A Study on Barrier-Free Design

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PAVITRA SAHUSRUTEE BHUTSHIKHA SAHSUSHMITA SENJYOTI KUMARI

What is Barrier-Free Design?

Barrier-free design is another term for “handicapped accessible.” It is generally used in architecture to refer to buildings and environments that have ramps and other accessible features.

Many of these features are required by the ADA Guidelines, but Barrier-Free design usually denotes additional features beyond the ADA requirements.

Universal Design considers all the users from the onset of the design process instead of adding additional feature after-the-fact to accommodate more users.

The Seven Principles of Universal Design

The Principles of Universal Design address only universally usable design, while the practice of design involves more than consideration for usability.

PRINCIPLE 1 OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN:

Equitable UseThe design is useful and marketable to people

with diverse abilities:• Provide the same means of use for all users:

identical whenever possible; equivalent when not.

• Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users. • Provisions for privacy, security, and safety

should be equally available to all users. • Make the design appealing to all users.

PRINCIPLE 2 OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN:

Flexibility in UseThe design accommodates a wide

range of individual preferences and abilities:

• Provide choice in methods of use. • Accommodate right- or left-handed

access and use. • Facilitate the user’s accuracy and

precision. • Provide adaptability to the user’s

pace.

PRINCIPLE 3 OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN: Simple and Intuitive UseUse of the design is easy to understand,

regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level:

• Eliminate unnecessary complexity. • Be consistent with user expectations and

intuition. • Accommodate a wide range of literacy and

language skills. • Arrange information consistent with its

importance. • Provide effective prompting and feedback

during and after task completion

PRINCIPLE 4 OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN: Perceptible Information

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities:

• Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information.

• Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings.

• Maximize “legibility” of essential information. • Differentiate elements in ways that can be

described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions).

• Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.

PRINCIPLE 5 OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN:

Tolerance for ErrorThe design minimizes hazards and the

adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions:

• Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded.

• Provide warnings of hazards and errors. • Provide fail safe features. • Discourage unconscious action in tasks

that require vigilance.

PRINCIPLE 6 OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN:

Low Physical EffortThe design can be used efficiently and

comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

• Allow user to maintain a neutral body position.

• Use reasonable operating forces. • Minimize repetitive actions. • Minimize sustained physical effort.

PRINCIPLE 7 OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN: Size and Space for Approach and

UseAppropriate size and space is provided for

approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility:

• Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user.

• Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user.

• Accommodate variations in hand and grip size.

• Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.

The basic barrier free design considerations

for shopping mall• ENTRY AND EXIT: Entrance and exit to every building should be easily accessible and clearly visible from the road. If the entrance lobby is higher than the road level, then ramps should be provided. For buildings having more than one floor, ramps or elevators should be provided besides comfortable staircases.

• RAMPS: Ramps will help elderly persons with walkers or wheel chair to enter or exit any building. Therefore, the gradient of such a ramp should be not less than 1:12. The minimum width should be 120 cm and the maximum length can be 6 meters after which a landing of about 180 cm should be provided. The ramps should be provided with handrails and 10 cm high curbs on both sides.

• DOORS: All doors should have a minimum clear width of 80 cm to allow a wheel chair or a walker to pass. A minimum clear level space of 150cm x 150cm should be provided before and extending beyond a door. Doors and windows should preferably be of such material that helps them to operate smoothly. Opening or locking doors and windows should not require wrist action or fine finger manipulation. Lever type handles are preferable.

• STAIRCASES: Stairs having risers of 150cm and treads of 300cm are comfortable even for the elderly to ascend or descend. Railings along both sides of the width of the staircase make it easier for them. Triangular treads should be avoided at turnings as they can be hazardous. Open risers and projecting nosing can make the elderly trip as their feet or their walking sticks can get caught in them. Slanted risers are preferable. Treads should preferably have slip resistant surface or at least non slip strips at the edge to avoid slipping. The treads and risers may have contrasting colours to make them clearly defined for elderly with poor vision.

