The challenge for the steps project was to make them accessible to everyone. Not being able to use the historic site of the Duke of York Steps (running between The Mall and Waterloo Place near Lower Regent Street in London) makes for much longer journeys.

We wanted the installation to be an enjoyable and effective experience for everyone. We also wanted to bring together sustainability and access, contemporary issues that are often dealt with separately.

Following the design and testing of the full scale prototype in July 2010 as part of the London Festival of Architecture, our aim is now to build all 3 lifts in time for the Olympics in 2012.

For this project, Matthew Lloyd Architects (MLA) and AIO brought together concerns with a sustainable approach and ideas about Slow Space. The design deliberately aims to slow the ‘rush’ of everyday Londoners, whilst making things much easier for those with limited mobility, and to give everyone an opportunity to take time enjoying their surroundings.

MLA worked with disabled artist Tony Heaton and the Royal Engineers to develop a lift proposal that uses water tanks to counterbalance body-weight. As people enter the lift additional water is added, so as to make them 'heavy enough' to go down. Renewable energy from solar panels is then used to pump water back to refill the system.

Unlike many disabled access projects, this proposal aims to take centre stage on its historic site, rather than be hidden as a side entrance or some other more discreet location. At the same time, it is sensitive to the location by requiring no extra fittings, so does not damage the existing fabric.

The towers act as a beacon to highlight a major route and to celebrate the importance of universal access; whilst the mechanical elements of the lift will be on display so that people will be able to decipher how it works. The lift allows people to enjoy the view, whilst hearing and seeing water flowing and gurgling around them!

The Mark 1 prototype was built on the Duke of York steps and used by many different people during the London Festival of Architecture, with considerable success. We are now looking to further funding, with the intention of:

• Building a full version of the lifts (with three towers) for the Olympics in 2012
• Taking the idea to other places in other cities nationally and internationally
• Working with disabled artists to develop related ideas and projects, which both take a different attitude to disability and aim to improve public spaces for all their users.