As the world grapples with division driven by suspicion and fear, architects are finding solutions which harness barrier-free design to create public spaces and facilities where we can find common ground and build stronger communities
‘‘A lthough you’re not likely to be in the frontline of the tumultuous political and sociological events taking place in the world today, as architects and designers, you’re better placed than most to make a difference to the way people live and interact.
Every day, thousands of new public leisure buildings and spaces are planned, built, refurbished and opened, creating the environments in which we spend significant parts of our lives.
The qualities of these spaces define how we interact with each other and the opportunities which are available to us. They also change our behaviour in a thousand subtle ways.
We’re seeing an increase in division and loss of understanding between generations, social groups and nations and these divisions are creating mistrust and conflict. As a result, it’s never been more important for our leisure buildings and spaces to be safe, secure, inclusive places where people of all ages and interests can spend time together with purpose.
This need is driving an interest in barrier-free design – an approach which promotes inclusivity for a diverse range of groups.
Perkins + Will’s Toronto office has just completed a new building which perfectly illustrates the power of this design approach.
Their Meadowvale Community Centre and Library in Mississauga, Canada was designed to ‘unite learning with wellness’. Facilities have been provided for all ages for social, fitness, research and creative pursuits, while accessibility and inclusivity have inspired the architectural vision, with each space designed to observe, be sensitive to and open effortlessly into the next.
“From the layout of the amenities to the amalgamation of the library, there’s truly something here everyone can use,” Perkins + Will’s Andrew Frontini told CLAD. “Design plays a vital role in fostering inclusivity and accessibility for a diverse community. Shedding our preconceived notions of accessibility allowed us to frame the centre as a gateway for the whole community.”
If the buildings we make are conceived and designed to enable peaceful, purposeful co-existence, we’ll be making an invaluable contribution to a world which is showing signs of stress on so many fronts.
And as war zones and blighted cities are rebuilt, we’ll have the opportunity to inspire those commissioning them to build barrier-free buildings to create resilient, healthy communities.
The UK spa review and discovery platform for consumers, the Good Spa Guide, has announced
it will host the Good Spa Guide Awards 2026 during an event on 16 November at Sopwell House
Hotel in St Albans, UK.
Eighty-four per cent of consumers now say wellness is a top priority in their lives, with this
percentage increasing year on year, according to a preview presentation of McKinsey’s Future of
Wellness 2026 research report.
Mass protests have been taking place since Monday 1 June in Albania over the development of
a luxury resort by Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
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