Building design for differently abled

Veenapriya ,A9038

Introduction

People of diverse abilities should be able to use buildings and places comfortably and safely, as far as possible without special assistance. They should be able to find their way easily, understand how to use building facilities. An environment that is friendly for the differently abled people should be a space that allows free and safe movement function and access with dignity and indepenence.A successful design should ensure provision of an environment that supports the independent function of individuals so that they can get to and participate without assistance in everyday activities.

Standards to be followed for such a design should ensure satisfaction for anyone who is hampered in his mobility of function as a result of obstacles put in his way by the designing of the building , choice of hardware, equipment and arrangement of exterior space. Hence, the design for differently abled people should present exceptional opportunities to create a well conceived and aesthetically pleasing space which provides a sense of comfort, indepenence and control.

Data collection

“Description of a physical mobility disability/wheel chair

Reduced mobility is a form of disability which includes a reduction in capacity of movement and movement of a person. People in wheel chair are

dependant of the environment more than the other.

Needs of people with a mobility difficulty

People with mobility difficulties have problem to move, walk, go in the stairs, and any small step can be a barrier of a circulation.

Precaution for the wheelchair access must be specially taken. They need a wide way with a very low slope, no steps.

Wheelchairs must have enough place to rotated and change the way.

the access of the tap, object, doors handle is more difficult and those component must be placed in order to permit an easier contact to it.

Universal design principles

The seven Principles that describe characteristics that make designs

universally usable are:

1. Equitable Use2. Flexibility in Use3. Simple and Intuitive4. Perceptible Information5. Tolerance for Error6. Low Physical Effort7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Car parkingwidth of parking bay shall be min. _3.60 Meter.Parallel designated parking spaces should be 7000mm in lengthcanopy height clearance should be at least of 2600mm.in case of paid parking , the clear area at the front of the machine of at least 1850mm depth and 2100mm width.Access routesA clear width of 2000mm is recommended.Where the clear width of an access route is less than 2000mm, passing places should be provided. It should be 2000mm wide x 2500mm longGuardrails or barriers should be 1200mm high

Design considerations

RampExternal ramps should have a gradient not exceeding 1 in 20, with a maximum rise of 450mm .External stepsThe clear width of external steps should not be less than 1200mm.The total rise of a flight of steps between landings should be no more than 1500mmCorridorsA minimum corridor width of 1500mm is recommended.EntrancesAdequate space should be provided outside all entrance doors to enable people to manoeuvre, understand, access, and use any intercom or entry system.DoorsThe clear opening width of entrance doors to new buildings should be 1000mm and at least 850mm for existing buildings.

ToiletGrab rails should be provided to both sides of the cubicle.The WC seat should be 480mm above floor level

Enlarged cubicles should be 1200mm wide and provide a 900mm x 900mm circulation space clear

A self-contained accessible changing area should have the recommended dimensions of 2300mm x 2500mmPublic telephonesthe uppermost control should be no higher than 1370mm above floor level.Vending machinesvending machines should be positioned b/n 750mm and 1200mm above floor level

Internal stairsThe clear width of internal stairs should not be less than 1200mm. it should be measured between handrails.Handrails should be positioned with the upper surface 900mm to 1000mm above the pitch line of the stair flight and 900 to 1100mm above landings.Passenger liftsPassenger lifts should always be located adjacent to stairsA lift should have recommended internal dimensions of 1800mm x 1800mm. Sanitary facilitiesThe horizontal travel distance to the nearest toilet facilities within a public building should not exceed 40m..

CASE STUDIESFalcognana Elderly Center Rome,Day Centre and Housing for the Disabled,House of Disable People's Organization  

1,Falcognana Elderly Center, Rome

The Falconine Elderly center is a single story structure with an area of 4000 sqm. This building include many people with mental and physical disabilities. and also it has been designed to accommodate the needs of its residents requiring special care and services.

2, Day Centre and Housing for the Disabled 

This building is located in Seregno MB, Italy. This day care centre include many people with physical and mental disabilities. The building ensures easy accessibility for all type of users.

3, House of Disable People's Organization 

This 12600.0 sqm building is located in Denmark. Approximately 20 different organizations are now represented in the House of Disabled People's Organizations. The organizations' objective with this new house was to create 'the World's Most accessible office building, to show how an accessible, usable, sustainable building can be done, removing all kinds of barriers at no extra cost

Comparative analysis of case studiesSpaces Case study 1 Case study 2 Case study 3Access to the building

Access from the main street by car or bus

Better accessibility for bus or car

Access from the main street by car or bus

Car parking Separate parking spaces for physically challenged

parking spaces for disabled people have been provided.

