Dr.

Chinmayee Patel

Architecture barrier
Introduction

 A person’s self-image depends greatly on

interaction with others and with the
environment.
 We have to shape the living environment, so
that it becomes a series of tools rather than a
collection of obstacles.
 The process of rehabilitation is not complete
unless it also helps the patient live in an
environment in which he can be independent.
 “What is obstacle-free for one person could
be a barrier for another”.
 Forexample a person with visual impairment
may be more comfortable in smaller spaces where
most items are within reach, whereas a person in
a wheelchair maneuvers better in open spaces.
 Persons with disabilities often are not able to
perform as well as normal people because of
physical, social, educational, vocational
and attitudinal barriers.
The modern team approach is to deal with these
problems by normalization, which refers to
an attitude whereby people with disability are
treated as normal rather than special.
 Normalization includes promotion of
barrier-free environment design.
 In many developed countries almost all
public places are accessible to the
handicapped.

 The architect plays a very important role in

designing a barrier free environment.
 Independencewithin an environment is not the
only requirement in the design of an accessible
environment.

 Energy expense is also a critical concern for the

disabled person in his environment.

 Thedisabled person often does not have optimum

co-ordination, strength, flexibility or sensation,
and may not respond precisely to an emergency.
 Finally, it should be remembered that each

person wants his environment to be homelike,

stimulating, secure and aesthetically pleasing.

ECOLOGY OF HOUSING

 This is a specialized field of sociology, in

which the consumer takes part in his own
environmental design.

 Itis defined as the study of the spatial

aspects of the symbiotic relation between
man and institution.
 This includes not only the social,

psychological or economic aspects of family

living but also the world of designing,

construction and industrial production.

 The decision-making process for
environmental modification involves four
steps:
 1. Determining patient’s needs
 2. Prioritizing them
 3. Mobilizing the necessary funds
 4. getting the job done.
Determining the Patient’s Needs

 Diagnosis—type of  Strength and co-

disability, impairment or ordination
handicap  Mobility
 Duration and severity of  Balance
disability and prognosis  Motivation
 Orthosis or prosthesis  Home/school/office
hindering activity situation
 Educational and  Location of each and
vocational training every room in the house
 Mental ability and  Requirements and tastes
comprehension of individual patients.
Establishing Priorities
 Because most people have limited financial
resources, priorities usually have to be
established.
 If a thorough patient examination and his
environmental assessment have been done,
the team should be able to assist the patient in
setting his priorities.
 This process must focus both on present and
future needs and abilities.
The following should be considered before
setting priorities:

 1-Is the disease that created the disability

progressive?
 2-Will fatigue be an important future
consideration?
 3-Priority determination should also be based
on life style values, interests and family
demands.
Getting the Funds

 Once the needs have been defined, the patient

should be encouraged to mobilize whatever
finances are available to design the
environment to suit him.
 With few exceptions, today’s technology can
provide feasible solutions to almost any
access problem.
 The solutions are usually limited by
availability of finance and not by lack of
ideas or technology.
 There are stair glides,
elevators, and
adjustable-height kitchen
counters, vans with
“zero-effort” steering
and elaborate wheelchair
systems with
environmental controls
that can literally be
operated with a blink of
an eye or a puff of air.
Getting the Job Done

 The final step in this problem solving process

involves decisions on specific design and
selecting contractors to do the work.
 The physiatrist should be able to refer patients
to sources of information and make design
recommendations.
 It is here that the architect functions as a
member of the rehabilitation team.
Doors:

 The entrance door to the dwelling

should be at least 2 feet 10" wide if
door opens 180 degrees, otherwise 3
feet width should be sufficient.
 There should be no entrance step or
riser.
 Letter or numbers identifying the
dwelling should be mentioned on
the door and be visible day and
night.
 Raised numbers are used for
persons with visual impairment.
Horizontal sliding or folding
doors:

 are easiest to operate from

a sitting position and they
eliminate the danger,
especially to the persons
with visual impairment, of
walking into the edge of a
partially open door.
Hinged bathroom doors:

 should swing outward.

