Steps outside RIBA
by Denise, October 20, 2009 10:38 AM
I was at the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) building for a roundtable discussion on assistive equipment (organised by Which?) recently, when I spotted these beautifully designed steps. I absolutely love them!
The steps are shallow enough for me to climb easily using crutches, but there is also a flat sloped surface either side of the steps for ease of access for those using wheelchairs, pushing buggies etc. I love the fact that not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also allow people to use the same entrance side-by-side whatever their access requirements. Also, I often find walking up slopes difficult due to not having a lot of strength in my legs, but the shallow gradient means that I wouldn't find this a problem either.
Well done RIBA on such a brilliantly executed entrance to your building. I'm sure many other organisations could learn a thing or two from you!
Via @katiekatetweets
Love these, so cool and well designed.
Hi All,
Haven't seen em in situ, but going by the photo here's a few observations:
about a minute ago · Delete · Report- they don't appear to comply with Building Regs part M in numerous ways including:
1. No handrails for people who use sticks or have mobility impairments
2. The riser is too low (the upstand bit of the step) which may present a hazard for some... Read more
3. The stair nosing (edge of step) isn't contrasted with the tread to help visually impaired people see the stairs when descending... Read more
Apart from that, they do look quite nice! As in product design, the issue for the built environment is to balance aesthetics with function, and in this case it fails on the latter. Old and new buildings must strive to meet the needs of all users, i.e. aim for inclusive design. Part M/BS8300 isn't brilliant but at least it sets some kind of standard. The creative challenge is how to make stairs (for example) look great without compromising accessibility for all. RIBA should know better, as it gives an aware for inclusive design!...... but a lot of architects still don't "get" ID.....but some do ,see below.
http://www.architecture.com/Awards/RIBASpecialAwards/RIBAInclusiveDesignAward/RIBAInclusiveDesignAward.aspx
Hey Graham!
Thanks for your comments, you certainly sound like you know your stuff! I have to admit I was only speaking from my own experience, walking with two crutches, but I completely understand the points you've made about other people's access needs. Would be good to open up the conversation to others to see what they think...
Thanks again! : )
Via @LilianBarton
Look gr8. What are the steps like when they are wet or when it's icy? Are they slippy? Do they grip? :-)
Hmmm, good point - the Building Regs say that a non-slip surface should be used on steps and ramps, but this can be difficult when it comes to listed buildings.....another reason why you might need a handrail.
Hi Denise, I guess buildings are another area entirely but I still think the ideas of universal/inclusive design apply as they do to products. Keep up the excellent work!
Why thank you Graham! Definitely agree with you on your point about universal/inclusive design principles applying to both buildings and products. Not making any excuses, but I suppose one of the greatest challenges is retrofitting buildings to make them accessible when dealing with an existing, often inaccessible, infrastructure.
It is definitely the biggest challenge - especially listed buildings. But challenge is a good thing and there's some great examples of buildings that a few years ago would have been completely out of bounds for disabled people including:
The British Museum extension by Norman Foster; The British Library; bits of the Tate Britain (not the huge long ramp to the new extension which is rubbish); The Tower of London; Whitby Abbey (Dracula's abode), the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester etc etc .......
So given some knowledge and some "can do" sprinkle dust, anything can happen!
Great to hear about the success stories! Haven't visited all of your examples, but definitely agree with you on The British Library and the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester. Haven't been to The British Museum or The Tower of London since I was much younger when accessibility wasn't as much of a concern for me, but they're definitely on my to do list especially now I have your reassurance! Think that's one of the sad things about poor access, it makes me much less adventurous because I don't want to venture out only to find that where I'm going is inaccessible. Therefore, forward planning is definitely key, so much for being spontaneous! ; )
Can you think of any buildings that, in your opinion, really must try harder when it comes to accessibility?
The list is endless Denise....one is the new Welsh Assembly building in my home town of Cardiff that claims to be an exemplar of inclusive design but patently isn't ( I was involves with the access advisory group for my sins). It is very disappointing when a new landmark building fails to meet inclusive design standards - in fact many fail to meet the legal requirements of Building Regs Part M, but they are still signed off as compliant by Building Control inspectors. So lots more work to do.
On a positive note, If EbD readers want more information on access to buildings, a good source is the Centre for Accessibile Environments. They produce a quarterly magazine, Access By Design, which features good practice and some case studies. See link below for more info:
http://www.cae.org.uk/pdf/ABDcontents_83-119.pdf
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