Design Manual For A Barrier- Free Built Environment - Unnati

Layout and Book DesignRaajesh Moothan,Yatin PandyaAmit ShethMind’s Eye Design, AhmedabadUNNATI – Organisation for DevelopmentEducation, AhmedabadIllustrations DraftingAnagha Mujumdar, Anand Patel, Kahan VyasPrinterBansidhar Offset, AhmedabadRaajesh Moothan, Yatin PandyaVastu Shilpa Foundation for Studies and Researchin Environmental Design, AhmedabadAny part of this Manual may be copied with due acknowledgement.First EditionDecember 20041000 CopiesPublisherUNNATI – Organisation for Development Education,Handicap InternationalReprintNovember 20061000 CopiesEArindam MitraAMHCP Design and Project Management, AhmedabadEText EditingArindam Mitra, Raajesh MoothanAnagha Mujumdar, Anand PatelHEnvironmental Planning Collaborative,AhmedabadResearchAnagha Mujumdar, Anand Patel, Arindam Mitra,Raajesh Moothan, Sweta Byahut, Yatin PandyaTSweta ByahutTTHE BARRIER-FREE MANUAL TEAM

OTRODCTIUIn this background, many countries, especiallythe more developed ones, acknowledged theneed for removing barriers and making placesaccessible. The movement started gatheringmomentum in the late 1970’s and initially focusedon barriers faced by injured war veterans andother people with disabilities. This led tolegislation and Disability Acts in these countries.However, as the concept became popular andclearer, it was realised that barriers were aNThe world today has become a very small place—a world with virtually no frontiers or barriers.Especially after the advent of Internet and totalconnectivity, people have instant access to almostevery imaginable service or information. A trulyglobal village. In spite of the world and our societybeing more inclusive, more connected andaccessible to all, it is unfortunatethat in reality some barriers still exist – especiallyphysical barriers which deny access to people withdifferences such as persons with disabilities, theelderly, children and pregnant ladies, persons withtemporary or permanent difficulties. Thesebarriers result in denying them their rights andopportunity to full participation and eventuallyculminate in their exclusion from society.IA Background To The Barrier-Free ConceptOver the years, our society has slowly done awaywith segregations into divisions and has startedamalgamating itself to become more global andencompassing. The differences anddiscriminations due to caste, creed, colour, sex,profession, etc. are slowly disappearing andsociety is moving towards becoming a moreinclusive one – where all are included andperceived as equals.NINTRODUCTION

NOITCUDORTA barrier-free environment is a space that allowsfor free and safe movement, function and accessfor all, regardless of age, sex or condition. Aspace or a set of services that can be accessedby all, without obstacles, with dignity and withas much independence as possible. Theenvironment means buildings, roads, parks,gardens and other places, services, modes oftransportation, products of daily use, etc. Thereis a popular belief that a ramp and an elevator/A major step has been the PWD Act 1995 that lift is all that is needed to make a built spacespecifies the law and the role of the State in barrier-free.creating access. Over and above, the NationalBuilding Code, CPWD guidelines as well as It must be clearly understood that barrier–freebylaws of various urban development bodies goes far beyond just a ramp and has many otherhave shown the direction towards building a necessary aspects. These range from door andbarrier free environment. A small note is given passage widths to flooring surfaces, from counterlater in this handbook.heights to door handles and railings, fromsignage and auditory signals to tactile guides.NWhat is a Barrier-Free Environment?Iproblem faced not only by people with disabilitiesbut also by many sections of society such as theelderly, pregnant ladies, children and temporarilyincapacitated people. This realisation led to manyDisability Acts being revised and made universal.With barrier-free design becoming a fundamentalpart of all planning, many countries have takenmajor strides towards making access universal.In India, the process is at an initial stage andhas a long way to go before there is a generalconcerted move to create accessibility.