Parking space:3.7m X 5.7m

Pedestrian access Wheel chair access with ramps(1 in 15), access through stairs as well.

Ramps are used instead of stairs.

Both ramps and stairs are provided.

Entrance to the building

The clear opening width of the door is 1300mm

Entrance door is 1500mm wide

Ramps are used instead of steps.

Ramp Clear width_1200mmSlope 1:15

Ramp width _1300mm Ramp width _1300mm

Stairs Width of stairs_1800mm No steps.Ramps are used.

Stairs width _2000mm

Escalators Not provided Not provided Not provided

Horizontal circulation

Corridor width_2200mmRailing at height 1100mm

Grab rails are provided at a height of 1100mm

Minimum corridor width_2000mm.Hand rails at a height of 1000mm.

Doors Internal doors_1000mm wide Door width_1100mmAbsence of thresholds.

Door width_1200mm

Sanitary facilities Avg area_2.7m2Door width_1100mm

Avg area_5.7m2Door width_1000mm __

Ambience Well designed building minimize the travel distance, clear circlation roots

The building provide easy accessibility for all kind of users.

Different color codes are used all over the building enable ease of identification.

4,Inferences and conclusion discussed in chapter 3Guidelines for designing accessible building.Conclusion

“The 3 case studies highlight the fact that a friendly and accessible design for the differently abled involves the creation of a positive ambience with respect to design and functionality besides simply following the various standards and regulations.

Guidelines for designing accessible building. Access Path/Walk Way :- Access path from plot entry and surface parking to Building entrance shall be minimum of 1800 mm. wide having even surface without any steps. Slope, if any, shall not have gradient greater than 5%Parking :-Surface parking for two Car Spaces shall be provided near entrance for the physically handicapped persons with maximum travel distance of 30.0 meter from building entrance.The width of parking bay shall be minimum 3.6 meter.Approach to plinth levelEvery building should have at least one entrance accessible to the handicapped and shall be indicated by proper signage. entrance shall be approached through a ramp together with the stepped entry.

Ramped Approach :- Ramp shall be finished with non slip material to enter the building. Minimum width of ramp shall be 1800 mm. with maximum gradient shall be 1:15.Stepped Approach :- For stepped approach size of tread shall not be less than 300 mm. and maximum riser shall be 150 mm.Exit/Entrance Door :- Minimum clear opening of the entrance door shall be 900 mm. and it shall not be provided with a step that obstructs the passage of a wheel chair user. Threshold shall not be raised more than 12 mm.

Entrance Landing :-Entrance landing shall be provided adjacent to ramp with the minimum dimension 1800 mm x 2000 mm.The minimum width of Corridor connecting the entrance/exit shall be 1500 mm.Hand rails shall be provided for ramps/slope ways Stair-ways : The minimum width shall be 1350 mm.Hand rails shall be provided on both sides and shall extend 300 mm. on the top and bottom of each flight of steps.Lifts :-Wherever lift is required as per bye-laws, provision of at least one lift shall be made for the wheel chair users.The lift lobby shall be of an inside measurement of 1800 mm x 1800 mm. or more.

Clear internal depth :1100mmClear internal width :2000mmEntrance door width : 900 mm.Toilets :- One special W.C. in a set of toilet shall be provided for the use of handicapped, with essential provision of wash basin near the entrance for the handicapped.The minimum size shall be 1500 mm x 1750 mm.Minimum clear opening of the door shall be 900 mm. and the door shall swing out.Proper signage :-Appropriate identification of specific facilities within a building for the handicapped persons should be done with proper signage.

Conclusion The basic responsibility of an architect is to help any differently abled person in accessing

and participating in the built environment, thereby ensuring equal opportunities leading to their active participation in social life .

Although this design aims at providing accessible spaces for people with mobility impairments in particular, some of the differently abled people interviewed have demanded the need for a universal design which is not just about age or ability but also about creating a usable design for the broadest category of users which offer years of increased utility, comfort, and safety.

When the built environment is designed to empower the disabled , the able bodied users will find it even more user-friendly. Therefore, every built environment should be designed for its easy comprehension and understanding for the differently abled.

Accessibility principles must be followed when planning, designing and building infrastructure and vehicles. These require approved standards or recognised best practices, minimum accessibility requirements for wheelchairs, features for people with walking difficulties, and facilities to assist the blind, deaf or hearing impaired people.

This dissertation points out for the need of a universal design.

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