People First: Hailing A C.A.B.

Record ID: 120800
  • Title: People First: Hailing A C.A.B.
  • Date: 9th September 1995
  • Summary: The building is a sleek, modernist triumph - function follows form, light flods across the metal surfaces and smooth wooden floors - and every feature has been designed with the disabled in mind. Not bad for a Citizens Advice Bureau in Chessington. The C.A.B is architect Gabriele Bramante's first solo building project. Her interest in adapting buildings for the disabled stems from a spell in medical school before deciding on architecture. Her philosophy for the building is that adapted architecture need not be harsh or ugly so she has created an 'elegant and sympathetic' space - an environment in which workers and visitors alike can feel relaxed. One of the key features is its electronically controlled internal environment, with remote control key pads to trigger all the functions. Aspects of the building such as heating and lighting can all be adjusted quickly and simply. The remotely controlled door locks are an innovation borrowed from the latest BMW. All this is fine in theory but the film follows a group of disabled people visiting the building to put its technology to the test. One member of the group, Ian criticises the lighting but believes it is a fine attempt at producing the ideal. Bureaucracy and closed coffers have proved as big a challenge as some of the design features. A grant from the Department of Employment for a lift to the second floor will not be made available until wheelchair users are actually employed in the centre. While the local council has provided part of the funding the rest has had to come from other sources - and this has been a constant struggle for Bramante and the C.A.B managers. The building is a triumph of both design and determination and is an example of how to make public facilities truly accessible.
  • Description:Building a new Citizens Advice Bureau with the latest techniques - proving that designing for disability is consistent with the highest principles of good architecture - which benefits everyone.
  • Broadcaster:Channel 4
  • Collection: Channel 4
  • Genre:Documentary and Factual
  • Producer:SKYSCRAPER PRODUCTIONS LTD
  • Programme Episode:Episode 1
  • Transmission Date:09/09/1995
  • Rights:On Request
  • Decade: 1990s
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