It is estimated that close to 45% of all disabilities in India in recent years are constituted by locomotor disabilities. These numbers indicate the need to introduce accessibility measures into buildings to make them more inclusive and benefit these individuals. 

Here, we have listed a few factors to consider as the best practices for designing wheelchair accessible buildings. Following these to alter some parts of a building or as a complete accessibility overhaul can help you make buildings and public spaces more accessible for all users.

Understanding the Requirements for Wheelchair Accessibility 

The best practices for designing wheelchair accessible buildings include some modern universal design principles. These are as follows: 

Universal Design Principles in Wheelchair Accessible Architecture 

• Equitable use: Building design should be functional for all people. 
• Flexibility in use – The design should incorporate features that could be adapted to different needs and uses. 
• Simple and intuitive use: Users should be able to comprehend the design despite their language skills, experience, and concentration level. 
• Perceptible information: Important information about the design should be conveyed through audible signals, visual cues, and tactile indicators for everyone’s understanding.
• Low physical effort: People should be able to use the design comfortably in a neutral body position. It should also minimize repetitive actions to increase efficiency and avoid fatigue. 
• Appropriate size and space: Buildings should incorporate enough privacy and space for accommodating people of different postures, mobility levels, and body sizes. 
• Tolerance for error: Any hazard or consequence for an unintended action because of the building design should be minimal.

Further, wheelchair accessible buildings should follow some basic legal standards that have been listed below: 

• Accessible Building Entrances

As per the barrier-free design standards, the minimum clear opening of accessible building entrances should be of a width of 900 mm. Further, the door should not have a step. It should be reserved for users of wheelchairs with clear and simple markings.

• Ensure Comfortable Walkways

Another main feature under barrier-free design standards is walkways that could be used for both walking and wheeling. These walkways should be hard, smooth, and level. The minimum width to avoid obstructions in a walkway with single-way traffic should be 900 mm. 

The minimum width should be 1500 mm for a walk with two-way traffic. The best practices for designing wheelchair accessible buildings also insist that the slope of an accessible walkway should not pass 1:20.

• Install Accessible Ramps

Ramps at entrances and exits are essential for accessibility in architecture. In an inclusive building design, a ramp should have a maximum gradient of 1:12 and a minimum dimensions of 1.8m x 2.0 m. It should have steady, rounded handrails on either side with a minimum gap of 50 mm between it and the adjacent wall. 

The curbs on the ramp should be at a standard level to avoid hindrances. Finally, the ramp should be made of non-slip material with a texture that is navigable for a wheelchair.

• Design Wheelchair-Friendly Restrooms

Toilets need specific dimensions to have enough clear space for turning radius and maneuvering. The minimum internal dimension of an accessible toilet room should be 2200mm × 2300mm. The toilet designed for the disabled should have a minimum size of 1500mm x 1750mm. 

Accessible restrooms should also have vertical and horizontal handrails with a space of 50mm between them and the adjacent wall to provide ample support and independence to the users. In addition to these specifications, accessible restrooms should be easy to navigate with enough lighting.

• Use Non-Slip and Durable Flooring Materials

Wheelchair-friendly building features also include tactile and anti-skid flooring with warning blocks and guiding. The flooring should also be durable and easy to maintain. Vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood are some of the best hard flooring options for accessible buildings because of their ability to take the continuous wear and tear from wheelchairs. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance in building design also requires the flooring to be level and firm with surfaces that do not alter their navigability because of external objects or environmental forces.

• Incorporate Clear Signage and Wayfinding

Clear signage and wayfinding are also important to improve the accessibility in the architecture of a building. These should have consistent pictures and wording to help users of different levels of literacy, vision, and mobility impairments. 

The symbols used should be universally recognized, like men’s and women’s washrooms, infant change tables, and the International Symbol of Accessibility. The symbols and words are to be in color that has a contrast of at least 90% with the background color. Braille signage, tactile signage with raised texts and characters, audible cues, landmarks, and scents are other important features of an inclusive building design.

• Plan for Accessible Parking Areas

Wheelchair accessible buildings should have parking stalls reserved close to the building with the appropriate signage compliant with the International Symbol of Accessibility indicating it. There should be accessible paths leading from the parking stalls to the building entrance. Further, the parking stalls should follow specific requirements for the location and aisle width.

Collaborate with Experts to Design Wheelchair Accessible Buildings: 

It is advisable to involve accessibility consultants right from the beginning of creating an inclusive building design. Include them at different stages of the project, like the project brief, planning, maintenance, and construction. Accessibility consultants conduct regular tests to identify potential barriers. They can rectify the concerns and offer continuous support for the project.

Conclusion: Upholding Independence and Dignity through Your Design

Creating an inclusive building design involves a multifaceted approach to address the diverse needs of its users. The feedback from disability advocacy groups and individuals with disabilities can play a vital role in improving accessibility in architecture. 

This blog discussed a few things you can pay attention to and follow as the best practices for designing wheelchair accessible buildings. It is important to recognize accessibility as a fundamental right of any human being, and our recommendations in this blog intend to help you make your spaces genuinely welcoming and inclusive for all.

Also read: Future of Architecture in India: What You Can Expect