1 – Audit-Details
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2 – Introduction Charles Bell House is an Edwardian building part of the UCL estates. It is located towards the west of the UCL main campus. It houses various academicians and research scholars. It is a G+5 floor building with a basement. The primary users are UCL students, staff, researchers, & Medical practitioners.
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Classification C
Items involve construction work, which may be achieved through capital projects or minor works programs. Some items may require feasibility studies or construction drawings.
R
Routine facility management, maintenance or housekeeping item which can usually be passed to the minor works, caretaker, or facilities department to implement, e.g., door closer adjustments, cleaning light fittings, easing action on taps.
A
Actions that are administrative, policy, or procedural, sometimes involving the acquisition of new furniture or fittings, but with no construction works or maintenance element. These items are usually the sole responsibility of the management team.
ABBREVIATIONS
AFL
Above floor level (or above the ground)
EWC Effective clearance width (The effective clearance width is taken from the door opening clear of any projections from the face of the door such as furniture and weatherboards)
ADM Approved Document to Part M of the Building Regulations
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Legislative Overview The following legislation, guidance, and design standards in the UK have been considered: 1.Equality Act 2010 - Its legislation passed down by the British government that protects discrimination in the workplace and wider places. It replaces the previous discrimination legislation with a single Act. It also sets the standard for public service providers who are expected to embed equality issues into all aspects of public service delivery and to treat everyone with dignity and respect. The Act protects individuals on the grounds of "protected characteristics." They are, • age • disability • gender reassignment • marriage and civil partnership • pregnancy and maternity • race • religion or belief & • sex and sexual orientation. Part 5 of the Act deals with employment and expects the workplace to cater to / address the protected individual's needs and action them sooner. Whereas, Part 6, provisions to protect against unlawful discrimination towards education. The continuing and anticipatory duty is to make reasonable adjustments to schools, universities, or higher educational facilities. The Equality act 2010 is underpinned to public sector Act (section 149, which came into effect in September 2011, which replaces the gender, disability, race equality duties) which aims to • to eliminate unlawful discrimination, victimization, and harassment • to promote equality of opportunity for all • to foster good relations, promote understanding, and challenge prejudice. 2.Approved Document M - Volume 2 -Buildings other than dwellings These are Approved Documents guidance accompanying the building & planning regulations made to ensure safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency in buildings (The building Act 1984). The Approved documents in England comprise of 13 documents (A to P), of which Approved Document M is the main document referred to by Access and inclusive design professionals. Documents K (Protection from falling, collision and impact) and B (Fire Safety) are referred to besides ADM. The Volume 1 is Buildings for dwellings. Volume 2 - Buildings other than dwellings, comprises guidelines that address sections on Building Access, External and Internal spaces, Finishes, Vertical and Horizontal circulation, Fire escape routes, etc. 3.BS800 (2018) These are British Standards which are considered as best standards in addition to ADM, these are of 2 parts. BS800 part 1: External environment - recommendations for inclusive design in the external environment, street furniture, building management facilities, etc. BS800 part 2: Buildings - These have recommendations for Inclusive design, assistive learning systems, counters, and reception desks, etc 4
3 – Executive Summary Visitor Entrance & Reception
Pedestrians can access the building, by a permanent ramp with no handrails. The automatic glazed double door provides view as well as easy access to all people. The reception is located within 7m from the entrance, where staff greet and help the users. Minor changes to the entrance and receptions have been suggested.
Transport and Parking Arrangements
The Building is accessed by bus (0.3 miles away, 6 mins walk to new cavendish street), car, train, and underground (6 mins walk from the building to Euston station). On-street parking is available only for the residents of Foley street. There is no designated car/ bike parking for this building. Thus, there should be an arrangement made with the residents to provide blue badge bays for frequent visitors and members. A practical strategy has been suggested.
Signage Wayfinding
Signages can be added, and more universally accepted infographics are suggested. The lighting levels in corridors are highly reflective, thus can cause glare and disturb people. Wayfinding suggestions are considered and reported.
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Finishes
Tactile materials like carpets, staircase textured walls, and contrasting colours are used to ensure proper identification of spaces. Suggestions regarding finishes are made in the corridor spaces as the floor is highly reflective. Certain suggestions are made in the seminar room as well.