• PASSAGES: In public areas, changes in levels of walkways should have dropped curbs. These walkways should have a continuing surface and should be wide enough to allow a person to pass a wheel chair. It can be wider at intervals to allow another wheel chair to pass. To assist the elderly in moving around, use of railings along the passages and corridors in the building as well as pathways in gardens and parks is beneficial. The floors and paved areas can also have contrasting borders at edges to facilitate elderly with poor vision.

• LAYOUT OF THE BUILDING: Buildings should be well lighted and ventilated. The layout or planning of spaces of any building should be simple and obvious to help elderly in finding their way around as most of them can be affected by diminishing memory. Cluttered rooms and gardens, ill placed rugs or foot mats, ill located garden and street furniture, sign posts along defined routes can make elderly trip and hurt themselves. Toilets should be placed conveniently as most of the elderly persons suffer from incontinence.

• TOILETS: At least one toilet in a building should be large enough to allow a walker or wheel chair user to enter, close the door and transfer oneself onto the water closet seat. A turning space of 2.25 sq. meters with a minimum space of 150 cm for wheel chair movement should be provided. Grab bars (preferably steel) strategically placed along water closets, urinals, wash basins and shower areas go a long way is assisting the elderly persons to perform their daily activities with ease. All the accessories in the toilets should be accessible to the person in a wheel chair. Floors in toilets should have non slip tiles. Use of rubberized mats in shower area will minimize falls caused by slipping.

• LIGHTING: Every building should have adequate natural lighting. The windows should have well placed shades to cut off the harsh glare of the sun in daytime. Contrasts in unlit and lit areas at night time should be least. This is because elderly persons with poor vision have difficulty in adjusting their eyes when coming in from a dark area to a well lighted one and vice versa. Use of contrasting colours for electrical switch boards helps the elderly in identifying them.

• HYGEINE AND SAFETY: As elderly persons have diminished immunity, having smooth walls will reduce the accumulation of dust, thereby reducing the chances of catching infection. Elderly will be less prone to hurts if rounded edges are provided for walls, doors, windows, and furniture.

• ACCOUSTICS: Most elderly persons have diminished hearing sense. The use of sound absorbing materials in the rooms, like curtains, carpets, cloth upholstery, tapestries on walls etc. goes a long way in reducing echoes, thereby making it easier for the elderly to hear clearly.

• AESTHETICS: Besides making all provisions for having a barrier free environment, it is of the utmost importance to have aesthetically pleasing, clean, and well maintained environs which do wonders in reducing depression in elderly persons.

• TO SUM UP: It is very important to understand that designing and providing barrier free built environment does not necessitate increased overall areas or cost of construction. If these principles of barrier free architecture are adapted to any design then all will benefit as all of us are going to age sooner or later.

• ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ELEVATORS

1. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATIONInadequate space inside the elevator cab.

High position of switches, buttons and control panel.Narrow entry doors.Insufficient opening time interval.

2. PLANNING PRINCIPLE

To provide well-dimensioned elevators, that disabled people can use conveniently.

3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

The accessible elevator should serve all floors normally reached by the public.

Key-operated elevators should be used only in private facilities or when an elevator operator is present.

Wide elevator cabs are preferable to long ones.

The minimum internal elevator dimensions, allowing for one wheelchair passenger alone, are 1.00 m x 1.30 m

The door opening should not be less than 0.80 m.

The minimum acceptable size of an existing elevator cab, allowing for a single wheelchair passenger, is 0.95 m x 1.25 m. Smaller cabs should be replaced.

The minimum acceptable width of an existing elevator door opening is 0.75 m.Call buttons and control panels mounted higher than the recommended height may be left in place if they are within 1.40 m of the floor, this being the maximum reach of a wheelchair user.Controls mounted higher than 1.40 m should be replaced.

The floor of the elevator and the area in front of the elevetor on each floor should have a non skid resilient surface or a low-pile fixed carpet.

The colour of the elevator door should contrast with the surrounding surface so as to be easily distinguishable by persons with visual impairments.

• ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONSSTAIRS1. PROBLEM

IDENTIFICATIONSteep staircases.Poorly designed steps that hinder foot movement.2. PLANNING

PRINCIPLETo provide safe and well-dimensioned staircases for the comfort of all people, especially those with mobility problems.3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Differences in level should be illuminated or minimized as much as possible for the comfort of disabled people.A complementary ramped route, elevator or lift should be provided where there are steps in an otherwise accessible path.All steps should be uniform.Circular stairs and stepped landings should be avoided(FIG)Open risers are not recommended.

WIDTH LANDING• The minimum width of

a stairway should be 0.90 m for one-way traffic and 1.50 m for two-way traffic.

• For indoor stairs, the riser should be between 0.12 m and 0.18 m, and the tread between 0.28 m and 0.35 m.

• For outdoor stairs, the maximum riser should be 0.15 m and the minimum tread should be 0.30 m.

• An intermediate landing should be provided when the stairs cover a difference in level of more than 2.50 m.

• The length of the landing should be at least 1.20 m extending along the full width of the stairs.

NOSING• Sharp edges and

overhanging nosing should not be used for treads.

• Nosing should be flush or rounded and should not project more than 40 mm.

Handrails must be

installed on both sides of the stairs and around the landing for gripping.

For stairs more than 3.00 m wide, one or more intermediate handrails could be provided.

The distance between the handrails when both sides are used for gripping should be between 0.90 m and 1.40 m

Handrails must extend a distance between 0.30 m and 0.45 m at the top and bottom of the stairs

Recommended nosing types

HANDRAILS

TACTILE MARKING• A textural marking strip should be placed at the top and

bottom of the stairs and at intermediate landings to alert sightless people as to the location of the stairs.

• The tactile marking strip should be at least 0.60 m wide and should extend over the full width of the stairs.

• To guide users with poor vision, the colour of the strip should contrast with the surrounding surface. 3.7 Surface

• Landings, treads and nosing should be slip-resistant and free of projections.

• Exterior stairs should be pitched forward at 10 mm per metre to drain surface water.

• Slip-resistant stair nosing should be used to fix carpets on stairs.

• EMERGENCY STAIRS should be identified by tactile markings.

Mechanical stairs (escalators)

• Mechanical stairs can be provided with an adaptable tread at least 1.20 m long, if they are to be used by persons confined to wheelchairs (fig. 6).

• The edges of escalators should be painted in a contrasting colour for the benefit of poor- sighted users.

• When the configuration of the nosing cannot be modified, slip-resistant strip scould be applied to the nosing as an alternative solution .

• Slip-resistant strips should be 40 mm wide and should not extent more than 1 mm above the tread surface.

• To guide people with sight problems, the colour of the strips should contrast with that of the stairs.

EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONS

PLATFORM LIFTS

Changes in level between indoor and outdoor areas. Changes in level inside a building. Insufficient space for ramps.

To allow people with mobility problems to have free vertical access between different levels.

Platform lifts are special passenger-elevating devices for the disabled.

Platform lifts can have either a vertical or an inclined movement.

1. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

2. PLANNING PRINCIPLE

3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

VERTICAL MOVEMENT PLATFORM LIFTS For maximum level changes of 2.50

m, vertical movement platform lifts may be installed adjacent to the stairs (fig. 1).

For level changes of more than 1.20 m,

the lift should be placed in a closed structure with doors at the different accessible levels (fig. 2). Vertical platform lifts can have a variety of opening for entry and exit (fig. 3).

(fig. 1).

(fig. 2).

(fig. 3).

INCLINED MOVEMENT • Inclined movement platform

lifts consist of three elements: a railing, an electric generator and a moving platform or seat.

• The operating system of the lift can be either lateral (fig. 4) or suspended (fig. 5).

• Inclined movement platform lifts can be installed along the stair wall, as long as they do not obstruct the required width of the exit. The seat or platform can be folded when not in use.

(fig. 4).

(fig. 5).

INCLINED MOVEMENT PLATFORM LIFTS

• The minimum width of the stairs should be 0.90 m to allow the installation of a lift (fig. 6).

• Platform lifts can be installed on all types of stairs including switch-back stairs i.e. those with a rotation angle of 180 (fig. 7) and spiral staircases (fig. 5).

