The topic of accessibility (also referred to as inclusive design or universal design) is about making buildings accessible and usable for everyone: not only the average human beingif such a thing existsbut also the old, the young, the disabled, the large, the small and other kinds of outliers. Accessibility is of particular importance in buildings with a public functionlibraries, hospitals, town hallsbut it can very well be argued that, from a moral point of view, accessibility is relevant to all buildings.In most countries, accessibility requirements are incorporated into building codes and other kinds of legislation. The brief can simply refer to these standards, but it is important to check how far these requirements reach. Traditionally, accessibility legislation focuses on the needs of wheelchair users and contains requirements concerning door widths and the availability of ramps and special toilets. These issues are obviously important, but the array of people with special needs is wider than that. Accessibility will also require extra attention in relation to users with eyesight problems (e.g. needing brighter lighting levels), hearing problems (e.g. requiring special audio equipment in meeting rooms), and respiratory difficulties (e.g. calling for extra ventilation and specific air filters). And in recent years, the concept of accessibility has expanded even further, looking at needs in relation to peoples gender, religion and culture. Think of provision of features like gender-neutral toilets, breastfeeding rooms, or spaces for prayer.The brief is the right place to address these issues. The brief should detail what kinds of users should be taken into account in the design and whether these have any special needs. The brief should also explain what standards and guidelines apply and whether there are any additional requirements. Such early attention to accessibility increases the chance that it will be successfully incorporated into the design. It will push the design team into thinking about it from the very start of the project, thereby helping to avoid conflicts between accessibility requirements and architectural considerations at later stages.Strategic brief-Identify the different kinds of user groups that will use the building.-Express the importance of accessibility for the project. Is the focus on compliance or is accessibility a central value in the project?Functional brief-Identify accessibility guidelines or standards to which the brief can refer.-List those areas in the building that call for extra attention in terms of accessibility (e.g. entrance, reception, circulation areas).-Describe any special requirements concerning the size of spaces (e.g. taking into account the dimensions of wheelchairs or scootmobiles).Technical brief-Insofar as not covered by regulations/guidelines, formulate detailed technical requirements, for example concerning indoor climate, signage and wayfinding and dimensions.