University of Birmingham Estates Office

Inclusive Design GuideFebruary 2020

Appendix A February 2020

Hilary Tansley MSc MRICS NRAC

Estates Office Accessibility Officer

h.tansley@bham.ac.uk

Estates Office Estates West University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT© 2020 UoB No part of this publication may be reproduced without UoB’s written permission

Contents

1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................3

1.1 Inclusive Design Principles...........................................................................................................3

1.2 Design Standards.........................................................................................................................4

2.0 Inclusive Projects (RIBA Stage 0)......................................................................................................5

2.1 Project Brief and Concept Design (RIBA Stages 1 and 2)..............................................................5

2.2 Developed Design and Technical Design (RIBA Stages 3 and 4)...................................................5

2.3 Construction (RIBA Stage 5).........................................................................................................6

2.4 Handover and Occupancy (RIBA Stages 6 and 7).........................................................................6

Appendix A............................................................................................................................................7

Access & Inclusion in University of Birmingham Buildings...............................................7

1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................7

2.0 Approaches to the Building (new projects)......................................................................................7

2.1 Pedestrian Routes........................................................................................................................7

2.2 Car Parking...................................................................................................................................7

2.3 Setting Down / Picking up Point...................................................................................................7

3.0 Building Main Entrance....................................................................................................................8

4.0 Horizontal Circulation......................................................................................................................8

4.1 Corridor Width.............................................................................................................................8

4.2 Changes in Level..........................................................................................................................8

4.3 Manifestation to Glazing..............................................................................................................8

4.4 Doors Into and Across Corridors..................................................................................................8

4.5 Door Opening Forces...................................................................................................................9

4.6 Door Widths.................................................................................................................................9

4.7 Contrast to Adjacent Surfaces.....................................................................................................9

4.8 Ironmongery................................................................................................................................9

4.9 Security Controls..........................................................................................................................9

5.0 Vertical Circulation..........................................................................................................................9

5.1 Stairs............................................................................................................................................9

5.2 Lifts............................................................................................................................................10

6.0 Sanitary Facilities...........................................................................................................................10

6.1 Accessible Toilets.......................................................................................................................10

6.2 Gender Neutral Toilets..............................................................................................................10

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6.3 Single Sex Toilets.......................................................................................................................11

6.4 Showers.....................................................................................................................................11

6.5 Parent and Baby / Nursing Rooms.............................................................................................11

6.6 ‘Changing Places’ Facilities.........................................................................................................11

6.7 Wudhu Washing Facilities..........................................................................................................11

7.0 Kitchen and Refreshment Areas....................................................................................................11

8.0 Building Facilities...........................................................................................................................11

9.0 Acoustics........................................................................................................................................11

10.0 Finishes........................................................................................................................................12

11.0 Furniture......................................................................................................................................12

11.1 Teaching Rooms and Study Areas............................................................................................12

11.2 Lecture Theatres......................................................................................................................12

11.3 Offices......................................................................................................................................13

11.4 Laboratories.............................................................................................................................13

11.5 Kitchenette, Café and Restaurant Areas..................................................................................13

12.0 Quiet Spaces and Sensory Rooms................................................................................................13

12.1 Design for Autism........................................................................................................................13

13.0 Residences...................................................................................................................................14

14.0 M & E...........................................................................................................................................15

15.0 Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation of Buildings....................................................................15

15.1 Fire Safety Information Provided on Completion....................................................................15

16.0 Signage, Wayfinding and Information.........................................................................................15

1. IntroductionIt is an Estates Office priority to provide an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff and visitors, as set out in the University’s Equality Scheme and to meet the duties imposed on the University of Birmingham by the Equality Act 2010.

This Inclusive Design Guide is applicable to new build and refurbishments for use by Project Teams to ensure that an accessible and inclusive environment is the result of the development process.

1.1 Inclusive Design PrinciplesAn accessible and inclusive environment is one that can be accessed and used safely, easily and with dignity by everyone. By recognising and accommodating differences in the way people use buildings, dignified, equal and intuitive use becomes possible for all of us.

An inclusive environment does not physically or socially segregate, discriminate or isolate. It readily accommodates and welcomes diverse user needs – from childhood to adulthood through to old age, across all abilities and disabilities and embracing every background, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and culture.