(fig. 6). (fig. 7).

The minimum width of the lift platform should be 0.90 m and the minimum length should be 1.20 m (fig. 3).

LIFT SIZE

4. EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONS

• Platform lifts, also known as stairway lifts or wheelchair lifts, can provide access to existing buildings where it would be difficult or unfeasible to install a ramp or an elevator.

• Inclined movement platform lifts are usually used to connect one or more floors or to overcome split levels in existing buildings. In buildings that are or would be frequently used by persons with mobility problems, such devices should not be utilized.

CORRIDORS

1. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION• Long and narrow corridors creating orientation

difficulties.2. PLANNING PRINCIPLE• To provide well-dimensioned corridors to facilitate

the passage and maneuvering of a wheelchair.3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS• Wide corridors are useful for wheelchair users,

service equipment, high traffic areas, etc.

WIDTH• The unobstructed width of a

low-traffic corridor should not be less than 0.90 m. This also allows maneuverability in 90 turns (fig. 1).

• The unobstructed width of a public corridor should not be less than 1.50 m. The recommended width is 1.80 m (

1) (fig. 2).• To allow maneuverability in 180

turns, the minimum circulation space should be as shown in figure 3.

• The corridor width should allow maneuverability through the doors located along its length (fig. 2) (fig. 4). Fig. 4

Fig. 3

Fig. 1Fig. 2

OBSTRUCTIONS• Obstacles protruding into the corridor, such as drinking fountains or public telephones, should be placed outside the circulation path, in alcoves or cul-de-sacs (fig. 5).• Overhanging signs and obstacles should be mounted at least 2.00 m high (fig. 6). SURFACE• Changes in surface level of more than 13

mm should be ramped.• Floor surfaces should be non-slip and even. Carpets should be securely fastened.

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

4. EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONS

• Narrow corridors should be widened along their full length if feasible; otherwise, passing areas should be located at appropriate intervals along the corridor length.

• The minimum width of the passing area should be 1.50 m and the minimum length should be 2.40 m.

• In highly restricted spaces, the height of an obstacle or sign can be dropped to 1.95 m.

• 1.50 m is the minimum width for two wheelchairs to pass each other or for one wheelchair to make a full turn.

RAMPS1. 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.2. PLANNING PRINCIPLE• To provide ramps wherever stairs obstruct the free passage

of pedestrians, mainly wheelchair users and people with mobility problems.

3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS• An exterior location is preferred for ramps. Indoor ramps are

not recommended because they take up a great deal of space.

• Ideally, the entrance to a ramp should be immediately adjacent to the stairs.

RAMP CONFIGURATION Ramps can have one of the following configurations:

(c) Switch back or 180 turn

Width• Width varies according

to use, configuration and slope.

• The minimum width should be 0.90 m.

(a)Straight run

(b) 90 turn

SLOPE Maximum slope

Maximum length

Maximum rise

1:20  i.e., 9%

- -

1:16  i.e., 6%

8 m 0.50 m

1:14  i.e., 7%

5 m 0.35 m

1:12  i.e., 8%

2 m 0.15 m

1:10  i.e., 10%

1.25 m 0.12 m

1:08  i.e., 12%

0.5 m 0.06 m

• The maximum recommended slope of ramps is 1:20. Steeper slopes may be allowed in special cases depending on the length to be covered (fig.).

LANDINGS• Ramps should be provided with landings for resting,

maneuvering and avoiding excessive speed.• Landings should be provided every 10.00 m, at every

change of direction and at the top and bottom of every ramp.

• The landing should have a minimum length of 1.20 m and a minimum width equal to that of the ramp

HANDRAIL• A protective handrail at least 0.40 m high must be placed

along the full length of ramps.• For ramps more than 3.00 m wide, an intermediate

handrail could be installed (fig.).• The distance between handrails when both sides are used

for gripping should be between 0.90 m and 1.40 m (fig.).

Surface• The ramp surface should be hard and non-slip.• Carpets should be avoided.

