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rise’s work on Universal Design 

 

rise’s work on Universal Design 

We often say that we are inclusive of all communities, or that we are restructuring society to be understanding and empathic of all, especially the marginalized. But to which extent? The lack of inclusivity in urban planning does not only separate us by weaknesses and strengths, but it deprives us of some of the joys of the environment like urban spaces, access to green spaces and even essential services like public transport.

It is pivotal for professionals in the built environment to prioritize the promotion and protection of the rights of people with disabilities particularly in urban design. With the hope that a potential exists for the improvement of buildings and thus facility access for people with disabilities in Lesotho, rise embarked on a project that would shed light on the existing issue of “lack of inclusivity in the urban design of Lesotho”. According to a study by the Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD), people with disabilities are constantly faced with the challenge of not having equal access to facilities like banks and hotels and to services like public transportation as the built environment does not cater for wheelchair access and other limited mobility needs. 

The aims of this project were to facilitate an interface which promotes that everyone gains equal access to services and facilities; to educate the general community on the need for inclusivity in urban design; to increase awareness within the built environment sector on the need for inclusivity in design and construction and to engage policy makers in the discussion on inclusivity in the urban planning of Lesotho. Empathy is key here, the feeling of belonging rather than feeling excluded. Inclusivity of design is achievable. The goal of inclusive design is to offer the same access for all users, whether with special needs, disabilities or neither of these.

……Empathy is key here

 

 

What rise has achieved on universal design so far…  

 

A panel discussion with policy makers 

Made possible by the British High Commission

rise hosted a photo exhibit and panel discussion on inclusive design where policy makers engaged in a discussion around the need for reforms on Building Codes for inclusive design in both private and public sectors. A voting poll was set up for the general public to vote on the matters that mean the most to them regarding the infrastructure and accessibility of Maseru city. 

Key stakeholders working in the built environment made pledges on how they are going to commit to improving the existing situation of lack of inclusivity in the urban planning of Lesotho. WATCH VIDEO OF PANEL DISCUSSION

A webinar to create awareness on Inclusive design in Lesotho & internationally

WATCH VIDEO OF WEBINAR

After the panel discussion rise hosted a webinar on Inclusive design in Lesotho and internationally where professionals engaged, educated and spoke on the need for universal design globally and locally.

Radio shows to create awareness on the need for universal design

 

rise hosted 4 radio shows in partnership with SkyAlpha, aimed at increasing awareness of the need for inclusivity in the urban planning of Lesotho.

An inclusive building for people living with disabilities

 

Through in locorise built an all inclusive design building for the Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled, allowing them to finally employ people with physical disabilities.

 

A panel discussion with key stakeholders for action planning

 

Universal Design for Maseru City Roundtable was hosted on March 2nd 2022 by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship, facilitated by rise and funded by the British High Commission in Lesotho with a focal thematic area around Universal Design including :

1. Regulatory & Legislative Building Codes for Inclusive Design 

2. Design & Planning Practices 

3. Action planning and Next Steps needed 

Our work on Universal Design does not end here, watch out for more on our social media platforms, engage with us on this topic and lend your hand wherever you can because if you want to go fast you go alone. But if you want to go far you go together. Let’s go together!

 

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in loco program

Breaking out of a cage

“You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself, the height of a man’s success is gauged by his self-mastery, the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment. He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others,” – Leonardo da Vinci. My name is Thato Nkikana, born and raised in Maputsoe, Lesotho. I am a Mosotho woman holding a Diploma in Architectural Technology from Lerotholi Polytechnic. As a fellow in rise’s in loco program, our 2020 cohort designed and constructed the Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled headquarter offices at Ha Ts’osane Maseru, Lesotho. I was the Site Architect of this great project which we have successfully completed and now awaiting inauguration.

Thato preparing for placement of trusses

From my childhood, I was always fascinated by young and vibrant women who were classified as successful in their respective careers, this is where my aspiration to become a prominent career woman was birthed. With a great passion for architecture and construction, I decided that if I ever needed to, I would push and breakdown doors to bring about change and empower women in the built environment industry. I consider myself a supporter of well-being and employability for women in this sector and I firmly believe that entrepreneurship is the rightful path to our progression. 

Thato placing roof sheets

Educational institutions equip us with much needed theoretical knowledge, but in this field theory is only as good as the person practicing it. As a young graduate, I felt the need to join the in loco fellowship to gain practical experience in architectural design and construction. The “learning- by- doing” motto lured me into having interest in the program, and I am glad I gave it a chance because my life will never be the same again. Being a site architect in the project we just completed sharpened my eye on design correlating perfectly with actual construction work, it trained me on paying great attention to detail and making sure no stone is unturned when working in the field.

Thato operating transportation for bricklaying

The in loco fellowship improved my professional perspective and also contributed to my personal development. We create as a team, and this has shaped my soft skills. I can now communicate effectively and work well in a group of people, being a part of such a creative and forward thinking group challenged my abilities in a very positive way. Hence I am coming out more motivated and inspired to build a future for myself in the built environment industry. My creativity has reached beyond ordinary because I now take initiative and I am committed.

Bricklaying

We were provided with business training sessions that refine well equipped entrepreneurs of the future; many skills which I did not have before the fellowship. I now have skills in market research, knowing how to grow my business through marketing, bookkeeping, and money management. I can draw a business plan from scratch and execute it meticulously, all credit to the objectives of the fellowship. The LNFOD project is one of its own kind in Lesotho. The building accommodates all Basotho with unique abilities by inclusive designs throughout the building. The project will benefit the community and LNFOD because they will generate income from renting out their boardroom to the community to secure economic sustainability of the building, it is truly heart- warming to have been part of creating such a life impacting structure in the country.

Thato placing roof sheets

I am proud to have been part of rise international’s in loco fellowship, specifically the cohort of 2020. Through it, I have made bold moves. I established a start-up called Wom Designs & Construction, fully known as Women in Design and Construction. It provides architectural and construction services from project inception to completion. The mission of my company is to bridge the ever-expanding gender inequality gap in the built environment industry. I have become a woman who makes courageous moves to better myself, my community, and to do my part in solving the world’s problems of unemployment, gender inequality and exclusion of differently enabled people.

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