Make it Better #1: Ramps
As designers, we often notice things within our built environment that aren't quite up to standard. Too-high pavements with electrical poles smack in the middle, streets that turn into streams due to poor drainage . . . we could go on. And we do go on, below, with this our first in a series of suggestions as to how we can make our cities better. Here, acla:works associate, Brent Matthew, gives a few thoughts on ramping up accessibility.
Ramps
While working on the HOJ access ramp, I took a look at buildings around Port of Spain and realised that a lot of them are not accessible to persons with disabilities. Whereas it is the choice of an owner to make his/her building accessible, public buildings should always meet this criteria so as not to alienate this sector of society. In Trinidad and Tobago there is no accessibility law; even our House of Parliament does not have an accessible ramp. So, it is up to the architect to design a functional – and hopefully aesthetically pleasing – accessible ramp to code. What code? In Trinidad and Tobago we usually refer to the American Disabilities Act [ADA]. Let’s take a look at the minimum requirements for a successfully designed ramp:
Below: ramp diagram © Brent Matthew [text continues below break]
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The wheelchair ramp should have a clear width of 915mm [3’-0”], which means the width between the handrails should be that minimum. Ramp slopes between 1:12 [8.3%] and 1:15 [6.7%] are preferred – the ability to manage an incline is related to both slope and length. Wheelchair users with disabilities affecting their arms or with low stamina have serious difficulty using inclines. Therefore, to build according to wheelchair ramp specs, the least possible slope should be used for any ramp.
Ramps should have level landings at the bottom and the top of each ramp run, otherwise individuals using wheelchairs could tip over. These landings should be at least as wide as the ramp leading to them and, if there is a door at such a location, there should be at least 1120mm [44”] space at the latch side of the door. Handrail specifications are generally for adults but, where children are the principal users in the building – e.g. a primary school – a second set of handrails at an appropriate height could help in preventing accidents. The clear space between the handrail and the wall should be 1 - 1/2 in [38mm]. The gripping surface should be 32mm to 8mm [1-1/4” to 1-1/2”] and the height should be between 865mm and 965mm [34” to 38”].
Let's provide access ramps to our buildings and include a neglected section of our society. How someone in a wheelchair gets to the building from a vehicle, well that is another blog entry . . . . Stay tuned.
Below: a few ramps that do exist in Port of Spain
– Brent Matthew
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Next entry:
Meeting on the Halls
Previous entry:
Regional Architects Meet to Develop a Mutual Recognition Agreement
1 comment so far.
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I would say that care should be taken to distinguish “gripping surface” with balustrade height; unless the ramp is to be used exclusively (unlikely) for wheelchair users, the balustrade height (per your drawing) should be about 1.1m (depends on codes), I recommend it be higher than the typical 3ft used in the USA (people are generally getting taller / are taller in T&T. The height really should be locally and regularly considered).