TACTILE MARKING• A coloured textural indication at the top and bottom of the

ramp should be placed to alert sightless people as to the location of the ramp.

• The marking strip width should not be less than 0.60 m.DRAINAGE N ADEQUATE DRAINAGE should be provided to

avoid accumulation of water.

OBSTACLES• The same clearance considerations that apply to

pathways apply to ramps.

MECHANICAL RAMPS• Mechanical ramps can be used in large public buildings

but are not recommended for use by persons with physical impairments.

• If the ramp is to be used by a wheelchair-confined person, the slope should not exceed 1:12.

• The maximum width should be 1.00 m to avoid slipping.

4. EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONSIf the topography or structure of the existing building is

restrictive, minor variations of gradient are allowed as a function of the ramp length:

• A non-slip surface finish should be added to slippery ramps.

• Circular or curved ramps are not recommended.

Maximum slope

Maximum length

Maximum rise

1:20  i.e., 9%

- -

1:16  i.e., 6%

8 m 0.50 m

1:14  i.e., 7%

5 m 0.35 m

1:12  i.e., 8%

2 m 0.15 m

1:10  i.e., 10%

1.25 m 0.12 m

1:08  i.e., 12%

0.5 m 0.06 m

CURB RAMPS1. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION• Improperly designed transition or no transition at all

between the curb and the street at pedestrian crossings and in the vicinity of building entrances.

2. PLANNING PRINCIPLE• To overcome changes in level between the pavement

and the road surface and also on the pavement itself.

3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS• Curb ramps are used wherever there is a difference in

level on pedestrian paths or cross paths.• To avoid confusing sightless pedestrians, curb ramps

should be positioned out of the usual line of pedestrian flow. The unobstructed width of the pathway should be not less than 0.90 m.

• Curb ramps should be located away from places where water accumulates.

TYPES (a)Standard curb ramps: Cut back into the pavement

with flared sides providing transition in three directions (fig. 1).

(b) Returned curb ramps:  Providing slope in one

direction. This could be a dangerous measure if the sides are not protected (fig. 2).

(c) Built-up curb ramps:  Usually with flared edges (fig.

3).

Fig. 2

Fig. 1

Fig. 3

APPLICATION• At each quadrant

of each street intersection (fig. 4).

• At each pedestrian crossing, on opposite sides of the street (fig. 4).

• At drop-off zones, near building entrances (fig. 5).

• Between accessible parking areas and pathways (fig. 6).

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

CURB RAMPS AT INTERSECTIONS

At intersections, curb ramps can be installed in any of the following ways:

(a) Directly in the path of travel (fig. 4).

(b) Diagonally across the corner (3) (fig. 7).

(c) Continuously wrapped around the corner (fig. 8).

NARROW PAVEMENT• Where the construction of curb

ramps would affect the width of the travel route, the whole pavement should be lowered, at a maximum slope of 1:12, to provide the necessary level transition (fig. 9).

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

• For narrow pavements lowered at a corner, the tactile tiling indicating the location of the pedestrian crossing could be constructed as indicated in figure 10.

WIDTHThe minimum width of a curb ramp should be

0.90 m, excluding the sloping sides. The recommended width is 1.20 m (fig. 11).

SLOPE• The maximum slope of a curb ramp should

be 1:12.• The maximum slope of flares should be

1:12.• Level transfer is recommended between the

curb ramp and the surface of a pathway. A lip not exceeding 15 mm can be used (fig. 11).

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

GUIDE STRIPS• A guide strip painted in a contrasting colour should be

constructed to guide sightless and partially sighted pedestrians to the location of the curb ramp (fig. 4).

SURFACE AND COLOUR• Curb ramps, including flares, should have a rough texture or

ground pattern to make them detectable and slip-resistant.• The surface colour should be distinct and should contrast

with the surrounding surfaces to guide pedestrians with limited vision.

4. EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONS• The maximum allowable slope for a curb ramp

constructed along high pavements should not be more than 1:10. The maximum slope of the flares should also be 1:10.

• If existing curb ramps do not comply with the above mentioned requirements, they should be modified.

