Quadrangle was recently presented with a Silver Award in the Architecture category at the sixth annual International Association for Universal Design (IAUD) Awards for its work on 100 Broadview Lobby.

The awards recognize individuals and firms from around the world that “contribute to the healthy development of society, and improve the welfare of humanity as a whole, through further disseminating and actualizing of universal design.” The 16 entry categories celebrate the proposal and creation of new products, systems and urban development initiatives that promote accessibility.

100 Broadview started out as a storage facility that was converted into a commercial rental building. However, the building’s entranceway was inaccessible and lacked street presence and visibility. The building’s owner chose to give up leasable space to overhaul the entranceway to include a bold design featuring ramps that distinguish the property as a creative hub open to strollers, bicycles and mobility devices.

To encourage accessibility, Quadrangle used universal design on various levels to accommodate those with vision loss and all levels of mobility. Vibrant, high-contrast pathways and tactile ground surface indicators greet those that enter the lobby, along with a bold, orange feature ramp to accommodate mobility devices of various widths. Quadrangle also included colourful, custom-designed way-finding elements throughout the building’s hallways to provide clear navigation and branding throughout the space.

“100 Broadview is a physical manifestation of openness, breaking down both physical and psychological architecture through inclusivity – actively demonstrating the benefits of a more accessible city,” said Quadrangle principal Richard Witt in a press release. “We’re thrilled to be recognized internationally by the IAUD for our unique solution to the retrofit of an existing building.”

This is the second IAUD honour for Quadrangle, which received a Universal Design in a Studio Environment Award for its own studio in 2013.