DESIGN FOR ACCESSIBILITY Stephen J. Thorpe INTRODUCTION It is now recognised that those who use the built environment have a wide range of capabilities and that the needs of those who have specific physical or sensory impairments often coincide with the needs of many other users. The design solution to this is the integrated or inclusive approach. In summary, environmental design should be broad enough overall and in detail to suit the widest practicable range of users, including most disabled people. However, it is not universal design: some special provision will still be needed to suit either severe disability or social convention. ‘A positive outcome of an inclusive approach should be that design from the outset addresses this range of capability and need, This should eliminate the paradox of earlier special provision which tended both to disadvantage disabled people, for example by requiring them to travel further to an accessible entrance, and to deny their potential independence, for example by requiring them to seek assistance in using buildings. Legislation and other official guidance tends to perpetuate the special approach but its scope is widening and, in particular, guidance is becoming more soundly based and better researched. Snape Molings Concert Hall: wheelchair access to oll lovels (Arch: Penoyre & Prosod Architects) Inclusive design extends from the basic organisation of a building — its approach, levels, routes, spaces ~ through to the selection or detailing of fittings and finishes, such as door handles, railing systems, taps, electrical and manual controls. Although careful selection is always necessary, an easing number of products now respond to formed user demands — diminishing or impaired faculties are recognised and features such as good grip, contrast and simplicity of operation are incorporated. ‘An important factor in the design of properly accessible environments is a sound understanding of the principles involved. This avoids unthinking application of guidelines, supports design decisions in non-standard contexts and encourages imaginative solutions. The guidance in this section will concentrate on principles in relation to different building elements and contexts rather than on the more specific directions listed in the following pages ot in references. Earlier literature tended to concentrate on the wheelchair user as the most easily identifiable in terms of space and reach. However, the needs of those who walk but have limited mobility or who are sensorily impaired are also demanding and published guidance now reflects tPNT GUIDANCE AND PRINCIPLES Before presenting specific guidance, there follows a brief note on different impairments. Wheelchair users A wheelchair user may operate his or her manual or electric chair independently but other users may require the assistance of a companion to push and manoeuvre their chair and this requires additional space. Electric buggies or scooters can be significantly larger than the standard wheelchair range so openings and spaces based on conventional wheelchair dimensions may not be adequate. Ambulant people ‘An ambulant person in this context is one who walks but with a degree of impairment, pethaps relying on sticks or a walking frame. In any case they will rely on support and resting points. They will value the spaces necessary for wheelchair passage and manoeuvring. ‘The pressure needed to open or operate doors may be ‘more critical for them than for a wheelchair user. They will usually prefer well detailed steps to a ramp for better stability and support. However some will not be able to manage more than a single shallow step and for them an easy going ramp may in fact be preferable. Physical impairment Physical impairment may also affect a person's ability to exert upper body pressure or to manipulate controls and this must be considered. Sensory Impairment A person with sensory impairments may experience difficulty in approaching and using buildings unless the layout, finishes, detailing “and equipment compensate for their specific impairments, usually of sight or hearing. APPROACHES Access to a building by car This is important to many people with disabilities, whether they are drivers or passengers. From parking space or drop- off point the route to the entrance should be as short as possible and protected or covered if possible, with any ramps or steps carefully detailed. Approach routes Generally, these should avoid changes in level and should exploit ground and building levels to avoid specific ramps or steps as far as possible. Where they are unavoidable provide options: ramps (see 2) suit wheelchair users and some ambulant people but steps are preferred by most of the latter. ‘On steps, handrails should be provided to each amps ne steeper thon 1 in 12, Y—°] | weather protection whore possible: Fighting vo iluminate door cond contol k 1200 tending clear of door sing or face 2 Romps side, They should be continuous (i.e, across landings) and should extend beyond top and bottom steps to provide support at these critical points. On wider flights a double central handrail may be a better option, particularly in historic buildings where side or wall-ixed rails may be difficult to install or undesirable, On ramps, handrails will be needed by ambulant users for support and they may be required generally for protection. Along routes _Slip-resistant surfaces should be used and the route must avoid potential hazards. Contrast should be provided to identify critical features such as stair nosings and support rails. Tactile paving This is recommended at critical points, such as crossings and other hazards, and detailed guidance is available. However, other