If the latch includes a
lock feature it should be
the type that can be
released from outside.
Two way swinging doors:

 are hazardous and

should not be used.
Round or oval polished and
plated doorknobs:

 are the most difficult

for impaired hands to
operate.
Instead handles:

 are provided with ends

looped back to the door
surface to prevent
catching of clothes,
with a good power non
slipping grip.
Safety glass vision panels:

 are recommended on
doors so that people can
spot a disabled person
approaching from the
other side.
 The weight of the door is decided by attaching
a spring scale to the door handle and pulling
on the spring from a seated position until the
door opens.
 The weight should not exceed 8 pounds.
Stairs :

 It has been noticed that

amputees, crutch or cane
walkers prefer steps to
ramps.
 However, single-run
stairs between floors are
not desirable.
 At least one landing
should be used with 90
degree or 180 degree
turns for resting,
between 2 flights of
stairs to conserve
energy.
 The most desirable stair
would have a 6′′ riser
and an 11′′ minimum
tread which places the
ball of descending foot
well inside the stair
nosing.
 A safety nosing which
does not project more
than 1½′′ beyond the
riser and which is
distinct in color from
rest of the tread should
be used.
Stairs:

 All risers should have uniform heights. Many

people get proprioception by using the back of
the step as a guide for foot placement.
 If the stair lip is too big, the toes may catch on
an open step or stair lip, and the person may
fall forward.
 Others compensate for balance deficits, by
wedging the crutches or cane tips against the
back of step.
 Handrails are placed on
both sides
approximately 30′′- 34′′
from the surface and
1.5" from wall.
 Picturesand other objects on stairway walls
are discouraged, since it will distract people
going up or down.
 Lighting sources are provided at the top and
bottom of stairways to minimize shadows.
 Carpetingreduces the size of steps and may
cause soles to slide or toes to catch the edge
and therefore, is to be avoided as far as
possible.
 Gradual changes in
levels of lighting must
be provided for people
with visual impairments
and for senior citizens.
Ramps:
 Most wheelchair users can
negotiate a ramp sloped 5
- 8.3° (1:20 - 1:12) or less
without assistance.
 Any ramp longer than 30
feet should be divided into
sections with a 5 feet × 5
feet platform for resting
between sections.
 Platforms or landings
should also be included
at points where ramps
change directions,
because it is hard to
turn a wheelchair on a
slope.
 The recommended
width for a one-way
ramp is 3 feet between
handrails. At least 6 feet
should be provided for
2-way traffic.
Handrails:

 are placed on both sides

of the ramps and they
should extend at least 12′′
or 24′′ beyond both ends
of ramp to assist persons
with poor vision.
 Ramps come in all sizes
and can be made of wood,
concrete or metal.
 There are portable
ramps also, but they
are hazardous because
their ends are not fixed.
Elevators:
 Self-service elevators should
level automatically at
landings and have automatic
sliding cab and doors with
delayed closing.

 Two push buttons

overriding the delay timing,
one holding doors open and
the other to close the door
should be provided.
 An emergency sound
alarm system and
telephone for
emergency should be
installed.

 The control panel

should be set at a height
convenient for a
wheelchair user.
 Lighted buttons with
raised figures and
automatic floor
announcement should be
used to assist those with
poor vision.

 Most of the modern

elevators are equipped
with the additional
features given above.
Kerbs:
 Kerbs should be with
ramps. The ramp should
not protrude on to the
street but be
constructed well into
the kerb.
 Needless to say it
should be non-slippery
and colored.
 For those who find
walking on smooth
surfaces difficult or
dangerous, it has been
calculated that a
coefficient of static
friction greater than 0.4
will produce safe
walking surfaces.
 Locomotion on
wheelchairs always
consumes more energy
and places
cardiopulmonary
stresses, which are
higher than for walking.
Floor :
 The floor should be non-
slippery.
 Uneven joints or bumps in
the floor can pose problems
not only for the wheelchair
user but for those using canes
and crutches, and even those
with chronic respiratory and
cardiovascular problems.
 Heavily patterned designs
may make it difficult to
judge distances and
delineate the edge of a
surface.
 For bathrooms, unglazed
ceramic floors are
recommended.
 Smaller sized tiles provide
some friction at the joints
and are safer to use.
Carpets:
 may increase the friction
with the wheelchair, cause
a drag and thus decrease
the propelling force.
 If at all there is one
provided, its thickness
should not exceed 0.5′′.
Windows
 Windows that project
outside or inside
beyond the wall line
should be avoided.
Window sills should
not be too low.
 The recommended
window sill height is
28′′-32′′.
Windows
 The handle of the
window should be at
convenient reach, from
sitting (on a
wheelchair) or standing
position and be of the
type easily grasped by
arthritic or weak hands.
LIGHTING:
 All light fixtures should be
controlled by wall
switches. The switches
should be uniformly
located 2 feet 10′′ to 3 feet
above the floor.
 Tap-type or rocker
switches are best for
persons with hand
impairment. Switches are
placed near the entrance
door.
 Adequate light should
be provided outside
entrance doors so that
residents can easily
locate their door locks
at night.
 Brighter lights are needed
for visually impaired
persons especially in the
kitchen and bathroom.