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An inclusive environment is also well designed, functional, efficient and sustainable, and delivers an enhanced user experience.

The University Of Birmingham Estates office has adopted the Construction Industry Council’s ‘Principles of Inclusive Design’ for the design, development and management process of our work from project inception to completion and occupation (RIBA stages 0 - 7) and requires design teams working with the Estates Office (Architects, Surveyors, Project Managers and Contractors) to commit to and embed these principles when working with the University.

The Principles of Inclusive Design Place people at the heart of the design process Acknowledge diversity and difference Offer choice where a single solution cannot accommodate all users Provide for flexibility in use Create an environment that is convenient and enjoyable for everyone to use

http://cic.org.uk/admin/resources/cic-essential-principles-guide-for-clients-contractors-and-developers-2018.pdf

1.2 Design StandardsMeeting the standards of Building Regulations Approved Documents is considered as the ‘minimum’ standard required for projects at the University of Birmingham.

Design Teams, including contractor design elements, should generally use current ‘Best Practice’ Standards as they provide more comprehensive guidance and better reflect the aspirations of the University for an accessible and inclusive campus.

BS 8300:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment Vol 1- External environment - Code of practice

BS 8300:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment Vol 2 -Buildings - Code of practice

BS 9999:2017 Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings - Code of practice (Note: Sections updated by ADB 2019)

BS 6564 (all parts) Sanitary Installations

Building Bulletin 93 - Acoustic design of schools: performance standards 2015

BS 8233:2014 - Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings

The Sign Design Guide – a guide to inclusive signage JMU and the Sign Design Society ISBN 185878 4123

The Design Council gives context for Inclusive Design with a CPD and additional guidance documents https://inclusive.designcouncil.org.uk/

Additional requirements for access, inclusion and diversity of a development may be applicable and will be identified in the specific Project Brief.

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2.0 Inclusive Projects (RIBA Stage 0)This Inclusive Design Guide is applicable to new build and to all refurbishment projects to which a project manager is appointed to ensure that an accessible and inclusive environment is the result of the development process.

More minor refurbishment projects will be reviewed by the Estates Maintenance Officers and Accessibility Officer for potential access improvements that may be incorporated.

Everyone in the project team, including Contractor design elements, will need to collaborate to achieve this outcome. The Estate Office has appointed a full time access consultant within Estates as a resource to support the process.

2.1 Project Brief and Concept Design (RIBA Stages 1 and 2)The project brief will outline project objectives and include the requirement for facilities to promote equality and diversity on campus, e.g. a quiet room or area, gender neutral toilets, a baby change / nursing room or a prayer room.

For refurbishment projects an access audit of the existing building will be undertaken by the Estates Office Accessibility Officer to inform the Design Team, at the outset, of the inherent accessibility barriers to be overcome in the refurbishment of the building.

For new developments the site topography will influence the approaches to the site, the location of the main entrance and egress routes from the building, and the guidance of BS8300:2018 should be adopted.

Appendix A identifies common inclusive features of building projects for the University of Birmingham and features to avoid that would introduce access barriers in the completed building. Appendix A will be updated annually.

2.2 Developed Design and Technical Design (RIBA Stages 3 and 4)For major projects Design Teams should host a workshop for a small focus group of staff and students with disabilities to present the accessible and inclusive features of the developed design, and review any access barriers identified prior to the submission of the planning application.

The design and access statement prepared for the planning application should address how access to the building has been facilitated for disabled people, including pedestrians with a visual or mobility impairment, car parking and setting down/ collection points, arrangements for inclusive access at the building entrance(s), access around the building and to all facilities within it and that egress in an emergency for all building users has been considered.

https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/asset/document/design-and-access-statements.pdf

Any variance from the ‘minimum’ design standards must be supported by a written access statement identifying the reason(s) for the variance and how the accessibility of the building and to services located in the building will be maintained. The access statement will be reviewed by the Project Manager with the Estates Accessibility Officer and the Capital Works Officer/ Director of Projects for agreement before submission to Building Control/ Approved Inspector.

