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A new international design competition has been launched by Bespoke Hotels and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to improve access for disabled people.
The Bespoke Access Awards, in which the winner will receive £20,000, aims to recognise hotels which employ good designs with the aim of making the hotel experience more “joyful” and “inclusive” for people suffering from disabilities.
It will look at a wide range of designs, and will reward the most creative and original ideas in architecture, interior design, product design and service design.
Speaking at the launch of the awards at the House of Lords, Robin Sheppard, chairman of Bespoke Hotels, said: “We are pleased to be leading the charge in making the hotel world a better place, not only for hotel guests with disabilities, but also for all patrons.”
“The challenge we have set ourselves is a simple one: how to address the issues that affect the delivery of outstanding service for all guests.
We aim to challenge the status quo and inspire the hotel industry worldwide to provide better experiences for all visitors.”
Including Sheppard, the judging panel will feature; Baroness Celia Thomas of Winchester; Paralympic gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson; and architects Alan Stanton and Richard Rogers.
The main winner will be awarded the £20,000 Celia Thomas Prize, with further awards up to £10,000 to be considered at the discretion of the judges.
Entries to the competition opened on 14 April and will close on 1 September, 2016, with the winners being announced on 1 December ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.