• For narrow pavements more than 0.15 m high, where the construction of curb ramps would obstruct the free passage of pedestrians:

(a) The pavement can be lowered to the road level to obtain the required transition between the pavement and the road surface (fig. 9) (fig.10).

(b) Built-up curb ramps can be constructed if they would not obstruct the required width of the road (fig. 3)

• Returned curb ramps are unaccepted measures in some countries.

• In some countries, such as Canada, built-up curb ramps are accepted only as remedial measures to overcome existing barriers, but not on public streets or pathways.

• Corner curb ramps could be dangerous to wheelchair users if the pedestrian crossing is not wide enough.

• The curb ramp construction at pedestrian crossings does not need to cover the whole width of the crossing.

PARKING1. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION• Poor parking facilities.• Insufficient width of the parking aisle.• No allocation of parking space for the disabled.

2. PLANNING PRINCIPLE• To provide accessible parking facilities as close as

possible to the point of destination.

3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS• Accessible parking provisions apply to both

outdoor and underground facilities.• For multi-storey indoor parking facilities, at least

one level should be served by an accessible elevator.

NUMBER• For parking facilities of less than 50 cars, at least one accessible

parking space should be provided in every parking facility.• For parking facilities of a maximum number of 400 spaces,

accessible parking spaces should at least be provided in the ratio of 1:50 (one accessible space for every 50 spaces).

• For parking facilities of more than 400 spaces, at least 8 accessible parking spaces should be provided plus 1 space for each additional increment of 100 cars over 400.

LOCATION• For outdoor parking, accessible parking spaces should be

located not more than 50 m from accessible building entrances.• For indoor parking, accessible parking spaces should be located

right next to accessible elevators, or as close as possible to exits.

• The ends of rows are preferable for vans with lifts for wheelchair users.

DIMENSIONS• The minimum width of an

accessible parking space is 3.60 m. The recommended width is 3.90 m (fig. 1).

• An access aisle 1.20 m wide can be located between two ordinary parking spaces (fig. 2).

• For indoor parking, the minimum height clearance for vans with hydraulic lifts is 2.40 m.

• Where parking spaces are angled, the extra space at the end of a row can be used as a parking aisle for disabled persons (fig. 3). Fig. 3

Fig. 2

Fig. 1

Curbside parking is dangerous for disabled people unless it is designed as an accessible drop-off

area.

PARKING CURB• If a curb exists, curb ramps

should be provided to link accessible parking spaces to accessible pathways (fig. 2).

• If no curb exists, a textured surface at least 0.60 m wide is needed to separate the pathway from the vehicular area; otherwise bollards should be used (see Street Furniture). Pre-cast wheelstops can also be used to set apart a passage at least 0.90 m wide (fig. 4) (fig. 5).

CURBSIDE PARKING

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

DROP-OFF AREAS (fig. 6)• Drop-off areas are beneficial for picking up and

dropping off people with physical limitations, parents with children, people carrying loads, etc.

• Drop-off zones should be provided at public transport stops such as bus stops, and not more than 30.00 m from accessible building entrances.

• The drop-off area should be at least be 3.60 m wide and incorporate an aisle 1.20 m wide to allow for manoeuvring. The length should accommodate at least two cars.

• Appropriate curb ramps should be provided to facilitate circulation over paved surfaces.

• Where no curb exists to mark the separation between pedestrian and vehicle zones, the installation of a cue is necessary to guide sightless pedestrians:

(a) Bollards may be used (see Street Furniture);

(b) A tactile marking strip at least 0.60 m wide can be constructed at the edge of the pathway to warn of the transition to a vehicular area.

• A protected shelter or canopy with seating facilities is a recommended design feature at passenger loading zones.

• Signs should be installed to identify a drop-off zone and prevent its misuse as a parking space.

SURFACE• The surface of a parking facility should

beuniform and smooth.• The slope of a parking ramp should not

exceed 1:20.

SIGNS Accessible parking areas should be

marked by the international symbol of accessibility.

4. EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONS• If the parking area is more than 50.00 m from

the building entrance, a vehicular drop-off area within 30.00 m of the entrance should be built or an accessible parking space close to the entrance should be constructed.