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The building’s fire strategy must anticipate that people with cognitive, sensory or mobility impairments will use the building and that an independent evacuation must be facilitated from the ground floor level and that means of an assisted evacuation from below and above ground floor levels will be required. The fire evacuation routes are to extend to the designated fire ‘Assembly Point’. The fire strategy should use physical solutions when possible and not be over-reliant on management arrangements.

2.3 Construction (RIBA Stage 5)Any design changes that may have an effect on the accessibility of the building must be reviewed and agreed with the Project Manager or Director of Projects and the Estates Accessibility Officer.

The details of ironmongery, finishes, glazing manifestation, fittings, furnishings and signage may not be available until this stage of the work, but should be reviewed and agreed when available.

Test that the acoustic design of spaces meets the design requirements and provide test certificates on handover.

2.4 Handover and Occupancy (RIBA Stages 6 and 7)A full schedule of information on handover is included in the University’s ‘Soft Landings’ requirements. Information must include guidance for building managers on specific features of the building that have been included for accessibility and the fire design information detailed in Section 38 of the Approved Document to Part B of the Building regulations (ADB) must include the passive and active fire design provisions to facilitate a managed assisted evacuation of the building. The floor plans must show the fire compartmentation, location of refuges, emergency voice communications units (EVCs) and evacuation equipment.

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Appendix A Access & Inclusion in University of Birmingham Buildings1.0 Introduction Appendix A identifies common access and inclusive features required for University of Birmingham building projects and also highlights the design features to avoid as potentially forming barriers to access for some users of the completed building.

The appendix supplements but does not replicate or replace the guidance in the Building Regulations Approved Documents parts M, K and B identified as the ‘Minimum Standard’ required by the University of Birmingham or the ‘Best Practice’ Standards including BS8300- 2018 parts 1 & 2 or BS9999.

The Appendix will be updated annually.

2.0 Approaches to the Building (new projects)2.1 Pedestrian Routes External surfaces must be non-slip.

If the route is at a gradient, this must be designed to be as gentle as possible. For a gradient less than 1 in 20, provide level rest areas with seating at intermediate points where the rise has increased by 500mm.

Gradients at 1 in 20 or more must be designed as a ‘ramp’ with alternative step access. For ramps, the level areas should have a contrasting finish to the ramp flights.

Ramps and steps must have adequate lighting for evening and night time use. (Ref. Table 5 BS8300-1:2018 page 53)

Steps must include tactile paving, handrails on both sides and dividing wide steps to give a choice of support on either side of a person and a clearly contrasting step nosing to both tread and riser.

Note: The nosing must be located on the edge of the step, not inset away from the step edge.

Some of the external seating provided must have arms and backs.

Cycle parking must not impede pedestrian routes. If located adjacent to a pedestrian route the end cycle stands should incorporate a low level ‘tapping rail’ for detection by mobility cane users.

Tapering risers and open risers to steps are not acceptable.

2.2 Car ParkingUnless alternative provision already exists locally, provide at least two accessible parking spaces within 50m of the main entrance of the building. Include transfer spaces on both sides and to the rear of each space, wall or post mounted signage and ‘dropped kerb’ access to the adjacent footway.

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2.3 Setting Down / Picking up PointProvide a setting down / collection point for one vehicle as near as possible to the main entrance to the building, preferably with seating adjacent. This space should have road markings to show ‘Set down / pick up’ only.

3.0 Building Main EntranceThe location of the main entrance must allow easily accessible routes to be provided to reach the entrance and the entrance be immediately apparent when approaching the building.

The entrance doors must be power operated, with the preference being for automatically opened sliding doors to each side of an entrance lobby. The minimum effective clear width of external entrance doors must not be less than 1000mm, with the width of a single leaf of a double door not less than 800mm.

Reception areas should have a dual height desk with fitted counter induction loop and ample space for a wheelchair user to wait without restricting the circulation space.

Seating should have a choice of chairs with and without arms, and contrast to the floor finish.

The main entrance area must be easily ‘legible’ and provide sight lines to the stairs, lift and preferably to sanitary facilities from the entrance area, for ease of navigation.

4.0 Horizontal Circulation4.1 Corridor WidthCorridors and main circulation routes should usually be a minimum of 1800mm wide and clear of any obstructions e.g. from columns or fire extinguishers. Doors opening into the corridor should not pose a collision hazard and should be recessed in the corridor wall.