 Switches controlling
electrical outlets in the
bathrooms should be
located outside for safety
purposes.
SPECIAL ROOMS RELATING TO VARIOUS
ACTIVITIES: KITCHEN

 The three basic work

centers in a kitchen are:
the cooking area, the
refrigerator and freezer,
and the sink.
 Work centers are best
aligned following a
right to left progression
for right-handed people.
 The three work centers
are most efficiently
arranged in a U shaped
configuration, with the
stove or oven in the
center.
 A minimum of 5 feet
width should be
provided for the
wheelchair to turn
within the kitchen.
 Counter tops should be
set at a workable height
from both the
wheelchair and
standing positions.
 The drain should be at
the rear of the kitchen
sink and provide
maximum clearance
for knees.
 A single lever handle,
water mixing faucet for
hand infirmities should
be provided.
 Shelves should be ‘pull
out ‘and adjustable in
height at 2"intervals
from about 2 feet above
the floor to the under
counter position.
 Wall storage cabinets
when mounted 1.2"
above the counter
provide the maximum
convenient storage,
accessible from sitting
position.
 Cabinets should never
be installed above
counter top as such
placement creates a fire
hazard to the lady
reaching for stored
articles.
 To assist the persons with visual impairment, the

control dials, in addition to visual markings,

should be provided with click stops, so that the

fingers can feel such clicks representing the

various intensities at the burner.

 Whenever possible,

natural light and

ventilation in kitchens

should be provided

through windows.
Bathroom:

 The bathroom presents more hazards than any

other room; therefore planning for safety is of
utmost importance.

 It
must be broader than normal, with a
minimal floor area around 40-45 sq. feet.
Grab bars:
 capable of supporting
100-150 kg. should be
provided at the water
closet, shower and
elsewhere in the
bathroom.
 They should be devoid
of sharp corners, no
jutting ends and with
ends returning to the
walls.
Bath tubs:
 are also made
accessible for a
disabled person.

 Bathtubs should be at
the same level as the
wheelchair.
Showers:
 are also made
accessible for a
disabled person, like a
hand held shower.
Drain :
 A back drain and slight
floor slope to the drain
will prevent water from
running over the
bathroom floor.
 Water controls should
be placed on the wall
adjoining the spray and
within reach of the
occupant.
 The design of public rest-rooms should also
include the above features.
Toilet:
 The lavatory should be
set 2 feet-10′′ above the
floor.
 The minimum depth is
4′′. Single lever water
control-aerator spout is
provided.
 Grab bars are attached
wherever accessible.
 A western type closet is
always preferred;
otherwise a ‘commode’
is used. Some
wheelchairs have
adaptations, which will
permit them to be
wheeled back over the
toilet.
 The opening in the seat
can then be opened for the
patient to relieve himself
or herself.
 The Indian toilet is too
low for people with
neurological or
orthopaedic disorders to
squat.
 The height of the lavatory
seat should be 17′′ and that
of the grab bar is 19′′.
 A bathtub seat facilitates
transfer from a
wheelchair or crutches.
 It is also of utility in
enabling people to sit
while removing orthotic
or prosthetic devices.
Showers offer the
possibility to wash
independently.
Living Room
The front door
 should be easily and
if possible
electronically
operated.
 The room should be
spacious for the
wheelchair to
negotiate turns.
The chairs
 may be designed at
the level of the
wheelchair and with
removable armrest to
facilitate transfer.
The television should have a remote
control system.
Carpets need to be avoided all over the
house.
Burglar alarms or closed circuit cameras
may be installed for safety.
Study office

