The document discusses considerations for barrier-free and universal design. It covers definitions of barrier-free environments and outlines key architectural design elements to ensure accessibility, including parking, entrances, ramps, dropped kerbs, doors, and corridors. The goal is to allow free and safe movement for all people regardless of ability. Dimensions and design features are provided to make spaces accessible to people with disabilities including wheelchair users.
The document discusses considerations for barrier-free and universal design. It covers definitions of barrier-free environments and outlines key architectural design elements to ensure accessibility, including parking, entrances, ramps, dropped kerbs, doors, and corridors. The goal is to allow free and safe movement for all people regardless of ability. Dimensions and design features are provided to make spaces accessible to people with disabilities including wheelchair users.
The document discusses considerations for barrier-free and universal design. It covers definitions of barrier-free environments and outlines key architectural design elements to ensure accessibility, including parking, entrances, ramps, dropped kerbs, doors, and corridors. The goal is to allow free and safe movement for all people regardless of ability. Dimensions and design features are provided to make spaces accessible to people with disabilities including wheelchair users.
A8304015032 BARRIER-FREE DESIGN Design for those with physical or other disabilities, involving the provision of alternative means of access to steps (e.g. ramps and lifts (elevators) for those with mobility problems). It is also called universal or barrier-free design What is a Barrier-Free Environment? A barrier-free environment is a space that allows for free and safe movement, function and access for all, regardless of age, sex or condition. A space or a set of services that can be accessed by all, without obstacles, with dignity and with as much independence as possible. The environment means buildings, roads, parks, gardens and other places, services, modes of transportation, products of daily use, etc. It must be clearly understood that barrier–free goes far beyond just a ramp and has many other necessary aspects. These range from door and passage widths to flooring surfaces, from counter heights to door handles and railings, from signage and auditory signals to tactile guides. Architectural Design Considerations: This section deals with the design requirements of vertical and horizontal access in both new and existing constructions. It is subdivided into following headings: Ramps Elevators/Lifts Stairs Railings and Handrails Entrances Reception Doors Corridors Toilets PARKING: Standard car parking spaces are typically 3500mm wide x 5000mm long should be allocated at a convenient place near the office entrance or reception with international symbols of accessibility. The parking spaces reserved for persons with a disability shall be located in proximity and with an accessible route to entrance. Ensure the route between the car park and the entrance to the building or facility is accessible and easy to understand ENTRANCE: Design Consideration: For new accessible constructions, all main public entrances should be accessible to an ambulant disabled person. At least one entrance per facility should be accessible to a wheelchair user. In new buildings, the accessible entrance(s) should be the main entrance(s) intended for use by the general public. Each accessible entrance should be connected by accessible pathways to accessible indoor or outdoor parking areas, local public transit stops and drop-off areas. Glaze at Entrance: Glazed doors should have glazed panels that extend low enough to allow persons using mobility aids to see what is on the far side of the door (i.e. maximum height from grade 900 mm to lower edge of glazing). RAMPS: Problem Identification: Inaccessible building entrances due to difference between indoor and outdoor levels. Inaccessible routes due to differences in level. Lack of or improper design of ramps. Very steep and/or long ramps with no resting landings. Design Considerations: Where there is a change in level, the provision of a ramp is an effective method to ensure largely independent accessibility for persons with a disability and the elderly. Interior ramp is preferred as a means of egress to stair as it accommodates a wider range of building user, including wheelchair user. An exterior location is preferred for ramps to provide wheelchair access to different floors. Indoor ramps are not recommended because they take up a great deal of space. DROPPED KERBS: A dropped kerb is a ramp built on a footpath or pavement to accommodate the change in level towards vehicular areas. Dropped kerb shall be of appropriate design and provided with adequate visual and tactile warning. Design Considerations: The provision of a dropped kerb is overcome potential hazard arising from change in level for persons with or without a disability. The tactile warning strip should be provided in order to notify the presence of traffic. The tactile warning strip should have luminous contrast for the elderly and persons with visual impairment. DOORS: Door Dimension: For exterior door, minimum width should be 0.90 m -1.00m • For interior doors, minimum width should be 0.80-0.85 m. Clear height of 2.10-2.20 m is recommended for all the doors. Accessible door features finish to ensure clear visibility for people suffering from visual impairment. Useful suggestions: In general, automatic doors are accessible. Automatic doors are of two types- Swinging door and sliding door. Sliding door should be preferred over Swinging door. Revolving doors should not be preferred in any public building type. Automatic doors should have an adequate opening interval to allow people with mobility problems easy access. CORRIDORS: Corridor Dimensions: Width of corridors- Preferable width should be in between 1.50 m-1.80 m to allow easy passage of two wheelchairs without any obstruction. (1.80 m width is appropriate for 180* turn inside corridor) In a place where traffic is low, corridors may have width less than 1.50 but not less than 0.90 m. Water fountain or any other facilities such as fire hoses should be located outside the corridor area and not protrude outside.