4.2 Changes in LevelAvoid a change in floor level on the circulation routes on any level in the building. Where refurbishment work requires a section of flooring at a gradient the transition must be easily identifiable i.e. lighting to highlight the feature, a different (non-slip) floor finish used on the level and section of floor at a gradient. A handrail further helps to identify the section of floor at a gradient or steps.

4.3 Manifestation to GlazingProtect against accidental impact by using manifestation on the glass that will contrast visually with the background seen from both sides and in all lighting conditions ‘Etched’ film alone will not be adequate – two- colours is more likely to provide adequate visibility. (Ref ADK 5.2 pg. 36 and BS8300:2018 11.5 page 54).

4.4 Doors Into and Across CorridorsFire doors across corridors must be held open on a powered link to the fire alarm to close the doors when the fire alarm sounds and project no more than 100mm into the corridor when held open, with a brightly coloured intumescent strip inset to the leaf edge.

Doors separating corridors from foyers, atriums or other areas and need to be closed to prevent noise transmission or heat loss must have power operated doors, with automatic operation or ‘push pad’ operators with faceplate contrasting to the wall and located at 1000mm above the finished

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floor level (affl). Doors into and on circulation routes (including any that are held open) must have vision panels allowing a zone of vision between 500-1500mm affl.

4.5 Door Opening ForcesDoor closers to all doors must be correctly selected for the size and weight of door, correctly fitted and adjusted to a maximum door opening force of 30N for the initial 30° of opening, reducing to 22.5N. (Ref ADM 3.10 page 30).

Note: Acoustic and ‘over size’ doors will also be required open to the maximum opening forces and power operators will be required where this is a design feature.

4.6 Door WidthsThe minimum effective width of an internal room door (from a corridor at least 1500mm wide) must be 800mm, with the width of a single leaf of a double door not less than 800mm.

The minimum effective width of existing room doors in buildings being refurbished is 750mm (from a corridor at least 1500mm wide). Any doors that are narrower than this must have the width increased to 800/ 825mm, (dependent on the width of the corridor and angle of approach), with 300mm space between the opening edge of the door and adjacent wall, at least on the ‘pull’ side of the door, preferably both sides. (Ref ADM Table 2 page 25 and BS8300-2:2018 Table 2 page 19).

Doors into stairwells containing refuges must be 850mm wide. (Ref BS 999:2017 Appendix G1 page 329).

4.7 Contrast to Adjacent SurfacesA colour and tonal contrast is required between doors, walls and floors and between doors and ironmongery and any signage mounted on the door e.g. toilet doors. Colour contrast is not required to service riser doors. (Ref BS8300-2:2018 Annex B (informative) Using light reflectance values (LRVs) to assess visual contrast page 175)

4.8 IronmongeryDoor lever handles must be comfortable to grasp. The preferred fixing height is 900mm affl. D handles must only be located on the ‘pull’ side of the door at a preferred height of 600-1300mm affl. (Ref BS8300-2:2018 8.4, page 24)

4.9 Security ControlsProximity security controls are preferred to ‘swipe’ or digital locks. The faceplate location must allow use from a wheelchair and contrast with the wall on which it is fitted, with a height (to the top of the fitting) of 1000mm.

5.0 Vertical Circulation5.1 Stairs Stairs must not be narrower than 1200mm wide with a clear half-landing depth of at least 1600mm. Handrails must be provided on both sides of the stair and run continuously on half landings, with a ‘pegged’ support, contrast to the wall on which they are mounted and extend 300mm from the top and bottom riser and terminate by returning to the wall or downwards.

Stairs must have uniform risers and not have open or glass risers. A clearly contrasting nosing must be fitted to the tread and riser to each step edge i.e. not inset only on the tread.

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Lighting to stairs must give uniform illumination across the depth of the stair and not be a source of glare. (Ref. Bs8300-2:2018 section 14 page 65).

5.2 LiftsThe minimum lift size required in UoB buildings is a standard 13 person lift, as this allows larger powered wheelchairs or scooters to be transported. A larger lift may be required if the car is to have doors on opposing sides of the lift car.