ways of imparting tactile or auditory information may be more appropriate. Signing This should follow current guidance and be provided consistently and continuously along a route to remove any: uncertainty about the destination, ENTRANCES ‘The principal entrance This should be usable by everyone, Where an alternative principal entrance is provided, for example to suit car users, it should lead directly to the main entrance foyer or reception, The entrance should always be identifiable within the building fagade and allow views into the building for reassurance. Thresholds These should be as near level as practicable, with a maximum overall height of 15mm and with a tapered section. Good lighting Entrances must be well lit and wherever possible weather protection should be provided. Doors Ease of operation is essential and opening. pressure needs to be kept below 30N. This will normally require easy-entry or low-energy operators or fully automated doors. In the latter case hinged or pivoted doors may be suitable in smaller buildings but should be single swing; elsewhere, sliding and/or folding doors are preferred. Revolving doors ‘The smaller ones are unsuitable and the larger ones are not easily negotiated by anyone with impaired mobility so revolving doors should be avoided. Door detailing (see 3) This is critical. Ensure adequate clear opening width (with buggies and door opening widths qf] pening widths af Tp may be compromised by {ul height pull hondls or ‘wootherboarde x 3 Deer detaingPCE a scooters in mind), good contrast, ease of location and simple operating mechanisms. Avoid any visual ambiguity caused by inappropriate glazing (e.g. confusing reflections or misleading views of the interior) while ensuring that vision panels suit wheelchair users. Lobbies (see 4) Where these are necessary, they should allow manoeuvring clear of door swings and should where possible avoid the need to turn. Lighting In lobbies, lighting should be at a transitional level between internal and external levels, and preferably use sensors to respond to changes in external lighting levels. Reception spaces Reception areas should provide a clear introduction to. the building, with straightforward unobstructed routes to the enquiry desk, lift, stairs and waiting area, A screened telephone point is helpful, especially in buildings where visitors will need to call taxis or waiting colleagues. Any cleaning matting should be firm and adequate in extent to clean wheelchair wheels. Enquiry desk The detailing and equipment should tenable anyone to approach and communicate easily. door space |_— tewveen door between them A, ‘et last 200mm beside door eg (more preferred] to eate approach te operate and pul door; moy be provided by fed 4 Wobbies void glazed ends to comidors, fitings and equipment recessed Security People with disabilities must be able to negotiate screens and barriers without the need for special arrangements. Digital or card operated controls should be reach and not require fine manipulation. Proximity devices are preferable. Short-rise lifts These are a means of overcoming a change of level associated with an entrance. In existing buildings where the level change occurs externally it may be possible to lower the entrance and make the change inside where the lift will be protected from the clements and better supervised (sce 5). INTERNAL CIRCULATION Layout The organisation or pattern of any building. should be readily understood using detailing appropriate to its nature and function. Large open spaces may need routes defined by floor contrast (eg, pvclcarpet), reinforced by signing and lighting, Such routes should always lead to specific elements such as stairs, lifts, enquiry points, Initial design and subsequent management should ensure that these routes are unobstructed. More complex layouts will need logical patterns, good signing and memorable features (e.g, doors, stairs and daylighting). achieving occess to an existing bulding extemal tops re-sed inside; door lowered; short rie Uf inctaled La I 2000, I 2000 suggested unotatrcted oreo folate approach te doors; 1200 min width for toming into doorway: note 300 min beside door in coridor setur help for incroared + {| seen + 3 i ooronce of Iochoe a T= provide good orp vision fitingt: duplicate ot lower level Asingish: dor rame/val or sroon door fitings 6 Internal circulation ond doors ‘300 min sggested heights ji rnnte singish regular lat where to-woy, arty pull push; lating wherever posse, expecially in creation roves 7 Dovble doorsPoE Seating Where distances are substantial, such as in supermarkets or large stores, seating is desirable. ‘There may be management objections but integrated seating, perhaps of the perching type, should be considered and placed at key points in the Circulation routes, such as heads of stairs and lift waiting areas, Doors In normal use, doors must be positioned in rooms or Circulation areas so as to allow sufficient space for them to be approached and operated simply. They should also be detailed for ease of use. (See 6.) Alternative types of door may suit particular circumstances. Selfclosing doors These can present problems and excessive opening pressure, in excess of 30N, should be avoided by means of low energy operators, automation or magnetic hold-open’ devices, as appropriate. Double doors (see 7) ‘These should always provide adequate clear opening to one leaf. Where this is not possible, such as in a listed building, ensure that the second leaf can be casily unfastened independently (e.g. by espagnolerte or single lever multi-locking. Sliding doors Such doors should have simple pull handles combined with locking devices and be very smooth running, Sufficient space must be allowed for the approach, operation and manoeuvring to pass through the opening. The clear opening width may need to be more than usual to allow for passage through at an angle. Reduced swing doors These are easy to operate and ‘may save space in confined areas, such as lavatories, and thus offset their relatively high cost. Vertical circulation Lifts and stairs should be integrated within the circulation pattern. This is particularly important ‘where lifts are installed in existing buildings. Lifts The location of the lifts should be clearly indicated by signs and access should be by direct routes across large spaces. Adequate waiting space off routes is desirable. 