Ottawa’s Confederation Line (Phase 1) to ensure that the $2.1 billion transit project will be compliant with a range of minimum accessibility requirements and demonstrate the implementation of best practices wherever possible.
In addition to architectural drawing reviews, reviews of drawing for associated elements including signage and wayfinding were completed with compliance issues identified and recommendations provided.