Socius – Botanic Place

View gallery Socius – Botanic Place

Project Brief

Socius and Railpen appointed Motionspot as the inclusive design consultant for Botanic Place, a sustainability-led workplace campus in Cambridge. Our role was to embed inclusive design throughout the RIBA stages to help create an environment that enhances wellbeing, supports diverse user needs, and strengthens Botanic Place’s position as a workplace of choice and a community hub.

Project Scope

Motionspot delivered a two-part programme combining baseline assessment and ongoing design integration.

Inclusive Design Audit & Strategy

Developed a high-level strategy and commitment document to set the ambition for inclusive design across the project.
Conducted an initial inclusive design audit of the existing Botanic Place and Flying Pig buildings to establish baseline conditions and identify opportunities for improvement.
Reviewed current and proposed designs against global best practice and relevant standards, including BS 8300, PAS 6463, PAS 1899, DfT guidance, Approved Documents, and BS 9999.
Advised on priorities for circulation, wayfinding, public realm, toilets, lighting, acoustics, finishes, and other key elements.

RIBA Stage Reviews & Collaboration

Undertaking inclusive design reviews at RIBA Stages 2–5, attending multidisciplinary meetings and documenting findings in End of Stage Reports
Supporting architects, planners, sustainability and public health specialists, and other partners to embed inclusive design across the campus.

Project Impact

Motionspot’s work is helping Botanic Place set a new benchmark for inclusive, wellbeing-focused workplace environments. Through systematic auditing and early-stage review, inclusive design considerations are being integrated proactively, ensuring the development is welcoming, accessible, and supportive for a diverse community of workers and local residents alike.