In today’s world, designing buildings with accessibility in mind is not just a matter of compliance, but a reflection of our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all individuals. The construction industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of creating spaces that are welcoming and functional for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. This article explores crucial aspects of designing buildings with wheelchair accessibility in mind, a key element for fostering an inclusive environment.
Understanding the Needs
Disabilities can significantly impact a person’s ability to navigate and use buildings. Careful design of ramps, floors, corridors, doorways, and sanitary facilities is essential to provide ease of movement and access. It is crucial to acknowledge that many people have not experienced the challenges of using a wheelchair and might not fully understand the impact of even small obstacles. Beyond obvious barriers like steps, wheelchair users encounter daily hurdles with doorways that are not wide enough, difficult surfaces, and inaccessible restrooms.
Dimensions and Space
Designing for wheelchair accessibility starts with understanding the basic dimensions of a standard wheelchair:
- Overall length: 100 cms to 109 cms
- Overall width: 53 to 64 cms
- Toe height: 20 cms
- Seat width: 41 to 46 cms
- Seat height above the ground: 48 to 50 cms
- Height of handles: 90 to 92 cms
- Height of armrests: 76 to 80 cms
- Width between footrests: 45 cms
It is important to remember that when a person is seated in a wheelchair, their toes will protrude about 15 cms in front of the footrests and their arms and hands will protrude from the sides of the wheelchair. Sufficient room is required around the wheelchair for movement, including space for hands to turn the wheels or operate the brakes.
Key Design Considerations
- Doorways: Doorways should be a minimum of 82 cms wide to allow for easy passage. There must also be enough space to maneuver and operate the door handle.
- Corridors: Corridors need to be at least 92 cms wide for a single wheelchair to pass. If people need to pass a wheelchair or if two wheelchairs need to pass, even more space is needed. A corridor with a right-angle bend will require additional width to allow a wheelchair to turn the corner.
- Flooring: Avoid bumps, grills with slots that could trap wheels, and difficult surfaces such as gravel or cobbles.
- Ramps: Slopes should not be too steep or too long. Ramps should have a maximum slope of 1:12 and should have landings at the bottom, top, and at any turns. These landings should be at least 1.5 meters long. If a ramp is higher than 15 cms, handrails should also be provided.
- Grab Rails: Install grab rails to assist on slopes and when using toilet facilities.
- Washbasins: Washbasins should be installed to allow space underneath so a wheelchair user can get close enough to wash.
Parking and Restrooms
- Parking: Disabled parking spaces should have an aisle at least 1.5 meters wide between parked cars to allow for wheelchair access.
- Restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms must have enough room for a wheelchair to enter, close the door, and maneuver next to the toilet pan. The seat of the toilet must be about the same height as the wheelchair seat. The toilet should be positioned so that the center line of the toilet is 41 cms to 46 cms away from the wall, and there should be a grab rail on the wall 84 cms to 92 cms above floor. Typical dimensions for a disabled toilet include a width of 152 cm, depth of 132cm, and a doorway width of 82 cms.
Conclusion
By integrating these design principles, construction professionals can help to ensure that new and renovated buildings provide full access and mobility for people with disabilities. As awareness grows, it is expected that more buildings will need to be adapted to accommodate the needs of all individuals.
