ARC2009 Architectural Technology – Coursework Submission Part 2A Access Audit and Report – Dance City – 150203982
CONTENTS 2 .…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Introduction
5 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Audit Location and Scope: Location & Scope
REPORT 7 ……………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... External Environment: Pedestrian Routes 13 ………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………... Internal Environment: Reception Desks & Service Counters 15 …………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………… Internal Environment: Communication Systems & Acoustics 18 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Communications: Information
21 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Summary & Bibliography
22 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………… Appendix
INTRODUCTION I chose to study the Performing Arts Centre, Dance City. There dance is taught to all, from young to old and of all skill levels. This is organised by the company Dance City, recognised for over 30 years. The four-storey building is a modern construction being moderately new following a move from an old location: it was completed in 2005. The building also hosts a renowned Theatre, and Pride Radio Station. The condition I selected to relate with my audit, based on a peer’s relative, is sensorineural hearing loss (Figure 3).
Figure 1: Recent play, Stepmother/Stepfather, performed in the theatre in dance city
This permanent form of deafness is caused by age or injury, occurring when sensitive cells in the cochlea become damaged or/and when the auditory nerve is damaged. A person with this condition may face difficulty: • • • •
Communicating with others Attempting to speak quietly Listening to the quality of sounds Listening to low/average volume of sounds.
Figure 2: Dance City from a pedestrian approach
Auditory Nerve
Cochlea Figure 3: sensorineural hearing loss: damage occurs in inner ear.
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Figure 4: Dance City signage from back facade
Figure 5: Dance City signage from front facade Figure 6: Coloured curtain walling makes Dance City simple to spot
Figure 4: Dance City front facade
Figure 5: Dance City back facade
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Figure 8: Theatre stage Performances occur in the theatre which can host up to 250 people
Figure 9: Theatre Seating Performances occur in the theatre which can host 250 people
Figure 11: Classes Several studios are spread through three floors of the building
Figure 10: Training Several studios are spread through three floors of the building
Figure 12: Spaces for Hire Several studios are spread through three floors of the building
Figures 8-12: Main functions of the building can be seen in the images
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AUDIT LOCATION & SCOPE Dance City is nicely located in the city centre, close by the Life Science Centre and Central Station. It sits on gradually sloping land(Figure 13).
59 meters
The building faces a main road on one side, and the back of the Tyne Theatre & Opera house on the other(Figure 14).
51 meters
I carried out my audit on a busy Thursday, 13th April 2017, in expectation of having many masses outdoors. 43 meters
Figure 13: Isolines showing height above sea level
KEY Dance City
Buildings
Bus Stop
Road route
Greenery
Figure 14: Site Plan
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Figure 15: Ground Floor Plan
costume store meeting room
classroom
KEY
playroom laundry
dressing rooms
plant room
Public
Private
male toilets
kitchen social space
theatre female toilets
cafe reception main entrance
scene dock
Figure 16: Site Scope
KEY Dance City
Audit Range
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KEY Bus Stop
Dance City
Traffic crossing with corduroy pavements
EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT: PEDESTRIAN ROUTES Dance city sits by a main road and, being in the city centre, indicates high activity. For this reason, I selected my external investigation. I was interested in exploring different access routes with variable experiences.
Street Bollards
The city council well maintains this area, due to the frequent path use.
Continuous Railing
Outdoor Stair
Drainage Systems
Public Multi-story Car park
Private owned Carpark
Cyclist Parking
Seating Area
Figure 17: Pedestrian Routes
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PEDESTRIAN ROUTES Slope The site is edged by traffic signals(Figure 17) that aid the auditorily impaired to safe crossing, while protected corduroy pavements(Figure 20) and spinning cones under pedestrian crossings alert the visually impaired. Wheelchairs users, parents with prams and cyclists pushing bicycles will have difficulty accessing the site due to steps(Figure 18) and slopes exceeding the recommended 1:20 gradient(Figure 19).