Preferably, the passenger lift should be designed and installed for use as an as an evacuation lift (Ref. BS EN 81-20).

Lift landing call buttons should not be located on the lift door architrave, but set to one side of the lift opening with a contrasting faceplate. Landings should have a large floor level indicator opposite the lift door. Provide a 1500 x 1500mm space on the lift landing clear of the corridor circulation route and door access.

Avoid shiny and reflective finishes (such as painted glass) for cladding in the lift car and choose a finish to the lift doors that is different to the lift car walls. Lift car buttons should be fitted into a faceplate that contrasts with the buttons and lift car walls. Provide visual, audible and tactile information to assist in the use of the lift (Ref. BS EN 81-70).

Avoid very dark or black floor finishes. A light coloured floor finish gives reassurance that the lift car is at the landing level.

6.0 Sanitary Facilities 6.1 Accessible ToiletsBS8300:2-2018 increased the size of an accessible toilet with corner layout to 1700mm x 2200mm, to accommodate larger wheelchairs (ref Fig. 40 page 120). This minimum size and layout for corner accessible WCs should be used for all work on campus in preference to the requirements of the current ADM.

One accessible toilet with corner layout is to be provided on the building’s entry level, near to the principal entrance and on each floor level, with layouts offering a choice of right-hand and left-hand transfer to the WC pan. The maximum travel distance to an accessible toilet cubicle is limited by ADM to 40m, on the same level (unrestricted by security access controls) or including use of a lift that is fully accessible.

Accessible toilets should not be fitted with RADAR locks; a ‘lift to lock’ lever handle is preferred.

6.2 Gender Neutral ToiletsGender neutral toilets are to be provided. The facilities are to be in fully enclosed cubicles (with full height partitions and doors without gaps top and bottom) with a toilet and basin in each cubicle. The provision and design of the facilities is to meet BS 6465 and allow for the 25% increase in the overall provision to meet item 5.3.3 (Part 1: Code of practice for the design of sanitary facilities and scales of provision of sanitary and associated appliances. Also see Part 2: Space recommendations — Code of practice).

At least one cubicle must be designed for use by ambulant disabled people and have a minimum width of 1200mm in each location where toilets are provided.

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6.3 Single Sex ToiletsThe Estates Office Project Manager will advise the provision of single sex toilet accommodation in each building / location, in addition to gender neutral toilets.

6.4 ShowersThe Estates Office Project Manager will advise of the requirement for showers. Where shower facilities are provided at least one shower in each (accessible) location must be designed as a ‘wet room’ and wheelchair accessible.

6.5 Parent and Baby / Nursing RoomsThe Estates Office Project Manager will advise of the requirement for a 4m2 Parent and Baby / Nursing room. This facility must be wheelchair accessible. (BS8300:2-2018 18.4 page 116)

6.6 ‘Changing Places’ FacilitiesThe Estates Office Project Manager will advise of the requirement for a 12m2 ‘Changing Places’ Facility or 9m2 ‘Changing Room’ in the building.

6.7 Wudhu Washing FacilitiesThe Estates Office Project Manager will advise of a requirement for these facilities, which will be associated with a Prayer Room.

7.0 Kitchen and Refreshment AreasProvide a microwave, chilled and boiling water points for student use in addition to facilities for staff. The location and arrangement of the microwave and water taps is to be accessible for wheelchair users.

All kitchen / refreshment areas for staff and student use must be designed as shared refreshment areas allowing a min. 1500mm turning circle clear of the worktops/ recycling and waste bins or furniture. Provide a section of worktop fitted at a surface height of 850mm, with clear space underneath and to one side that allows wheelchair users to reach the sink, hot/ cold water tap and any other facilities available. (Ref ADM diagram 16 and BS8300-2: 2018 Section 19 page 135).

8.0 Building FacilitiesThe Estates Office Project Manager will agree the facilities and accommodation to be provided in the building.

New buildings are expected to be fully accessible (with limited exceptions - e.g. plant rooms). For refurbishment projects, all unique facilities are required to be wheelchair accessible, with any inaccessible areas agreed with the Project Manager at an early stage. These projects will be supported by an access appraisal provided by Estates identifying current access barriers in the building to be refurbished.