NOITCAccess is a basic rightT-A barrier-free environment is a basic right of all.It is not a matter of choice or option. Ensuringaccess is a basic social necessity benefiting all.N-Wheelchair usersPeople with limited walking/movement abilitiesPeople with visual impairmentor low visionPeople with hearing impairmentElderly and infirm personsPregnant ladiesChildrenPeople with temporary disabilitiesI-UBarriers make an environment unsafe and causea high level of difficulty to the user. But moreimportantly, barriers cause spaces to be out ofreach, denying people the opportunity ofparticipation in various spheres of life. Thisranges from education, economic, social, culturaland many other activities. This loss of opportunityis not only a loss for the person concerned butalso society’s loss which misses out on theircontribution. Simply put, a barrier causesexclusion and its removal is necessary forensuring inclusion and participation of all insociety.DOn the face of it, it is only persons with disabilitiesfor whom barriers become major obstacles.However, it is necessary to realise that everyperson, at some stage of life, faces barriers. Asmall child, an elderly or infirm person, apregnant lady, the temporarily disabled, all arevulnerable to barriers. Therefore, to list out peopleaffected by barriers -OWhy is it necessary to remove barriers?RWho all face barriers?

The Rationale for this ManualThroughout the world it is being realised thatthere need not be an exclusive design effort tosuit the needs of people with differences. Oneproper design, which keeps in mind all therequirements, can work for all. For example, if adoor is wide enough to allow passage ofwheelchair or crutch users that door is goodenough for all persons.During 2003, a committed group, which consistsof members and advisers from variousstakeholder groups such as architects and townplanners, NGOs, institutions, designers, etc.,came together to actively promote accessibilityin Gujarat.NOUDORTNIDuring the groups’ activities and various accessaudits, it emerged that there is an urgent needDesigning therefore should focus on being for clear and concise technical design guidelinesuniversal rather than fulfilling separate needs. for barrier-free spaces.A single design not only helps in controlling spaceand expense but also reduces exclusion and There are many sets of guidelines alreadyexisting all over the world, including India. Somepromotes inclusion.CT“Universal Design” or “Design for All”INot allowing a person equal opportunities Simply put, a universal design means there areand participation is an infringement on his/ no differences between people. It integrates anddoes not differentiate.her rights as a citizen of this country.

NOITCUDORTNIof these are : the UN Standards, the US-ADA Explicitly Stated :Guidelines, the UK Guidelines, closer home theCPWD Guidelines, the National Building Code - Different guidelines gave varying sets ofand various urban authorities’ bylaws and parameters. Though the variance was not veryguidelines.high, yet it was leading to confusion during actualdesigning. Over and above, the question alwaysThe problems of plenty are evident in this that was – which guidelines to follow?each of these manuals, depending upon their - Most of the guidelines in use were ofplace and source of origin, adheres to different international origin. There was a felt need ofguidelines and measurements. They have guidelines adapted to Indian conditions andvarying sets of parameters and are not tailored tailored to local needs.for the Indian conditions.- It was also felt that the actual experiences ofpeople with differences and the barriers they faceThus, even with these in circulation, there is need need to be incorporated .for one manual which co-relates the dimensions - Most designers had expressed the need forand giving dimensions suited by the target group, concise, clear and easy-to-use guidelines.simultaneously keeping in mind the constraintsfaced by the architects and designers.With this background, need and rationale, thisparticular design manual has been compiled.

THE MANUALAccessible entranceRampAccessible parkingAccessible liftAccessible toiletAccessible restaurant1

GE2Accessible taxiAccessible bus stopInformationOther facilitiesFacility for vision impaired Access to low visionBraille symbolWorking dog welcomeStaff trained to helpAudio descriptionAssistive hearing system Induction loops usedSign interpretationTelephone typewriter Volume control telephoneClosed captioningSIGNAAccessible telephone Accessible to spectates

