Building theme parks for everyone: Bahar’s vision for accessibility

Theme parks should spark joy for everyone who enters their gates. Yet for millions of visitors with disabilities, accessing attractions and navigating spaces can present significant barriers. At AtkinsRéalis, we believe accessibility isn't just good practice - it's fundamental to creating exceptional experiences.

Meet Bahar Jaferzadeh, our Regional Creative Design Lead, who has championed accessible design throughout her career. Her work on Six Flags Qiddiya demonstrates how thoughtful design can create spaces where everyone belongs.

Meet Bahar Jaferzadeh: Designing with purpose

Bahar joined AtkinsRéalis in February 2015 as an architect, beginning her journey in rail design before transitioning to airports and eventually finding her passion in theme parks. For over five years, she has contributed to Six Flags Qiddiya, one of the region's most ambitious entertainment developments.

"My career progression across different sectors has given me a holistic understanding of how accessibility can transform spaces," Bahar reflects. Today, she leads multidisciplinary teams that balance technical excellence, creativity, and inclusivity across world-class entertainment destinations.

Understanding true accessibility

For Bahar, accessibility extends far beyond compliance checklists. "Accessibility means empowerment through design - removing physical, sensory and digital barriers so everyone can participate fully," she explains.

This philosophy challenges a common misconception that accessible features only benefit a small group. Studies consistently show accessible theme parks see a 15-20% increase in attendance from families with members who have disabilities. More importantly, accessible design improvements boost overall customer satisfaction scores by up to 25%.

Bahar emphasises that accessibility should be "embedded at the earliest stages of design so it becomes a natural part of the project's DNA rather than an afterthought." This approach creates environments that enhance usability and comfort for everyone.

Six Flags Qiddiya: Accessibility in action

The Six Flags Qiddiya project showcases how accessible theme parks can set new standards for today’s entertainment industry. Bahar and her team implemented comprehensive accessibility features from the ground up.

Key accessible attractions and design elements include:

• Step-free routes throughout the park ensuring wheelchair accessibility
• Inclusive rides designed for visitors with varying mobility needs
• Sensory-friendly zones providing respite from overwhelming stimuli
• Clear wayfinding systems supporting navigation for all visitors
• Digital accessibility ensuring online platforms serve diverse user needs

This dual focus on physical and digital accessibility creates seamless experiences at every touchpoint. Parks with such features report a 30% higher rate of repeat visits among diverse visitor groups, proving that accessibility drives both social impact and business success.

Innovation shaping the future

Theme park accessibility continues evolving through smart technologies and adaptive design. "Innovation is reshaping accessibility through smart technologies, adaptive design, and inclusive policies," Bahar notes.

At Six Flags Qiddiya, accessibility wasn't retrofitted, it drove the overall guest experience design. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates how accessible features can improve safety and ease of navigation for all visitors.

Building inclusion from the ground up

Bahar's vision extends beyond individual projects to workplace culture. She advocates for employee resource groups and listening without assumptions, recognising that "invisible disabilities and unique needs are just as important to address as visible ones."

Her message to those hesitant to share their accessibility needs is clear: "Your voice matters, and it helps us create better spaces for everyone."

The future of theme park design lies in recognising accessibility not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to create extraordinary experiences for all. Through projects like Six Flags Qiddiya, AtkinsRéalis continues demonstrating how technical excellence combined with human-centred design shapes a more embracing entertainment landscape.

Ready to be part of this transformative work? Learn more about joining our team and help us build accessible experiences that empower everyone.