Figure 18: Steps leading to dance city
Figure 19: Change in gradient
Figure 20: Corduroy pavements and protective railing
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PEDESTRIAN ROUTES Direction
Figure 21: Sign directing to Dance City
Figure 22: Visible colours of Dance City
Figure 23: Sign by parking and footpath directing to Dance City
2600 mm
Figure 24: Sheltered footpath
Figure 25: Open, approaching path by traffic light
Figure 21-25: Locating the building is made simple by: signs, routes and colours that aid in direction
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PEDESTRIAN ROUTES Seating & Parking Picture photoshopped into sketchy pics
Different seating appears throughout the site(Figure 26,27,29) but neither fully incorporating access for all. Around the site, Cyclist parking is regularly incorporated on level areas(Figure 28). Signs and Notices clearly distinguish private from public parking(Figure 31-34).
Figure 31
Figure 26: Seating unprotected from vehicles
Figure 32
2.2 meters clear distance
Figure 27: Seating well set back but not enough clear space to the side
Figure 28: Regular provisional parking for cyclist with no cost
Figure 29:Unused seating along Dance City main entrance access route
Figure 30: Cyclist dedicated lane provided along main road
Figure 33
Figure 34: Sign towards Granger Town Multi Story Car Park
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PEDESTRIAN ROUTES Drainage & Texture Greenery plays a supportive role in drainage around and by the building, along with serving in aesthetics, shading and sheltering routes. The greenery contrasts and aligns well with the firm grey paving.
Figure 35: Metal protection over tree root drainage system
Figure 38: Trees protecting pedestrian path
Figure 39: Grass crossfall absorbs water
Figure 40: Narrow drainage, no hazard
Figure 36: Trees by the building appealing to look at
Figure 37: Greenery in sloped areas reduces surface flow
Figure 38: Small drainage ,level with paving, No Hazard
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PEDESTRIAN ROUTES Suggested Improvements
Figure 39: Level Ground by seating
Figure 40: Clear space by Seating
Figure 39,40: Inclusion of clear space by seating areas, or level vegetation can be applied as seen across Kingsgate Centre, Newcastle University.
1100 mm
900 mm 400 mm
Figure 41 A: Inclusion of railings as support systems onto slopes, in accordance to Approved Documents as seen in Ouseburn.
Figure 41 B: Suitable heights for, seated and standing, on goers in accordance to Approved Documents
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INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT: RECEPTION DESKS & SERVICE COUNTERS A very important factor when considering access for all is the reception, the first point of contact that people pass through to receive information and services. I wanted to investigate how suitable this area was. A person with hearing difficulties will require different forms of communication at a reception desk. Noise from Social space
Noise from Cafe
Noise from the nearby cafĂŠ and social space prove to be a main challenge for the reception. In addition to this music from the upstairs Radio station is played throughout these spaces. While the audit loop eases communication for those with hearing aid, those without hearing aid will face difficulty. However, clear light above receptionists allows people to lip read.
1300 mm
1400 mm
The receptionists stated that the music was not a problem, the social space however when occupied by dancers can get quite noisy, but it is a part of the charm. In such situations, people will find themselves speaking louder or shouting.
Figure 41: Zoom of Ground Floor Plan showing reception space and interruptions
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RECEPTION DESKS & SERVICE COUNTERS Figure 42: Occurrences I encountered around the reception counter Artificial light enables clear vision of receptionists and table activities, promoting lip reading
Light from the window directly opposite of the computer screens produces glare . Window too high, chair/ stepping platform required to open
Blinds aid in fighting light glare. A more translucent blind can be used to allow mild light through. The window frame can be altered to a different type, (Sash/ Sliding) for ease in opening
Three adjustable seats and phones for each receptionist sitting in.
Information pamphlets available to take away and read at preferred time 1150 mm
760 mm
50 mm
Smooth marble edge with and good grip. Unobstructed and well positioned corner. Electronics well placed: Microphone and telephones, placed behind the counter while card machine left in view
Notice of Audit Loop, clear and easy to see, available for all to connect to. No interference, covers the breadth of the reception
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costume store meeting room
playroom laundry
dressing rooms
plant room
INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT: COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND ACOUSTICS I selected communications mainly to relate with my selected condition, but also with an interest in how sound is controlled in such a building.
male toilets
kitchen social space
theatre female toilets
cafe
A clear effective tunnelling system from the reception provides announcements through to public areas(Figure 43). More segregated rooms, which I could not access(Figure 43), such as the theatre and technical plant room have their sounds kept at distance.
reception Figure 43: Voice tunnelling reach and closed off areas
I first noticed that there are no public telephone booths around my scoped area; the closest one however is just by the life centre and it demands a downward trek. Conversing with passers-by, I found that most people prefer to use personal mobile phones or, if unable, enquire at the reception desk for calls to be placed.
scene dock
The technical team, who have their own office on the upper floors, regularly carry out electronic upkeep.
