Papworth Trust gets it, says housing chief

'Architects should try out buildings they've designed in wheelchairs.' David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, praised the novel suggestion at the Accessibility in Housing event hosted by Papworth Trust at The Møller Centre, Cambridge last night (16 March).

Papworth Trust had challenged housing professionals to come up with a big idea that would make communities more accessible for disabled people. The ideas were then judged by David Orr and shared with the audience. The prize for the best idea stated: 'Architects should spend their time designing wheelchair accessible homes in a wheelchair'.

David Orr encouraged the sector to think about putting ideas into action. He stated: "There has been a failure of imagination among the sector. Now is the time to change. The recession provides us with an opportunity to think differently and develop inclusive communities. Papworth Trust gets it - they have the ideas and have acted upon them."

On the platform, David Orr was joined by Nick Parkinson, design director, Hill Partnership, Martin Sabry, founder and senior partner, aIDEAS and Adrian Bagg, chief executive, Papworth Trust.

Paul McCay, director of housing and personal support says: "We believe inclusive design contributes towards inclusive communities. Inclusive communities are much more than building for special needs. It allows people to have the freedom and choice of where they live and equal access to the community in which they live in."

The event debated the latest issues including how housing professionals will need to take stock during the recession. The Foundations for Living project in Huntingdon, which has won several national awards, was highlighted at the event as a good model of best practice.