AT HOME
STROUD VALLEY ’ S MUSEUM IN THE PARK
we came up with the idea of providing space for an entrance way , so as visitors walk through the garden they aren ’ t immediately confronted by a lift or stairs . Firstly , as you enter the space you walk through a series of gentle ramps leading up to the main entrance . As I ’ ve previously worked with housing associations before I was aware of the DDA compliance and making access easy for everyone , even those who are ambulant disabled . We made over 20 ramps so that it takes people gently to the gardens without even realising they are ramps . The idea was that it wouldn ’ t be obvious but it provides an easy way to get around , instead of an outdoor lift .
So a big part of the focus was on accessibility ? Yes , it was the one complication that we had to find a solution for - we needed to provide a way people could travel over three metres high without the need for the lift . Also a big focus for us was working with the client . I ’ ve not worked quite so heavily with such a community engaged client before . Some of the funding comes from The Friends of the Museum , which is the charity part of the museum . They hold events and people pay a subscription to join , therefore they are like a big
28 Landscape Insight | December 2017