Identification Signs-These signs installed at specific individualdestinations indicate the location of a room,-There are four main functional typologies into service, desk, etc.which signage could be classified :Warning ( Safety ) Signsa. Information Signs-Signs installed for the safety of users which mayb. Directional Signsbe either the warning or the prohibitory t y p e .c. Identification ( Locational) Signs andThis group would include fire exit signs, safetyd. Warning ( Safety) Signs.signs, etc. and are normally specified by I S Oconventions in terms of colour, size and graphic.Information SignsThese designs should be adhered to and not-These include location signs, sign directories, tampered with in any aspect.E01- SIGNAGEANGI-The graphic qualities of each type depends uponthe intensity of the message and must conform tothem universally to avoid ambiguity. In places usedDirection Signsextensively by persons with a particular disability, thesignage should be appropriately altered to suit them.-These signs direct the user to a destination withSignage forms an important part in creating a barrierarrow marks aiding the text.free environment and should be treated as such.Smaps for both internal and external areas fororientation of the user.G1.1 - INTRODUCTION (SIGN TYPES)3

-Signage systems should be clear, consistentand in all the comprehensible languages of theregion. Cross signage should be avoided to avoidanxiety and confusion.GInformation signboards – RectangularWarning signboards – TriangularInterdiction signboards – CircularA-The following internationally specified shapes -If the signage is floorbased and free-standing,should be followed in signboards for various then there should be a detectable barrier at thefloor level for the white stick users.signs:E4-It should not obstruct any movement path and, 1.2.2 - Signage Requirementif suspended, should have a minimum clearhead-room of 2000 mm from the finished floor. -Signs related to barrier-free access are requiredat the following locations:G-Signage should be placed at nodal positions,openly and prominently. They should be simple -Signage placed on pedestrian path of travel arein syntax and must be well lit in ambient low- considered obstructions; thus they should bedetectable.light conditions.I-In general, signs should not be placed behindglass panels because of possible reflection andthus making for poor readability.S1.2.1 - GeneralN1.2 - DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

EG-An exterior sign complying with Sections 1.1 and accessible facilities and exits, emergency3 should be located at the main accessible signages and a sign directory or informationsigns at main intersections.entrance.A-In the case of multilple access points, each -Accessible spaces and facilities should beaccess point should indicate the shortest route identified by the international symbol ofaccessibility. (fig.1)to the accessible entry.GN-Reception areas and lobbies should havelocational signs for elevators, fire exits,accessible facilities like toilets, etc., directionaland locational signs for major services like cafes,reception, public telephone, etc.,emergencysignage. In each case, the accessible routeshould be marked to avoid confusion.Fig.1S-Each floor should have directional signs toI-Sign directories and maps showing accessibleroutes should be provided for extensivecampuses.5

E61.3 -SPECIFICATIONSG-The following specifications should be adheredto while designing signages.Fig.2N-Letters and numbers on signs shall have awidth-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and astroke-width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and1:10. (fig.2)A1.3.1 - Character ProportionHeightof Text(mm)1.3.2 - Character Height1000Fig.3I500Maximum reading distanceSCharacters and numbers on signs shall be sizedaccording to the viewing distance from which theyare to be read. The minimum height is measuredusing an upper case ‘X’. Lower case charactersare permitted. The smallest letter type should notbe less than 15mm. The size of the letters shouldbe in proportion to the reading distance. (fig.3)G1500

EGANGIS1.3.3 - Raised and Brailled Characters and -Characters and symbols shall contrast with theirbackground — either light characters on a darkPictogramsbackground or dark characters on a light-The letters and signs should preferably be raised background. The commonly used colours are:or etched at least 1 mm from the background, to white, black, yellow, red, blue and green.enable sightless people to read the informationusing the tips of their fingers. Raised characters -The colour combinations red/green and yellow/shall be at least 15 mm high, but not higher than blue should not be used in order to avoid50 mm. Pictograms shall be accompanied by the confusing colour-blind persons. (They areequivalent verbal description placed directly complementary colours).below the pictogram. The border dimension ofthe pictogram shall be 150 mm minimum in 1.3.5 - Mounting Location and Heightheight.-Where permanent identification is provided forrooms and spaces, signs shall be installed on1.3.4 - Finish and Contrastthe wall adjacent to the latch side of the door.-The characters and background of signs shall Where there is no wall space to the latch side ofbe eggshell, matte, or other non-glare finish. It the door, including at double leaf doors, signsis preferable to also use light-sensitive reflective shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall. Thesurfaces which would reflect incident light mounting height shall be 1500 mm from finishedfloor to centreline of the sign.(radium stickers).7