9.0 AcousticsBuilding acoustics must be designed to meet the transmission and ambient noise criteria appropriate for the room use in Building Bulletin 93 - Acoustic design of schools: performance standards 2015 and/ or BS 8233:2014 Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings.

Testing on completion must be carried out and witnessed by Estates staff to ensure that the agreed criteria are met for each space.

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An induction loop or Infra-red assistive listening system should be installed in all teaching accommodating more than 20 people. (TBA) and meeting rooms accommodating more than 20 people. (TBA) (Ref BS8300-2: 2018 Section 13 page 60).

10.0 FinishesProvide adequate visual contrast to surface finishes. (Ref BS8300- 2:2018 section 1 page 52)

Avoid gloss and highly reflective surfaces which are a source of glare, such as painted glass splash backs and white boards or gloss finished tiles and gloss finishes to kitchen fittings.

Avoid strong or visually confusing patterns on floor and wall surfaces. Floor surfaces must be slip-resistant.

11.0 Furniture11.1 Teaching Rooms and Study Areas All furniture must contrast with the floor finish it is located on. Seating should include some chairs with arms and some height-adjustable chairs with arms.

Tables and desks should preferably have a minimum of 700mm clear space underneath writing surfaces, not impeded by metal work frames or supports. Surfaces must not have a glossy or reflective finish. Tables and moveable chairs and should be fitted with lockable castors.

Provide one no. height-adjustable desk in each teaching room and one no. height-adjustable desk in study areas (5% where more than 20 places).

Height-adjustable desks will preferably be power operated.

Provide a powered height-adjustable lectern with 1500mm manoeuvring space behind the lectern.

Provide adequate circulation space between furniture. (Ref BS8300:2018 Fig. 28 pg. 96).

11.2 Lecture Theatres Lecture Theatres must be accessible to lecturers / presenters and to students / audience.

Provide handrails to side aisle walls in lecture theatres and some seating with arm rests.

Provide a powered height-adjustable lectern with 1500mm manoeuvring space behind the lectern.

Provide 2% of the seating capacity as permanent wheelchair spaces, plus 1% of spaces that could be modified for wheelchair users, with a choice of location in the lecture theatre. (Ref BS8300:2018 17 and Table 6 pg. 86)

Provide height-adjustable desks to wheelchair spaces (preferably be power operated) and have a 500mm deep knee space and lockable castors.

Provide a number of power sockets in the lecture theatre for general use, including in the writing surfaces to 25% of seats. (TBA)

Install spot lights for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters at the front of Lecture Theatres.

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11.3 OfficesProvide one no. height-adjustable desk in each open plan office (5% where more than 20 desks).

Height-adjustable desks will preferably be power operated.

11.4 LaboratoriesLaboratory spaces must have at least one no. power operated height-adjustable bench and section of bench with a sink with open space underneath. Cupboards incorporating locking castors can be located under height-adjustable benches for flexibility of use. Access routes 1500mm wide are required to places with height-adjustable benches.

Provide one no. adjustable height fume cupboard in each lab.

11.5 Kitchenette, Café and Restaurant AreasProvide a range of table heights, preferably with the clear space to the underside of the table between 700mm and 800mm and adequate space between to accommodate wheelchair users. Provide some chairs with arm and back rests. (Ref BS8300:2018 20.6 for Café and Restaurant pg.159 and Diagram 28 page 93 for circulation space)

Ensure that adequate space is provided for access to and from the servery and to cope with anticipated use of the facility.

12.0 Quiet Spaces and Sensory RoomsThe Estates Office Project Manager will advise the number and location of quiet rooms and Sensory rooms to be provided for autistic staff and students to help with sensory overload, or for people with mental health/anxiety difficulties/ADHD.

(Ref BS8300:2018 19.3 for Quiet spaces pg. 154)

12.1 Design for AutismResearch in design for autism has identified seven ASPECTSS criteria for retrofit and new-build projects:

Acoustics

SPatial sequencing (organising spaces around a logical series of events)

Escape (safe spaces that allow for moments of sensory reprieve) Compartmentalisation (specific spaces for specific activities)

Transitionary spaces (reducing the sensory impact of two contrasting spaces)

Sensory zoning (for example, grouping rooms with low stimulus levels)

Safety (avoiding potential hazards for individuals with proprioceptive dysfunction).

