Our initial stage of co-production saw Capability Scotland co-evaluate and create with the people we support, their families and staff; exploring what matters to them and actively listening as to how we can build on the experience and success of Upper Springland to help shape Our Inclusive Community Project. We used surveys with closed and open questions to collate responses. Using research and the responses helped form the Design Statement and Design Brief which is ultimately the benchmark being used by Architects AB+C and wider design team to inform the design of Our Inclusive Community. 

An OICP Community Council, has been formed. This forum is open to any of the people we support. Meeting regularly with the Co-Production Leader, the people we support have the opportunity to ask questions, contribute ideas, and talk to each other about OICP. We discuss key areas at the meetings such as outdoor spaces, internal communal areas, studio flats and progress updates. The valuable feedback from these meetings is fed back to the Design Team to support the development of the design concept.  

A full sized “mock up” of the studio flat based at Upper Springland has allowed residents, families and staff to fully appreciate the intended room size of studio flats in the new facility. Whilst we sought initial views around the studio bedroom’s size, basic layout and accessibility, the open and encouraging co-production engagement has prompted questions and recommendations ranging from the importance of storage to how we could better support personal growth.  

Use of the “mock flat” continues to evolve; we responded to aspirations of new technology which can empower and promote independence by installing accessible environmental controls in the mock flat. This was an opportunity for residents to try a variety of accessible controls for functions such as blinds, lights and thermostats to see what they would like to control at their new home and how they would like to control it.   

Our design team continues to work collaboratively with key stakeholders—residents, day attenders, families, and staff—using topic-specific workshops to share and gather information.  All of the information gathered is aligned with the design team’s programme and has been a primary influence on the design plans. 

Careful consideration has been given to when and how concept designs are shared with the people we support, their families, and staff.  As the designs continue to evolve, we recognise that engaging the right people at the right time is essential to ensure the development of a building that fully supports the delivery of an exemplar facility and service.