65 40/45 dooronce for continuous stp honda extend beyond top end bottom riser; continuous ri across landings distinguish from surroundings; avoid profeion Into creation space; posive endings (2.9. return to wal) 8 Stirs ‘An cight-person lift provides adequate internal car size for a wheelchair user and companion but reversing out will be necessary. Larger lift sizes may be desirable if there is likely to be considerable foot and wheeled traffic. Other lift passengers may need support from grabrails or perching seats. Tt may be acceptable for a passenger lift to be used for transporting goods but the converse is never acceptable, Controls and information should be carefully considered and detailed both inside and outside lifts, including floor-level indicators and lft-coming signs. There may be a conflict between heights and legibility and duplication of controls may be necessary in multi-storey buildings. ‘Where possible avoid designing to_ minimum standards, particularly with door opening widths and internal car sizes, and especially where larger than normal wheelchairs or buggies might be circulating. Escalators Some with impaired mobility find escalators difficult to manage so they should always be supplemented by lifts in close proximity. Stairs (see 8) For many users, stairs are potentially hazardous and must be carefully detailed with particular attention to nosings, handrails and support, contrast between surfaces, and lighting. Such considerations should not be overruled by the desire for spectacular effect, especially within entrance areas. Short-rise lifts As an alternative to steps, and to avoid space-consuming ramps, short-rise lifts can be useful in negotiating differences in level. Rises of up to 4m are technically possible. These lifts are available as complete packages but they can be detailed to suit the building context or to incorporate an appropriate level of security. Stairlifts Available with a seat and/or wheelchair platform, these lifts can suit a wide range of stair configurations. While they may resolve access problems in specific or small existing buildings, they may be incompatible with general use of stairs or unsuitable where the stairs are part of an escape route. Pend ween Sarees G =e ST per fight inosine it ovethong eh anings J {or users of clipes; sid openPEE Flooring considerations Floor surfaces must be suitable for the areas concerned. For example, where there is a potential hazard, such as inside entrances and in lavatories, they should be effectively slip resistant. The same applies to stairs and ramps, including the approaches. Carpets should be reasonably firm to ease the passage of wheelchairs and cause no difficulties for ambulant users walking with a frame, LAVATORIES ‘These are a serious concern for many people with disabilities and the one area where special provision seems justified. Nevertheless the principles of inclusive design should still be followed as far as possible. Unisex WC A unisex lavatory allows the person to be assisted by a partner or companion of the ‘opposite sex, although social convention usually requires such facilites to be entered separately from single-sex areas. The demand for unisex facilites is limited and in many buildings accessible lavatories can be incorporated within regular provision so they are also available for general use. To follow this principle it will be necessary to provide regular facilities which are easily accessible in their approaches as well as their internal layouts. Where existing buildings are converted this may not always be possible but disabled people should still not be required to travel further to a lavatory than other building users, and preferably not to another floor. Wherever possible, accessible facilites should not be locked and they should be clearly signed as part of general signing to lavatories. Where unisex facilities are provided the locations should be clearly indicated at the building's entrance or reception area. supper rele $00 for vers ‘of epprosch and transfer to WC with Detailed layout The standard WC layout for a wheelchair user appears detailed and prescriptive but it is also designed to be suitable for as wide a range of users as possible. Illustration 9 shows the basic principles of space and relationship between fittings. ‘The peninsular layout (i.e. with full access either side of the WC) can offer more flexibility but it ‘means the basin cannot be reached directly from the WC, which is crucial for some users. It should, therefore, be used only where specific building requirements justifies it, or as a supplement to the standard layout. Regular lavatory layouts should suit people with mobility impairments, and this is achieved principally by providing more clear space between the WC and door swing. Handbasins are desirable and should be incorporated where possible. Such an upgrading of the often restricted compartment would obviously benefit many users and not just people with impaired mobility. ‘SHOWERS, BATHROOMS, CHANGING FACILITIES ‘The same inclusive principle should be followed in these related areas. ‘There is usually no reason why facilities detailed to suit users with disabilities should ‘generally available to all users, although the g's management may wish to ensure that accessible facilities are always vacant for those who specifically need them. Particular care should be taken over critical aspects: these include slip-resistant flooring, flush detailing of drainage and junctions between surfaces or spaces, positioning controls and fitings eo they can be easily reached, safe water temperatures, good supports, adequate’ space for assistance where necessary, and suitable storage. Signing of accessible facilities should be integrated with general signing. 