• If no accessible parking space is available, one of the following measures should be implemented:

• (a) Block a peripheral regular stall with bollards to get one accessible parking space (fig. 8).

• (b) Block a central regular stall with bollards to get two accessible parking spaces (fig. 9).

• (c) Two accessible parking aisles (fig. 9).• For indoor parking spaces with clear height of

less than 2.40 m, alternative outdoor provisions for vans carrying disabled people should be provided.

(fig. 7)

(fig. 8)

(fig. 9)

SIGNAGE

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

• Orientation difficulties resulting from illegible directional signs, street names and numbering and/or the lack of them.

• Pedestrian accidents due to badly positioned signs.

• Hazards due to lack of warning and traffic signals.• Non-identification of access routes and accessible

facilities.

PLANNING PRINCIPLE• To facilitate orientation mainly for the disabled.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

• Signage include direction signs, signs of locality, street names and numbering, information signs, etc.

• All types of signs should be visible, clear, simple, easy to read and understand, and properly lit at night.

• In general, signs should not be placed behind glass because of possible reflection.

• Signage placed on the pedestrian path of travel are considered obstructions; thus, they should be detectable

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY

• Accessible spaces and facilities should be identified by the international symbol of accessiblity (fig. 1).

• The symbol is composed of a wheelchair figure with either a square background or a square border (fig. 2).

• Contrasting colours should be used to differentiate the figure from the background. The commonly employed colours are white for the figure and blue for the background.

• The wheelchair figure should always be seen from drawn facing right.

• For completely accessible buildings, it is enough to have one explanatory sign at the entrance.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

DIRECTION SIGNS• Graphic or written directions

should be used to indicate clearly the type and location of the available facility (fig. 3).

• Directional signs need not be excessive in number, but they should be placed at main entrances and doors and in places where changes in direction or level occur.

MAPS & INFORMATION PANELS

Maps and information panels at building entrances, along roads, and on public buildings should be placed at a height between 0.90 m and 1.80 m.

INSTALLATION

• Information signboards should be rectangular.

• Warning signboards should be triangular.

• Interdictory signboards should be circular.

a) Wall-Mounted signs

 (b) Overhanging signs(c)Pole-Mounted signs

SHAPE OF SIGNBOARDS

COLOUR• The colour of signs should contrast with the surrounding surface so as to be clearly distinguishable.• The commonly used

colours are: white, black, yellow, red, blue and green.

• The colour combinations red/green and yellow/blue should not be used in order to avoid confusing colour- blind persons.

•The sign surface should be processed to prevent glare.•Engraved texts should be avoided unless they are coloured. Relief prints are advisable.•Key plans, orientation signs and push buttons in lifts must have a text in Braille or in relief.

SURFACE

LETTERING• The size of letters should be in proportion to the

reading distance.• Character width-to-height ratio should be between

3:5 and 1:1 and the character stroke width-to-height ratio should be between 1:5 and 1:10.

• The letters and signs should preferably be raised at least 1 mm from the background, to enable sightless people to read the information using the tips of their fingers.

• The smallest letter type should not be less than 15 mm.

• Normal spacing between words and letters should be used.

EXISTING CONSTRUCTIONS

• The international symbol of accessibility should be added to mark accessible spaces and facilities.

• Directional signs should be added to indicate clearly the location and function of accessible spaces and facilities.

• Signs that do not comply with the above design requirements should be modified or replaced.

TACTILE SIGNS

• Commercial uses Accessibility requirements for wheelchair users

should be applied to all new large speciality shops having a sales area of 100 m or more.  In small shops, provisions for wheelchair users should be applied wherever possible.  In large multi-storey department stores and supermarkets, accessible elevators should be installed to provide access to lower and/or upper levels for the benefit of wheelchair users and people with problems.

Merchandise display areas in accessible shops should be as conveniently located as possible to a wheelchair user. Angled mirrors can be placed above high shelves for visibility.

 In accessible clothes shops, at least one changing room should allow for a full 360 turn of a wheelchair.