(Ref. Mostafa, Magda. “Architecture for Autism: Autism ASPECTSS™ in School Design.” The International Journal of the Constructed Environment4, no.2 (2014): 25-38. doi:10.18848/2154-8587/cgp/v04i02/37413).

Design guidance for neuro-diversity is also available for external landscape and buildings

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Design Cohesion and Clarity Legible – remove complexity by legibly defining spaces and delineating transitions

between them. Predictable – provide consistent spatial sequencing. Navigable – prioritizing cohesive circulation with smooth, wide pathways.

Light, Colour and SoundLight/Colour

Provide relief from the sun via shaded areas and/or vegetation. Avoid harsh artificial light. Utilise non-reflective surfaces. Select low-arousal colours.

Acoustics Prioritize low noise levels throughout the design. Consider the acoustic qualities of every space typology. Select materials to attenuate noise, particularly from vehicular traffic.

Refuge Provide small, private retreat spaces away from high sensory information (shaded,

quiet spaces set away from active areas and circulation, especially vehicular.)

Safety and SecurityWayfinding

Include clear, consistent signage, including orientation maps. Consider using visual aids with pictures, words, or non-abrasive colours. Minimize clutter that may be visually distracting.

Safety Select high-quality, non-toxic materials, site elements, and fixtures that are long

lasting and will require less maintenance and repair. Prioritize non-slip paving materials.

(Danielle Toronyi (2019) Hidden geographies: design for neurodivergent ways of hearing and sensing, Cities & Health, DOI: 10.1080/23748834.2019.1627059)

13.0 ResidencesHAS and the Estates Office Project Manager will agree the number, location and type of accessible accommodation to be provided in the development. The current guidance of BS8300 for accessible bedrooms is for rooms fully fitted out ready for use on completion (4%), with ceiling hoist and connecting door to a PA room (1%), or suitable for later fit-out to meet future demand (5%). Preferably, one accessible parking space will be provided for each accessible room an located close to the building.

(Ref BS8300:2018 19.2.1.3 for Student en-suite bedrooms and 19.1 for kitchen areas pg. 145)

All facilities in the residence must be wheelchair accessible, including retail, bar and laundry.

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14.0 M & ERefer to the University of Birmingham M & E Design Standards

Lighting should be uniform and must not be a source of glare or located at low level. Avoid using both ‘warm’ and ‘cool’ light sources in the same space.

(Ref BS8300-2: 2018 Section 14 page 65)

Assistance alarms in accessible WC’s and bedrooms must sound locally and be linked to a centrally staffed location and then to the University Security Office in Aston Webb.

15.0 Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation of BuildingsThe building design should facilitate evacuation from the ground floor for wheelchair users i.e. have step-free fire exit routes that allow a wheelchair user to leave the building and to easily travel on a wide, surfaced and level or gently ramped external route to the Fire Assembly point.

The passenger lift should preferably be designed and installed for use as an as an evacuation lift (Ref BS EN 81-20 and BS EN 81-70).

The building design must anticipate that an assisted evacuation will be necessary from above ground floors and that a refuge is to be provided associated with all stairs used for evacuation purposes.

Visible beacons to fire alarms must be installed so that people using sanitary facilities are alerted to a fire.

A ‘WASOL’ vibrating pager system linked to the fire alarm is to be installed in each building. The Estates Office Project Manager will advise of the number of pager units required to be provided.

15.1 Fire Safety Information Provided on Completion.The University requires Fire Safety information to be passed to the Project Manager on completion of the project (Ref Regulation 38 ADB and Appendix G).

This must include labelling of all refuge locations within refuges and corresponding location information shown on the fire drawings, location of any evacuation chairs and firefighting equipment shown on the fire drawings and fire safety information for people requiring an assisted evacuation in the refuges in addition to the general fire action information displayed in the building.

16.0 Signage, Wayfinding and Information Information on new and refurbished buildings and any unique facilities should be provided for inclusion on the Campus digital app and the University of Birmingham ‘AccessAble’ web pages.

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