200051500 minimum dimensions to allow manoouwring ond reversing: door opens out allerofive door opens in bu requires Incrected space clear of door swing or operation; [WC ond basin elated fo allow hands fo be weshed ond ered while sl ected: lofthand ad righthand layouts: provide ‘leratives where possible feforto detailed guidance orsook advice from building vers; (1 horizontal ond vera ail {22 drop-down ol fo oid tant) 193 vertical ol U provide conta for tings ond ris 1500oa PELOWIT KITCHENS If kitchens are incorporated in non-domestic buildings they should as far as possible follow the principles set out in the housing section, the key issues being flexibility of worktop height and related controls. To meet the demands of restricted reach, space standards may need to be higher than COUNTERS AND WORK SURFACES Detailing to provide flexibility will vary to suit visitors to a building and those who work within it. ‘The design of reception counters and other visitor or customer transaction points should be inclusive rather than providing separate facilities for those with disabilities. This might entail adding a section at a lowered height. The full range of activities should be facilitated by detailing and/or equipment, Security issues often conflict with such requirements and a balance must be struck with optimum access in mind. WINDOWS AND EXTERNAL DOORS Inclusive principles should be applied to all the functions of windows, including views out, ventilation, security and’ screening, Controls and handles should be within easy reach and simple to operate, preferably with one hand, as with some projecting or pivoted windows. Sliding windows may prove to be awkward unless fitted with very smooth running tracks. All external doors should have adequate clear opening, particularly if they are sliding doors, with level or minimal thresholds. If they are hinged, doors should be fitted with restraints to prevent violent opening or closing. Emergency doors for evacuation purposes should also have simply operated fittings. CONTROLS (s0010) Suitable controls should satisfy three inclusive criteria: they must be reachable, be easy to manipulate and give legible information, = To be easily reached, controls need to be within a height range generally between 600mm and 1200mm. Whether the approach is sideways or head-on may determine the limits of this range. = Ease of manipulation requires controls which are simple to locate and easy to grip and operate, such as large or full plate switches, large knobs or levers. Operation must not require excessive force. = Legible information requires large numerals and raised surfaces to give a clear indication of such things as direction and extent of range. Electronic control These criteria can be reasonably. satisfied by electronically controlled doors and windows, curtains, taps, stopcocks etc., and can enable people with disabilities to successfully control their own environment, particularly in places of employment. PROTECTION Wheelchairs in particular, but also buggies, can potentially damage wall surfaces, angles, doors and U2) ato posible ronge, Simpl controls ‘only extroiis ep 00 12004} esl ange, [ste mre eta Caton tote elements: Thondles, suche, sign 10 Controls their linings. Integrated detailing such as splayed or rounded angles and general spaciousness with generous door opening widths should reduce the problem. Elsewhere, specific, discreet protection should be incorporated, again from the outset rather than after the event. SUPPORT People with impaired mobility frequently need support and this should be incorporated in the detailing of some of the elements such as staircases and specifically in accessible toilets. It may be possible to incorporate supports into counter fronts or similar fittings. Some fitings, such as basins and door handles, may also be used to provide support and they should be robust in design and detailing. INFORMATION A building should inform users as fully as possible and its layout, detailing and use of contrast ~ handrails, walls, doors, floor surfaces - should reduce the need for specific signing, which will thereby make it more easily negotiated by visually impaired people. Care should be taken to avoid features that might cause disorientation: for example, mirrors or other reflecting surfaces can confuse people, especially those with visual impairments. Mirrors are particularly unsuitable alongside stairs, where they may present a double image of the handrail, or when fixed to columns and causing dematerialisation of the building at critical points. Signs Signs should be clearly laid out, evenly lit, positioned to be seen from both wheelchair and standing level and should be consistently provided, especially along, lengthy routes where constant reassurance is important, Whether fixed, suspended or free standing, in principle there should be a stark contrast between the signs and their immediate background which should