Lighting & Acoustics
Overall lighting levels are medium. Optimum lighting levels are required to make the visual task performance easy as well as for safety, they help people with low vision to distinguish places correctly. Lighting levels are various places are discussed and suggestions are being illustrated. Acoustical panels and buffers are placed near the reception and social places, an audio enhancement / induction loop is advised.
Horizontal Circulation
A minimum effective clearance of 750mm is required for a single door as per Approved document K. The doors provided are fire doors with vision panels in the staircases and non- vision panels in the toilets. Entry and exit doors are glazed automatic double doors. They are of sufficient width providing wheelchair access.
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Vertical Circulation
Usage of Wall fitted LEDs provide spot illumination in a staircase, an illumination of 150 lux is required for enclosed space. thus, suggestions are made to improve lighting. Moreover, the contrast in the colours and textures used in the tread enables old age people and people with poor visual detection to differentiate. Lifts are accessible from the entrance and are user-friendly.
Communication and Information
There are currently 2 billion people in the UK with sight loss of which 360000 are registered for blind or partially blind. Additionally, 11 million people in the UK are deaf. Currently, no provisions have been made for people with hearing impairments as well as visually challenged individuals. An induction loop is suggested. Braille systems at various places along with information regarding building zones and spaces are recommended at various places.
Sanitary Welfare
Minor suggestions to existing Accessible toilets and Unisex toilets are provided.
and
Accommodation Staff Equality & Awareness
Fire Safety and Emergency Egress
Staff must be treated equally and be made aware of the equality act as well as the building features. Hiring reception staff who are good at sign language is a bonus. Arrangements to be made to address all staff’s request and redressals, to be addressed on regular basis. Similarly, specific recommendations made by the Occupational health or Access to work will need to be considered alongside this report to ensure wider accessibility and for no significant conflicts. Fire exit signages are displaced at proper intervals throughout the floor along with fire escape routes. Egress routes are clear and sufficient. Additional features are recommended. Staffs to be made aware of fire drills and risk management at frequent intervals. Maintenance and regular check-ups of fire equipment are necessary.
The findings and recommendations are given below, A plan with a revision mark is attached in the end for reference and necessary actions.
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4 – Findings
No
Location
Heading
Feature/ service
Description, Measurements and Observations
Illustration (or Source of Reference)
The building does not have its own designated parking. Designated drop-off is not available within a 200m radius, making it not very convenient for the elderly, ambulatory, pregnant women, etc to access the building. 1
Vehicle Access
Pedestrian approach from the neighbourhood
Parking
The road width is small, and cars are parked on either side of the road, the building is situated in a residential zone Thus, no designated parking for disabled people. This leaves the disabled people needing assistance, aids like crutches, or in a wheelchair are deprived.
Recommendations
At least 1 parking space on the street can be turned into accessible parking as shown in the reference illustration as well as the plan attached below, by speaking with the existing residential community.
C P a r t i e o g r o i r t y y
S 2
A
A dropped kerb with blistered tactile paving enabling blind/disabled person – Disabled off street parallel parking strategy.
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External Approach
2
Ramp In front of the Entrance
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4
External Approach
External Approach
Accessible Automatic button
Entrance door
Has step-free access, but the ramp is steep with no handrails. Moreover, the ramp level landing width is nearly 615mm which is half of the standard width of 1200mm. This might hinder the people, especially when in wheelchairs, they might have to wait in the ramp slope when the place is crowded or when people exit.
Refer Plan for modifications. Doors can be flushed inside to the inner wall with the provision of Ramps with handrails and external up lights.
C
Provision of automatic button 800mm above ground, outside the entrance adjacent to ramp is accessible, as they are placed between 750mm to 1200mm.
No action required.
0 0
Can increase the door width and flush them inside while to increase the ramp while refurbishing as per plan.
C
The entrance door is transparently glazed providing an outdoor environment view, the door width is sufficient for people with a wheelchair to enter, and has a clear width of 1700mm, but ADK requires a minimum of 1800mm for double-leaf doors which allows people with a wheelchair to access the space without any difficulties i.e., to enter and exit at the same time.
S 1
L 3
8
5
Entrance
Automated Entrance door
Building entrance
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Entrance
Building Entrance
Visitor services
Thus, signage like the reference attached would be beneficial. Similarly, an audible warning can be provided when the door opens/closes.
There is an access button to enter /exit the building, but this is not demarcated. An A4 size wordings is stuck on the door, which is hard to interpret for people. Thus, signage like the reference attached would be beneficial. Similarly, an audible warning can be provided when the door opens/closes.
