BARRIER FREE

ARCHITECTURE

TSHERING Y. BHUTIA
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
 Curb cuts or sidewalk ramps, essential for
people in wheelchairs but also used by all,
are a common example. Color-contrast
 dishware with steep sides that assists
those with visual or dexterity problems are
another. There are also cabinets with pull-
out shelves, kitchen counters at several
heights to accommodate different tasks
and postures, and, amidst many of the
world's public transit systems, low-floor 
buses that "kneel" (bring their front end to
ground level to eliminate gap) and/or are
equipped with ramps rather than on-board
lifts
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.
SIGNAGES:
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.