40 C O N T E X T 1 7 3 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 with Sarah-Jane Sorrell of Oakley Estates advising on both design and activity considerations. ‘We are committed to creating a one-for-all solution that is sympathetic to the extraordinary structure,’ she says. The visitor journey featured large in considerations for maximising accessibility, not only from the approach to the building up until the departure in physical terms, but also with the potential need for visitors to understand the building before they arrive. They might need to check physical access, or to check the building for trigger points to someone who is neurodiverse. To create a comprehensive tool for people to gauge their needs before arrival, a full scan of the building has been completed using Matterport technology. This creates a cloud-based, 3D interactive ‘dolls house’ version of Greyfriars. It has the capacity to have information, including audio visual, added to ‘hotspots’ within the model, highlighting light levels, uneven surfaces and even, potentially, an audio description. Once the building is complete it will have the capacity to offer a virtual experience in the form of exhibitions and tours. The physical approach to the building was carefully considered. The existing entrance was not only hard to find from the main pedestrian route but was also quite restrictive. The current entrance is next to an extremely loud, busy road with an uneven approach that might cause restrictions and potential hazards for some visitors. It has been decided that opening up a previous entrance in the western elevation and installing a glass door provides a much more inclusive main entrance that can be used by all visitors, leaving the current entrance for services. A glass door is helpful for visitors who might be triggered by entering an unknown building and who will now be able to see where they are going before they enter. An alternative entrance through the rear courtyard and extension was considered in early drawings, but the project team concluded that the space would be far better suited for use as welfare facilities, compliant refuge, a changing-places toilet (designed with generous space and equipment) and a lift to the upper floor space. The inclusion of a changing-places toilet, a specific objective of the project, presented a great challenge in terms of space and cost. The purchase of a small piece of land to the rear of the building from the neighbouring property will provide sufficient curtilage to accommodate a new extension housing all the facilities needed. A dais inside the new entrance offers an opportunity for visitors to take in the space, and appreciate the significance and magnitude of the building. The level platform allows visitors of all abilities and circumstances to prepare for the experience, gain their bearings and feel perspective. From here tasteful but clear and concise wayfinding will offer a logical route to other areas of the venue.The level changes are dealt with here in one location, on a dais that is not materially connected to the structure.This has been deemed to offer the maximum benefit to the venue in the least disruptive way, requiring interventions in just one, rather than several locations. Inclusivity has been considered in the fit-out. The echo in the undercroft is considerable, so dampening materials will be used wherever possible to reduce the interference for those who are hard of hearing. The lighting that will be replaced will be pre-programmable via an app, including coloured lighting, to suit multiple uses and provide the opportunity to lower the lighting for visitors who are sensitive to bright lights.This will create a more calming atmosphere and even potentially add colour to a sensory experience. Katy-Jayne Lintott is a senior project officer at Heritage Lincolnshire, convenor of the Heritage Lincolnshire equality, diversity and inclusion group, and part of the IHBC diversity group. The main approach to Greyfriars, showing the previous doorway in the western end (Photo: Heritage Lincolnshire) The original entrance at the eastern end when Greyfriars was used as a county museum (Photo: Heritage Lincolnshire)
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