London, "The Welcoming City" and a Water-Powered Lift
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Walking past St. James’ yesterday I chanced upon this brilliant installation: a water powered lift that addresses the challenge of equal access to historic sites. It is part of London Festival of Architecture 2010 which has “The Welcoming City” as its main theme.
Walking past St. James’ yesterday I chanced upon this brilliant installation.
It is a water powered lift and it addresses the challenge of equal access to historic sites. At the same time it exhibits how alternative energy sources can be used to help make sites more accessible.
It is part of London Festival of Architecture 2010 which has “The Welcoming City” as its main theme this year.
The lift was Commissioned for the LFA2010 and designed by Matthew Lloyd Architects working with Architecture Inside Out and Price and Myers with the support of the Royal Engineers and the Royal Parks.
Hospitality and Travel consultant, Sofia Gkiousou, of UK-based company, Soma FUSION continues:
"Britain is already pretty well ahead of other countries when it comes to accessible tourism.
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) (1995 amended 2005) places duties on providers of goods, services and facilities not to discriminate against people with disabilities.
Like everyone else, tourism providers must take ‘reasonable’ steps to change practices, policies and procedures to make their facilities and services accessible to disabled people. (via: Accessible Tourism on Enjoy England)
Nevertheless it is heartening to see that the London Festival of Architecture 2010 is using themes of access and the notion of the welcoming city.
The collaboration of architects, artists and third sector has resulted in an extremely interesting programme of events which will help progress the debates around accessible tourism.
Check out the London Festival of Architecture 2010 for an intriguing alternative view of London and some thoughts on architecture, access and tourism – heartily recommended!"