The table should be 2 higher than the

wheelchair height.
 Books are arranged at reachable heights.
 The cupboards should be adjustable in
height.
Lighting facility should be adequate to
ensure good visibility.
Computers or laptops can be installed
keeping in mind the office ergonomic norms.
FURNITURE
MODIFICATIONS FOR THE
DISABLED
We use furniture daily, at home and in the
office. Sometimes the very furniture that we
use can increase the disability or deformity.
 Hence, there is need to modify furniture to
suit the specific needs of the individual.
 The carpenters must be specially
commissioned to make the chairs customized
to the child based on:
 The diagnosis  Weight and size of
 Prognosis and future furniture
possibility of improvement or Safety to the user

 Durability of material used
deformity
 Presence of deformities
 Age of child/adult
 Skin contact and allergy
 Maintenance
 Prevention of secondary
 Deformities to be prevented
problems like pressure
 Adaptability to growth of sores
user  Cost
 Interfacing with educational  Space occupied by
and vocational implements. furniture
 Size of room
 Furniture has to be designed keeping in
mind :

 theADL (for example, potty

modifications)
 the prognosis of condition (e.g. for a
progressive condition like muscular
dystrophy)
 the handedness (hemiplegia)
 the need for incorporating
environmental control units.
Some examples of modifications are:

 cushioning to prevent pressure sores

 providing a back support to prevent spinal
deformities or
 Providing a pommel for adductor tightness
 Providing a foot rest to prevent equinus.
 Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis or
low back pain prefer a firm seat while those
with rheumatoid arthritis favor soft
upholstery.
 All chairs should be of the height of the
wheelchair, with an armrest, backrest (with
lumbar pads), neck rest and foot rest.
 The seats should be adequately cushioned.
The table corners should not be sharp.
 Tables should provide knee space below.
Chairs should be stable, light and have
slight slant to the rear to transfer body
weight to back of chair.
 PUBLIC PLACES

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA 1990)

has laid down some guidelines for accessibility to
Public utilities.

Public Telephones
The standard public telephone booth is not used by
most physically impaired people.
To assist persons with hearing disabilities, telephone
receivers should have adjustable amplifiers. The push
button dial is more desirable than the rotating dial.
 Transportation
In India people travel by two wheeler or car. A car may
not be affordable for many, but a two wheeler may not
be preferable for most of the people with disability.
Those who can afford a car, if they can afford to, can
modify it as follows:
The car seat should be of the height of the wheelchair
seat.
Proper foot rest to get into it
Removable doors.
Ample space for storing crutches or folding
wheelchairs in the rear.
 Some high roof vans have a ramp in the back
side so that the person with the wheelchair
can drive it up the ramp while remaining
seated in the wheelchair.
 The person in the wheelchair would sit in the
rear while another driver would drive the van.
 For this, modifications to the van such as
lowering the floor, swiveling seat, restraints
for the wheelchair and space for storing
wheelchair accessories and prosthesis or
orthosis have to be given.
 Wheelchairs may be motorized for
travelling a long distance.
 A special elevated platform, or
mechanical lifts attached to vehicles must
be provided to facilitate boarding and dis
embarkment by wheelchair bound people
from mass transit vehicles.
Parking

The following rules are adopted:

1.Parking spaces of greater width than
normal are necessary for people who are
disabled.
2.These spaces are placed as close as
possible to the major entrance of building,
preferably not more than 100’ feet away.
Restaurants

They should have a ramp and elevators.

The door should be wide enough to allow a
wheelchair user without any difficulty.
 The aisle should provide a path at least 3’
wide for passage.
Movable seating must be provided.
Movie Theaters

The seating is arranged in such a way that

there is always a slot near the entrance
vacant for the wheelchair user.
The aisle should be 3 feet wide to
accommodate a wheelchair.
Access to the theater should be easy as
ramps must be provided.
VISUAL DISABILITY AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
 In public places information is displayed on
a large screen. The kiosk screen inside
telephone booths is made large and visible.
 Sign boards with Braille output and
sometimes speech output are seen in public
buildings, city halls, community houses,
banks, libraries, train stations, bus stations,
airports, hotels in many Western countries.
 The sound of footsteps announces an arrival, so
carpeting is avoided in buildings where many visually
impaired persons stay or work.