KEY Announcement Reach
Inaccessible
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COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND ACOUSTICS Noise Levels For the purpose of music from the station to be heard, areas are generally left open and unglazed; this causes some acoustic problems.
Quiet office space, no window in place to allow music to be heard. Can be distracting on occasions, such as when I was carrying out my audit and taking pictures. A sliding glass screen can be placed to give the option to; separate the office from unwanted noise and open it to pleasant sounds.
The Reception is in the midst of noisy areas as earlier stated. This causes difficulties when answering telephone calls. Use of headsets and microphones when placing calls can be implemented, or alternatively a sliding glass screen placed to separate the reception from noise.
The Social Space generally is not affected but acts a source of noise
Figure 44
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COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND ACOUSTICS Electronics and Materials A good understanding and use of electronics and materials was displayed throughout the building
Absorbent soft surface prevent echoes in the room during recordings
Four headsets with adjustable volume controls to suit user Online Radio System, in separated enclosed space causing no interference to the reception audit loop
Figure 45 A: Sockets present in meeting rooms, classroom and studios are used to; power HD Screens, Speakers and Stereos, with multiple inputs including USB and Disc drives.
Figure 46: Pride Radio Station is located on the upper floors of the building with offices nearby.
Figure 45 B: Wall Mounted speaker in a Dance Studio. Figure 47 A: Wooden Surfaces
Figure 47 B: Polished Floors
Figure 47 : A mixture of materials ensures an even acoustic spread throughout the building. Figure 47 C: Hard Brick Wall
Figure 47 D: Soft Carpeting
Figure 45 C: Stereo System in a studio
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COMMUNICATIONS: INFORMATION For a company like Dance City it is important they get their information out to attract more customers, I wanted to see what form of information they relied on most and if it was suitable for a variety of people. The company have a strong informative website, but physically lack large print and braille services. After surveying the building, I found that the ground floor(Figure 48) has the most available information, and throughout the building, there are several clear texts for take away.
Figure 48 : Information Points Ground Floor
KEY Ground Floor Information Areas
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Figure 50: Inside two large banners can be seen at the end of the hall by the classroom, and throughout the building several clear print pamphlets and pin ups are laid out.
Figure 49 : From outside, the building already begins to communicate its function by advertising upcoming theatre plays Figure 50 A: Large Course Banners
Figure 50 B: Clear Print Pamphlets
INFORMATION Offline
Figure 51 A Video Screens by stairs and above the reception play over past performances in synchronisation.
Figure 51 B Posters lined up illustrate dancers and in turn communicate the performing arts function of the building Figure 51: Information Upon Entrance 19
These header tabs recurs on each page of the website. This eases navigation and keeps important links in view of the user.
There is general effective contrast between text and backgrounds with the most important information left to stand out. However, white text on purple background may prove difficult for some to read.
Sectioning and filter use is also provided on the website allowing user specific information to easily be located.
INFORMATION Online A standard clear sans serif font is used throughout the website.
There are numerous videos alongside typed statements, providing information on the centre and its activities. The user is able to; adjust the volume, enlarge the screen, pause and play and go to certain points of the video using the timeline. Subtitles are also provided with each video in sync with the speakers speech.
Downloadable timetable available in pdf format. To improve this multiple format downloads should introduced.
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SUMMARY Based on my audit I would say that my site does not convey a full understanding of access for all, and this may be due to targeting of a frequent audience of dancers and aristocrats.
Good internal practice is indicated in the placement of the main functions; the theatre and the dance studios, which reported little to no interferences. The exterior requires the most attention, in better consideration for approaching pedestrians and available telephone services. Existing information services are well done, but in addition, a variety of information forms, as earlier mentioned, can be introduced to reach a larger audience. I will conclude by stating that the building is unique in its multi-functionality in the area, and being prominent and fairly new it is sure to undergo improvements. Overall Word Count : 1069
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES "About Us - Dance City". Dance City. N.p., 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017. Available at: dancecity.co.uk/about-us/
"Dance City - Sasha, Caitlin And Abby - 20Th Century Architecture In Newcastle Upon Tyne". N.p., 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017. Available at: 20thcenturynewcastlearchitecture.wikifoundry.com.
