Press release InnovOcean Campus Becomes first office building in Flanders to be labeled for excellent accessibility

For the first time, the Flemish Expertise Center for Accessibility Inter, is awarding the A++ excellent accessibility label to a building. The InnovOcean Campus at Jacobsenstraat 1 in Ostend receives this first today. The campus offers great user comfort for visitors, employees, customers ... with and without disabilities. Special features are the audio support for the hearing impaired and the low-stimulation, enclosed workstations for people with autism.

The Ostend campus is the Flemish knowledge hub for innovative marine research and is home to researchers from the Flemish Institute for the Sea (VLIZ) and the fisheries department of the Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO).

No hindrances

The InnovOcean Campus is fully accessible. This means that anyone, without or with disabilities (for example, wheelchair users, the hard of hearing and sight, people with autism) and without assistance from others can use the building smoothly. This integral accessibility is reflected in the exterior environment, architectural design and finishes. "All users should feel welcome and good in the building, regardless of specific needs," said Wendy Metten, general manager of Inter.

Usability

Thus, the campus is easily accessible by public transportation, bicycle or car and the access paths have no stairs or other thresholds. The entrance has no revolving door, but automatic sliding doors. For blind people, there is tactile guidance on the floor to the reception area. Wheelchair users can reach the reception desk smoothly and closely, thanks to an underrideable section. The elevator is equipped with speech function and Braille.

Audio support

The meeting rooms are also equipped with every comfort with easy access, a layout that allows everyone to sit comfortably. In the auditoriums a loop is provided as hearing support, for the smaller rooms a sound amplification can be borrowed from the desk.

Workstations

The workstations are fully accessible and ergonomically designed, separated from the coffee corner and informal areas. Those in need can retreat to the low-pressure enclosed workstations. Each floor has a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
The building exudes tranquility and simplicity and is unambiguously readable. Thanks to sufficient colors, it is easy to find your way through the building without disturbing the peace and quiet.

Include accessibility from the design phase

From the start of the joint building project in 2018, VLIZ and ILVO put very strong emphasis on accessibility. Experts from Inter were closely involved in the plans to translate accessibility requirements into a building designed according to the principles of Universal Design. By including accessibility as early as possible in the design phase of construction, the building owner saves costs.

'An accessible building is customized. You bring together the wishes of future residents and visitors with the conditions for ease of use for everyone. We went looking for the right approach together. Inter got to work on the building plans and worked closely with the design team. That strong collaboration and the follow-up of the design team led to a beautiful result," said Wendy Metten, general manager of Inter.

After the building was completed and furnished in the fall of 2023, Inter's label committee came to assess the building with an audit. The committee included experts by experience, for example wheelchair users, the hard of hearing and sight, people with autism.

Exemplary building

'As Flemish government institutions, we think it is important to set a good example. Such new construction is a solid construction process, which takes time and energy. But it really pays off, because the removal and elimination of possible obstacles is ultimately good for all users,' says Joris Relaes, administrator general of ILVO.

Jan Mees, general manager at VLIZ, also agrees. 'The InnovOcean Campus is a knowledge center with international appeal. This is where people meet and work together on scientific research about the sea and the fisheries sector. Every year we organize a large number of meetings and conferences here. We regularly host European and international groups in the most comfortable conditions. The building's easy access reflects on our international image.'

The InnovOcean Campus includes offices, meeting rooms, an auditorium, a marine library and laboratories.

Extra info for journalists

Video in the building: Inkijk in InnovOcea

Website InnovOcean Campus

Contact

Inter, Wendy Metten, general director: 0491 15 50 75

ILVO, Nele Jacobs, spokesperson ILVO