New perch seats installed outside lifts at 20 Bedford Way and the Student Centre

The Inclusive Environments Team has worked closely with the Facilities Management Team to install flip-up perch seats in both buildings, on all floors and across all lift cores. 20 Bedford Way, home to UCL Institute of Education, and the Student Centre are both high-traffic spaces, and the new seating offers a convenient and accessible place to rest while waiting for lifts.

The seats are designed to support people who have reduced ability to stand, mobility impairments, or energy-limited conditions, helping to make every day journeys through the buildings more comfortable.

Designing and installing the seats

Accessibility and safety were central to every stage of the project. The Fabrics Team worked with external suppliers to select seats that are both comfortable and easy to use, particularly for people with mobility or dexterity-related disabilities.

Careful consideration was also given to colour. The seats were chosen to contrast clearly with surrounding surfaces, supporting visibility and ease of identification for people with visual impairments.

Extensive consultation between the Fabrics Team and the Fire Safety Team ensured that materials and placement met regulatory requirements and best practice standards. The seats have been positioned near fire evacuation lifts and installed in such a way that they do not cause obstructions when folded away.

As 20 Bedford Way is a Grade II listed building, UCL also worked closely with Camden Council to ensure the seats met all heritage and planning regulations.

Creating a campus for all

The new perch seats have been received positively and represent an important step in UCL’s ongoing commitment to inclusive campus design.

“Alison Koslowski, Professor of Social Policy and Pro-Provost (Equity & Inclusion) said, “This initiative is an important part of our ongoing efforts to make UCL’s campuses as accessible and inclusive as possible. We want everyone in our community to feel welcome and supported at every stage of their journey through our buildings.”

“Catherine Brown, Lecturer at UCL Institute of Education and Faculty Equity Lead for Disability and Neurodivergence, said, "The perch seats are a very welcome addition to 20 Bedford Way! They are extremely useful for anyone with mobility issues or chronic pain - providing a respite for those times when the lifts are busy. The perch seats are thoughtfully positioned with plenty of room around them for those who need additional space. They are a great illustration of how inclusive and practical design can enhance the accessibility of our UCL spaces and make all users feel considered and welcome."

Assessing lifts across the estate

In 2025, UCL set out its Infrastructure Masterplan, a long-term strategic roadmap designed to ensure that our campuses remain safe, inclusive, sustainable, and equipped to meet future needs.

As part of our commitment to creating an inclusive, accessible, and easily navigable estate for all members of our community, UCL has undertaken a comprehensive assessment of all 260 lifts across our buildings. This review is informing our lift maintenance programme, allowing us to prioritise improvements from the most critical through to the least urgent.

The introduction of new perch seats forms part of this wider effort to enhance accessibility across campus.

The Inclusive Environments Team is considering extending the scheme to other buildings. If you are a building user in 20 Bedford Way or the Student Centre, any feedback you have is most welcome. Please contact the Inclusive Environments Team.