S 1
A
S 1
Universally recognized symbols can be placed.
Glazed screens behind reception for people with hearing impairment can enable to lip read or follow the sign languages.
The carpet near the entrance is a textured and dark colour, thus enabling the user to identify the change in space from the exterior/interior. The finishes are tactile and contrasting, making them user-friendly. It also has 2 suspended pendant downlights that helps in identifying the interior environment.
C
a
A portable induction loop system to be purchased to assist visually challenged. The fire extinguisher to be relocated to the other wall.
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Reception
Visitor services
The reception is visible from the entrance, there is a security gate/ turnstile next adjacent to the reception which is 900mm wide.
Signboards/ infographics along with a user-friendly map of the building can enable the visitors to access the place without any hassle. The information printed can be in large fonts 16 plus so that visitors can take a picture of it and move around the space. (Refer Appendix)
C
S 2
A
S 1
A small prototype of the building model can help the user comprehend the space even better.
7m from the entrance door
These route maps can be placed near the entrance wall or in the corridors/staircases.
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Reception
Furniture
The reception desk is 1130 mm high, and there is no lower height counter to help people who come in a wheelchair.
A reception or staff member with sign language knowledge can help people with wayfinding. A task light or a downlight to highlight the staff’s face to help the people with lip reading. The word ‘Reception’ can be embossed on the wall behind the reception table.
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Wayfinding
Internal Space
Internal space
Reception and corridor
The area is well lit, with step-free accessibility to adjacent areas, a lift is on the left-hand side, the corridors are wide (2.2m) enough for two wheelchair persons to cross one another. There is no clear sign/information to guide people near the reception/entrance. Lacks hearing assisting system.
Corridor
The floors and walls are contrasting and easy to identify but the reflectivity is high making the lighting above reflect below causing glare.
Social Space
The seat height of 350mm is good for disabled as well old age/pregnant women. The armrest is missing, and the table height is 700mm above with chairs 450mm high surrounding it, this secludes the disabled people.
A building plan with an embossed pattern can be provided near the reception/ entrance and corridors to help blind people.
Strip lighting can be changed to pendant lighting. or the floors with less reflectivity (Matt finish) with slip resistance as per BS800 to be used, refer image. An arm rest can be provided, and an effective clear space of 650mm passage for a wheelchair to access the space. A wide table which is below 600mm high can be used to make an inclusive interactive social space.
R
S 1
C
L 2
A
M 3
500mm wide seats with backrest and arms chairs are advisable for bulky people.
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Lighting Acoustics
Horizontal Circulation
Finishes
Fixtures
&
Social Space
Seminar room Door
Seminar room
Seminar room
The lighting levels are optimum and create an ambient space environment
Since it is a social space, Acoustical panels can be used on the ceilings. And installation of a public address system.
A
M 3
There is no clear distinction of the door, it can mislead the user, as it appears like a partition wall with infographics. It has step-free access with 900mm ECW.
The door can be painted in contrasting colour to highlight it. A signboard with wordings “Seminar Room” & braille, can help people with dementia & the visually challenged.
R
S 1
The steel threshold can cause harm to people and the wheelchair people by making it difficult for them to access the space smoothly. The carpet texture and colour help in differentiating the space for visually challenged people.
A transitional beveled rubber threshold can be placed near the doorway like in the reference image.
R
M 1
The coat hooks are placed on the left-hand side wall, this makes it very difficult to access.
The coat hooks can be placed near the door opening for easy and safe access like the reference image. They can be placed at two different heights at 750mm and 1650mm for making it easy for people in a wheelchair.
R
C 1
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Furnitures
Seminar room
The furniture is so jam-packed and makes the place very bulky, the leg space is 500 – 600 mm, a minimum of 900mm effective clear is recommended. At least 2% of seating capacity requires disabled seating.
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Sanitation
Far end of the corridor on the left, 18m from the security barrier.
Accessible Toilet
The toilets provided are step free and are accessible from the main entry as well from the rear exit. There is no clear pictorial signage near or on the toilet door. Toilets have grab rail on either side (horizontal and verticaldrop down rails), this helps the ambulant disabled person. Has a 1500 x 1500mm of manoeuvring space. The door has an ECW of 900mm.