Lord, John. Dance City. 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017. Figure 2. Lord, John. Dance City. 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017. Figure 6. Available at: flickr.com/photos/yellowbookltd/albums/72157614018677384
Newcastle Gateshead,. Dance City. 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017. Figure 4. Dance City North East,. Dance City. 2017. Web. 11 Apr. 2017. Figure 5. Dance City North East,. Timeline Photographs. 2017. Web. 15 Apr. 2017.Figure1, Figure 8-12. Available at: dancecity.co.uk Available at: facebook.com/pg/DanceCityNE/photos/?tab=album&album_id=345923982116739
Elevation Of Newcastle Upon Tyne,UK Elevation Map, Topography, Contour". . N.p., 2017. Web. 15 Apr. 2017. Information Available at :Floodmap.net
Place It. Man With Headset. 2017. Web. 17 Apr. 2017. Ronmar. Woman With Headset. 2017. Web. 17 Apr. 2017.
Inquiries Interview.by Author. In Person. 13 Apr. 2017 .
Hearing Link (2017). Diagram of the human ear. Web. 11 Apr. 2017 Figure 3 Information Available at: hearinglink.org/your-hearing/types-causes-of-hearing-loss/what-is-sensorineural-hearing-loss
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APPENDIX APPENDIX A –ACCESS AUDIT If you would like to undertake additional sections of the Audit (pages 94-164 of the Access Audit Handbook without including each of them in your illustrated report, you may do so. You should print off and scan the relevant pages, or simply –you can include your Access Audit in this section.
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APPENDIX APPENDIX A –ACCESS APPENDIX A –ACCESS AUDIT AUDIT ••
You should toto ensure that you incorporate adequate illustrations and, if of the If you wouldtry like undertake additional sections of the Audit (pages 94-164 necessary, annotated photographs within the Report section. However, you would Access Audit Handbook without including each of them in your illustrated if report, you like to include any additional photographs and illustrations, you may do so here – may do so. You should print off and scan the relevant pages, or simply –you can include shortAccess descriptions titles as necessary. This section is optional and does include your Audit inorthis section. NOT count towards the overall word count limit.
APPENDIX APPENDIX A –ACCESS AUDIT •
You should try to ensure that you incorporate adequate illustrations and, if necessary, annotated photographs within the Report section. However, if you would like to include any additional photographs and illustrations, you may do so here – include short descriptions or titles as necessary. This section is optional and does NOT count towards the overall word count limit.
APPENDIX APPENDIX A –ACCESS AUDIT •
You should try to ensure that you incorporate adequate illustrations and, if necessary, annotated photographs within the Report section. However, if you would like to include any additional photographs and illustrations, you may do so here – include short descriptions or titles as necessary. This section is optional and does NOT count towards the overall word count limit.
APPENDIX APPENDIX A –ACCESS AUDIT •
You should try to ensure that you incorporate adequate illustrations and, if necessary, annotated photographs within the Report section. However, if you would like to include any additional photographs and illustrations, you may do so here – include short descriptions or titles as necessary. This section is optional and does NOT count towards the overall word count limit.
APPENDIX APPENDIX A –ACCESS AUDIT •
You should try to ensure that you incorporate adequate illustrations and, if necessary, annotated photographs within the Report section. However, if you would like to include any additional photographs and illustrations, you may do so here – include short descriptions or titles as necessary. This section is optional and does NOT count towards the overall word count limit.
APPENDIX APPENDIX B –ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS & ILLUSTRATIONS You should try to ensure that you incorporate adequate illustrations and, if necessary, annotated photographs within the Report section. However, if you would like to include any additional photographs and illustrations, you may do so here –include short descriptions or titles as necessary. This section is optional and does NOT count towards the overall word count limit.
Noise Leaks can be experienced from the curtain walling and large windows to a tolerable degree when windows are kept shut
Low services in view, 2 metres on the 2nd floor hallways
Too high to reach reception window from outside
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