Health, Accessibility and the Built Environment - Canadian Study Tour
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North West regional manager Mark Butt recently attended a joint Anglo Canadian study tour into appropriate urban design which works for the elderly and infirm. The week long conference considered the linkage between health and accessibility within our built environment.
Mark presented a lecture on Shared Space, and the urgent requirements for research into the impacts on mobility and accessibility of shared space schemes for a wide range of users, to inform the on-going national debate.
The conference included a wide range of experts including academics, government advisers and policy makers, industry representatives and health specialists from both the UK and Canada.
During the Scottish leg of the tour the group also met with Members of the Scottish Parliament to discuss health and mobility practices within Scotland.
Further links between the groups are being developed with assistance on research, knowledge transfer and best practice within the field.
Background: Mark is a Technical Director at Highways Consultants Mayer Brown, and is on the advisory panel for IDGO'TOO research into how outdoor environments affect older people’s quality of life and identifying what aspects of design help or hinder older people in using the outdoors (more information is available at www.idgo.ac.uk.) Mark's experience comes from his involvement in UK home zone and shared space projects. Mark also lectures in Speed Management as part of the PTRC annual transport lecture series.
PHOTO - Joint Canadian and British delegation outside the Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh Credit - Photo courtesy of John McGregor / Edinburgh College of Art