in turn contrast with the building background. Design and technology Careful design and technology is necessary to communicate information to those with impaired hearing, Well-considered lighting, backgrounds and the positioning of windows can facilitate lip reading. Induction loop or infra-red systems can be used to amplify sounds both within rooms and at points of interaction such as counters or ticket offices. These two systems are simple in principle but they havespecific advantages and disadvantages depending on the building context and should not be installed without expert advice. SPECIFIC BUILDINGS ‘Much of the guidance given here is general and should be applicable in most building contexts. However individual building types do present specific problems, often of a basic nature, but if the inclusive design principle is applied from the outset it should be possible to resolve them, possibly by rethinking the usual solution from scratch rather than by resorting to special accessible alternatives. EXISTING BUILDINGS Improving accessibility within existing buildings may bea demanding process. A properly undertaken audit is a prerequisite to establishing the optimum level of accessibility to aim for. ‘Some reference has been made within this section to existing buildings but in summary the key considerations are as follows. = Minimising compromises on basic requirements such as door widths and other space standards, support and contrast. = The integration of new lifts within exist layout, particularly where a specific route is followed. This may be important in public and cultural buildings such as galleries and museums. = The discreet use of technology. As set out earlier this may help to overcome specific barriers presented by existing building features such as changes in level or doors. LEGISLATION Key documents on accessibility are: Building Regulations Part M First published in 1987, these regulations currently apply to new or substantially reconstructed non- domestic buildings to which the public have access. From October 1999 its application extended to housing. Research into further widening its application to include work to existing buildings hhas been undertaken but no proposals have been made. Disability Discrimination Act 1995 This concerns access by people with disabilities to education, employment, 2oods, services and facilities. From October 2004 suppliers of goods, services and facilities must remove the physical barriers which prevent access thereto by such people. Buildings constructed since the introduction of Part M of the Building Regulations and which comply with its requirements and provisions will, to some extent, be deemed to satisfy this requirement of the Act. However, owners of other existing buildings with inbuilt inaccessibility must determine what is the optimum degree of accessibility which will indemnify them against. any claims of discrimination. An access audit, as described below, will be helpful. PCE m7 GUIDANCE British Standards Key standards in this context are: # BS 5810: 1979 Code of practice for access for the bled to buildings. Much of the guidance here is incorporated into the current Part M of the Building Regulations. = BS 5619: 1978 Code of practice for design of housing for the convenience of disabled people. These two standards are in the process of being incorporated into a more comprehensive Standard based on input from people with disabilities, designers and specially commissioned research. The result is BS 8300, published in October 2001. = BS 5588 Part 8: 1988 Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings: Code of practice for means of escape for disabled people. This established sound principles for evacuation by people with disabilities from buildings in the event of an emergency. It is currently under revision. Key principles are the concept of refuges, use of evacuation lifts and effective management of evacuation, all of which remove any restrictions on access to multi-storey or complex buildings for people with disabilities # BS 4467: 1991 Guide to the dimensions in designing for elderly people. Listed and historic buildings PPG1S Planning Policy Guidance Note: Planning and the Historic Environment, published in 1994, established the principle that conservation of a building’s special historic or architectural interest could, given careful design and management, be compatible with the provision of access around, into or within it. In support of and elaborating on this principle, Engli Heritage published its own illustrated guidance, Easy access to historic buildings, in 1995. Audits The audit concept, involving a rigorous and systematic assessment of a building in terms of its accessibility, has become firmly established. In its developed form (that is, supplemented by a programme to implement change), itis likely to be a strategic tool for building owners secking to satisfy the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act from 2004, It is also a requirement for applicants secking Lottery funding that an access audit is carried out and its findings incorporated. Other guidance and research As would be expected much recent guidance now promotes inclusive design. Organisations producing guidance that is well researched and considered include: * Centre for Accessible Environments ® Royal National Institute for the Blind = The University of Reading (Research Group for Non-Handicapping Environments} Access officers Most UK local authorities have appointed access officers whore role isto monitor building proposals, provide informed advice on access provision, especially in problematic cases, and to prepare the authority's policy on accessibility.