Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines

Project team

Client
Waterfront Toronto

service

Consulting

Completion

Ongoing

The Project

Human Space assembled an integrated project team that demonstrated all areas of required expertise including architecture, urban and landscape design, accessibility and inclusion. The integrated project team collaborated with Waterfront Toronto in the development of the Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines that includes principles and performance standards for inclusive design. Our approach to the work was organized into three key phases, including the development of the Waterfront Advisory Committee on Accessibility (Waterfront ACA); consultation and education; and the development of the Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines.

The Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines aligns with and supports the City of Toronto’s accessibility plans, as well as provincial accessibility requirements, and includes an innovative approach towards the design of accessible architecture and the built environment on the waterfront. The new principles and standards apply to future Waterfront Toronto-led public realm and development projects. The Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines further encourage public awareness for accessible and inclusive design and help Waterfront Toronto communities to become national and global models for accessible design and inclusive environments, while being achievable and economically viable for residential, institutional, and commercial developers. The Waterfront Accessibility Design Guidelines also ensure that design standards and innovations supportive of aging in place extend to both public and private realms to ensure consistency for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Project Images

A section view of a canoe/kayak launch on a floating dock that provides grab bars, launch and transfer platform.
The wavedeck was built out over the water creating generous new public spaces in areas where sidewalks were narrow and congested. The wavedecks' whimsical and dynamic design – inspired by the undulating shorelines of Ontario’s Great Lakes – have made them some of the waterfront’s most interesting public spaces.
A plan view of a curbless street showing a moderate degree of sharing that provides colour contrast, and defined furnishing and planting zone.