900 min1800 maxThe mounting location for such signage shall besuch that a person may approach within 76 mmof them without standing within the swing of adoor or encountering protruding objects.Overhanging signs should have a minimumclearance of 2000 mm from finished floor. (fig.29)AFig.4GE81.3.6 - Symbols of Accessibility-The symbol is composed of a wheelchair figurewith either a square background or a squareborder. (fig. 6)Fig.5Fig.6SIGN-Facilities and elements required to be identifiedas accessible shall use the international symbolof accessibility. The symbol shall be displayedas shown in fig.1 . The symbol may be adaptedto individual facitlities as shown in fig.5,6,7.Palletes of universally adopted symbols aregiven on page 1 and 2.

-Signages leading to two destinations should bekept on separate lines for easier legibility.-Avoid abbreviations as they can be easilymisinterpreted.EGANG-Use punctuations sparingly and avoid the useof full stops at the end of the sentence.I-Illumination levels on the sign surface shall bein the 100 to 300 lux range and shall be uniform.Signs shall be located such that the illuminationlevel on the surface of the sign is not significantlyexceeded by the ambient light or a visible brightlighting source behind or in front of it.S-Contrasting colours should be used to 1.4 - SIGNAGE DESIGNdifferentiate the figure from the background. Thecommonly employed colours are white for the 1.4.1 - Languagefigure and blue for the background.-Clear, unambiguous messages in simple,-The wheelchair figure should always face the understandable fonts and formats.right.-Legibility improves if every key word begins with-For completely accessible buildings, it is enough a capital letter.to have one explanatory sign at the entrance.-The exceptions are standard words like STOP,EXIT, BUS, etc.1.3.7 - Illumination Levels9

E10AG-Symbols should be used whereever possible.They are very useful for visually impaired peopleas they can be larger in size than the textmessage. A good pictorial symbol depends onsimplicity, legibility and good recognition/ familiarfactor. It also helps illiterate people tocomprehend the signage.N-Where more than one language is to be used ina sign, it is advisable to use symbols as well.G-ISO-recommended symbols must be used asfar as possible.I-The arrow in directional signs must be carefullyused so as to aid and not confuse the user.This is more relevant when placing a directoryof multiple directions. (fig. 5)SFig. 7 : Some standard internationally recognisedsymbols for people with disabilities.

-Decorative, fancy, expanded and condensed -Braille should be incorporated in the signs.typefaces should be avoided. Also Italics or script Round dots which should be raised 0.46mm musttexts are not very legible.be placed below the text (or symbol) and rangedfrom left.-Usage of too many type sizes on any one sign- A Braille locator (either raised or recessedshould be avoided.should also be incorporated in the sign to enable- The size of the typeface must be in relation to the visually impaired to be guided to the Braillemessage.the viewing distance.EGANG-Sign typefaces must be standard, legible and (Minimum character size)clearly discernible. Some recommendedtypefaces are :-At building entrances, house numbers andsimilar : 150 mmSerifSanserifArial-Identification or direction signs : 50 100 mmBaskervilleAvant-GardeBembo -Sign directories : 25 50 mmFuturaCentury SchoolbookGrotesqueTimes New Roman -Symbols should be at least 100mm in height.HelveticaI1.4.3 - Sizes for Letters and SymbolsS1.4.2 - Sign Typeface11

GG-Legibility also depends on inter character -The c

barrier-free spaces. A process that started in October 2003 culminated in this design manual. During this entire process, for the first time perhaps, groups which rarely get a chance to work together came on to a common platform and shared a common objective - promoting a barrier-free environment. Both the users and service providers got an