The seating layout can be changed as per illustration for better access and mobility. A side aisle as a walking passage and a minimum 1550mm space between two desks.
A
M 1
A clearer sign as given in the reference can be installed.
R
C 1
13
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Sanitation & Fixtures
Sanitation & Fixtures
Accessible toilet
Unisex Toilet
The alarm pull cord is not visible. The seat height is low, 450mm high,480 is optimum. The soap dispenser is a little far off. Paper towel dispenser and mirror missing.
Shared toilet, cubical type with step-free access. Not suitable for an ambulant disabled person.
For a quick remedy, a mirror can be placed if possible, however, the soap and paper towel dispenser can be placed above the washbasin for easy access. Shelf and sanitary pad disposals can be added. A
M 1
R
C 1
The colours can be contrasting to make it visually appealing as well as converting them to a changing place toilet would make it more feasible and accessible. Refer image.
Stoma friendly toilets can be installed. This includes ‘a hook for hanging clothing and belongings, a shelf (minimum dimensions 125mm x 400mm) a fulllength mirror, a disposal bin within the cubicle’. Sign boards can be changed to ‘gender neutral’ symbol instead of a unisex symbol as shown in image.
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Vertical Circulation
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Lift
2m from the security gate/turnstile.
Standard lift (1.21 x 1.7m) Has a clear width of 1111mm. A mirror inside the lift helps in reversing out of the place & has grab rails. It lacks a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer. It does not have a hearing loop system and braille markings. The controls within the lift are 900 to 1200mm AFL with medium lighting levels. Well defined. Steps are deep 177mm high(riser), There are handrails on either side. The stair width is 1067mm from the adjacent walls and 870mm from the handrail. The minimum stair width of 1200mm from the walls and 1000 minimum is required. Moreover, the landing width is less than the required 1100mm. (as per ADK)
Circulation Vertical
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Step are located on to the right as we enter.
Stairwell
Audio supplementary system / induction loop to be installed along with an embossed floor lettering to facilitate the visually challenged people.
C 1
C
L 1
The riser can be made 150mm. These are 177mm at present, from an inclusive design perspective, the building can be more effectively accessible by handicapped people, if the riser is 150mm.
Furthermore, the handrails are 920mm high with a 42mm balustrade cap making it userfriendly. The adjacent walls are textured with grooves makes it more tactile and user-friendly for people with poor vision. No windows / any external daylight/light penetration, the lighting is medium with provisions of wall LEDs.
R
Step lighting can be provided to improve visual performance like the reference image.
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22
Lighting
Flexible workplace
The area is well lit, and the furniture’s are inviting and thus the space is inclusive.
Flexible workplace
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Walls / corridors
Information
Fire escape route
The route is clear and well laid, an unobstructed width of 1200mm is required as a fire pathway, this already exists here.
The curb in front of the exit is a hindrance that can harm disabled / visually challenged people. 24
Exit
Building access
Fixtures and furnishings
Has a lobby that helps people with manoeuvring. The place is not clean.
Additionally, a baby changing & breastfeeding room can be provided in a corner as highlighted in the illustration.
C
L 3
An emergency floor highlighted route marker along the fire escape route can be painted on the floor to enable quick and easy movement for aged people & neuro disorders.
A C 1
Signage can be provided above the door along with backlighting like the reference image. Directional signpost can be provided. Maintenance team to keep the space clean and free from any hurdles.
A
16
C 1
Charles Bell house – Revision markup Plan Note: Minor changes and civil work changes are highlighted in the plan.
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5– References
BSI (2018) ‘BSI Standards Publication Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment’, p. 100. Department for Communities and Local Government (2015) ‘Plain English Guide to the Planning System’, (January), p. 20. Available at: http://forms.communities.gov.uk/orwritetousat:%0Ahttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/plain-english-guide-to-the-planning-system. Edition, T. (2014) The Access Manual, The Access Manual. doi: 10.1002/9781118896303. Hewitt, J. (2021) ‘BNV0057 Designing Inclusive Places’, pp. 1–10. HM Government (2015) ‘Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings’, UK Building Regulations, 2, pp. 1–60. Surveyors Association, L. D. and Stephenson, J. (2021) ‘Protection from falling, collision and impact (Approved document K)’, Building Regulations Explained, pp. 1321–1384. doi: 10.4324/9780203310601-27.
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Appendix
Enlarged Image of Row 7 – Easy to read Building information map. 19