 Carpeting dampens the sound of footsteps.

Announcements in elevators have to be made regarding
the floors reached and the offices to be accessed.

 Curved rather than sharp margins on furniture and

recesses for guide sticks along walls are other commonly
used design elements for people with visual disability.
 Recent technology enables design of an
adjustable length, lightweight, battery-
operated electronic cane which couples a laser
detection unit to auditory and tactile signaling
devices which warns a visually impaired user
of nearby hazards while walking.
 Three laser beams emanate from the handle of
device, in 3 different directions upward,
parallel to the surface, and downward
respectively.

 Vibratory signals in the region of the index

finger register obstacles in the path of the
beams.
 Letters and numerals on signs and clocks may
be designed with enlarged dimensions and
placed on sharply contrasting backgrounds for
maximum legibility.
 Abbreviated rather than fully spelled words
are easier to read for people with visual
impairment.
 Braille is used below visual signs.
 Color is commonly used as a means for
attracting attention to key elements of the
environment, and furniture in the room is
colorful and contrasting.
 AUDITORY DISABILITY AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
Assistive Devices

 The SMS (short messaging service) and

vibratory mode in the ubiquitous cell phone
has enabled many hearing impaired persons
communicate to each other and also in an
emergency to the airport or hospital.
 For those who cannot hear the telephone
ringing a light flickers when a call comes in,
or subtitles are provided while watching a
movie.
Accessibility for Disabled
Children
 Household furnishings are a hazard to
children.
 During the learning process, youngsters
stumble frequently and often attempt to
stabilize themselves on nearby objects.
 Failure to adequately grasp table’s results in
some injury and usually, children’s heads are
the first casualty.
 Placement of padding at pointed edges on
furniture, use of safety glass in furniture, is
recommended in homes housing children with
motor or learning defects.
 The expression of personal tastes within
spaces allotted to individuals is encouraged, in
developing character and personal style.
 So, if a child likes his toys to be arranged in a
particular way, or his room to be furnished to
his taste, it is better to accede to his wishes.
Environment of Disabled Senior
Citizens:
 Slowedreaction time in the aged is an
important consideration in arranging a well-
conceived environment.

 A simple environmental setting in a circular

pattern with familiar surroundings is of benefit
to elderly persons, because orientation is
easier.
 Indesigning facilities for elderly people,
rooms are best arranged in groups to simulate
a family atmosphere in an old age home.
 Open spaces that afford a good view of adjacent
functional areas like the toilet or bedroom make
location of the pathway to them much simpler.
 Some designs provide opportunities for
interaction of residents, like a common leisure
room or breakfast lounge.
 Accommodations range from housing for
elderly people, to specialized care for the senile
and critically ill.
Emergency Escape

 The following appliances may be used in case

of emergency:
 Flashing lights to alert those with visual
impairments
 vibrating pagers for hearing impaired
individuals
 two-way radios to persons confined to
wheelchairs
 tactile maps for visually impaired persons.
Continue…

 In case of a fire people are instructed to

follow the exit signs placed near the floor
below the smoke level, directing them towards
the nearest stairway.

 Each lobby or corridor must be serviced by at

least one fire escape.
Technological Innovations to
Improve Accessibility
 Technological advances are providing great
benefits to people with physical disabilities.

 Voice synthesizers use microprocessor

technology to provide instructions to elevator
users in special circumstances, as well as
routine floor announcement to benefit those
with visual disabilities.
 Electronic sensors meter toilet and urinal
flushing, soap dispensers and shower
operation.
 Bathroom fixtures designed for the
convenience of the people using wheelchair
include hand held showers or bathtubs and tilt
down mirrors.
 Electronic window controls open and close
windows.
 Innovativedesign has produced a module
located outside the house that prompts to close
the window when it rains.
 Devices which sense the approach of a
wheelchair hold the door open for a pre set
time, allowing it to pass unassisted.
 There is a recent kerb-climbing aid for
standard manual wheelchairs.
 Intended for use by paraplegics, it consists of
bilateral ramps that are placed in a bag hung
behind the wheelchair backrest.
 The user retrieves these from the seat using
attached telescopic rods.
 THANK YOU……