Accessibility Quarter at Marina Beach in Chennai by Urban Design Collective

Accessibility Quarter at Marina Beach in Chennai Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Contents 1. Introduction ........................................................................... 4 2. Scope of work and methodology .................................. 6 3. Defining the Accessible Quarter .................................. 8 4. Defining the Accessible Circuit .................................... 12 5. Auditing the Quarter and Circuit ................................. 14

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Introduction The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 is the disability legislation passed by the Indian Parliament to fulfil its obligation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which India ratified in 2007. The aforesaid Convention lays down the following principles for empowerment of persons with disabilities — (a) respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons; (b) non-discrimination; (c) full and effective participation and inclusion in society; (d) respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity; (e) equality of opportunity; (f) accessibility; (g) equality between men and women; (h) respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities;

Among several other important aspects that ensure inclusivity to persons with disabilities, the Act mandates that ‘the appropriate Government and the local authorities shall take measures to promote and protect the rights of all persons with disabilities to have a cultural life and to participate in recreational activities equally with others.’ It is on the basis of this that this document sets out to ascertain the accessible features at Marina Beach Chennai’s largest public recreational space- and to suggest improvements, if required, The objective of this accessibility audit is to enable the creation of a universally accessible public space & facilities by assessing the accessibility of the existing physical environment and suggest improvements, if necessary. The suggested improvements are presented as recommendations and only include what is achievable based on accessible design standards as per ‘Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards on Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons 2016.’

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Scope of work and methodology The Marina Beach is the 2nd longest beach in the world. In total it measures close to 6 kilometres between the Cooum River defining its northern end and the Adyar River defining its southern end. In February 2008, Greater Chennai Corporation, took up the Marina Beautification Project with improved landscaping that include 15 m-wide lawns, seating arrangements, walkways, and lighting along the promenade. The architectural elements include plazas, gazebos, and pergolas and 4 to 5 m-wide non-slippery granite footpaths along the stretch. The blueprint of the renovation project included ornamental fountains, exclusive parking lots for twoand four-wheelers, a children’s play area, food courts, bus shelters and ramps for the physically challenged. This report presents a proposal to create an Accessible Quarter at Marina Beach by leveraging existing amenities that were put in place as part of the Marina Beautification project and also taking into account other amenities that are specifically built/ proposed for persons with disabilities within a quarter mile stretch.

The proposal is presented through a methodology covering 3 steps: 1. Defining the ‘Accessible Quarter’ 2. Defining the ‘Accessible Circuit’ 3. Auditing the quarter and the circuit based on standards prescribed in the ‘Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards on Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons 2016.’ Issues and recommendations suggested as part of the audit are presented under 3 sections:

ACCESS TO THE QUARTER

BARRIERS ALONG THE CIRCUIT

MISSING LINKS TO AMENITIES

Defining the Accessible Quarter The extent of the Accessible Quarter at Marina Beach is derived from the standard of the 5-minute walk, also known as the “pedestrian shed” - the distance people are willing to walk before opting to drive. Based on the average walking speed a fiveminute walk is represented by a radius measuring ¼ of a mile or about 400 meters. The pedestrian shed is usually placed around a community centre or a common destination, where social and commercial activity is focused. In the case of the beach, it is centred at the State Commissionerate for the Differently- abled as the anchor point for all persons with disabilities. The Commissionerate building is located at the

State Commissionerate for the Differently-abled

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

intersection of Avvai Shanmugham Salai and Kamaraj Salai and the quarter mile radius in the southern end extends until the next major intersection i.e. Radhakrishnan Salai and Kamaraj Salai. The proposal cum audit is focused primarily on this stretch since it includes existing amenities that were put in place as part of the Marina Beautification project as well as other amenities that are specifically built/ proposed for persons with disabilities within this stretch. The following spread outlines the key aspects of proposed projects along this stretch and also shows a consolidated map of facilities that can cater to persons with disabilities.

Accessible public toilets along the beach service road

Dr.

Existing context

Bes

ant

Roa

The Lady Willingdon High School

40 0

tr e

wa lki

ng r ad s iu

Vivekananda House

State Commissionerate for the Differentlyabled

Buck

National Institute Of Open Schooling

Kamara

ingh am C

anal

j Salai

Lady Willingdon College of Education

Marina Beach Avvai Shanmug

ham Salai

Bus Stop Bus Stop

Queen Mary’s College

Lighthouse MRTS Station

Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai

Tamil Nadu Police Head quarters 8

Proposed projects catering specifically to persons with disabilities falling within the quarter

Accessible Beach Pathway Location: Behind Gandhi statue Project by: Greater Chennai Corporation

Museum of Possibilities Location: State Commissionerate for the Differently Abled Project by: State Commissionerate for the Differently Abled

Magizhchi Cafe & Skills Training Centre Location: State Commissionerate for the Differently Abled Project by: State Commissionerate for the Differently Abled

In continuation of the efforts for International Day for Persons with Disabilities and in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, the Greater Chennai Corporation has approved this project to provide access to the beach waters for persons with disabilities all through the year by installing a walkway at Marina and Besant Nagar beaches.

A Demonstration Center or Museum on Accessibility is planned to be set up in a wing of the office of the Disability Commissioner at Kamrajar Salai, Chennai. This will showcase a model Accessible Home with universal design and Assistive devices for persons with Disabilities.

A Cafe along with a Training Centre to train both in theory and practice a maximum of 15 to 20 candidates with disabilities on skills pertaining to Hospitality and Food Industry is also planned to be set up on the roof of the proposed Museum of Possibilities.

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Dr.

The Accessible Quarter at Marina Beach

Bes

ant

Roa

40 0

showing existing amenities and proposed projects

tr e

wa lki

ng r ad

Buck

Kamara

ingh am C

anal

j Salai

s iu

State Commissionerate for the Differentlyabled & Proposed Museum of possibilities & Magizhchi Cafe

Marina Beach Avvai Shanmug

ham Salai

Bus Stop

Plaza Bus stop

Bus Stop

Accessible public toilet

Skating ring

Gandhi statue plaza

Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai

Proposed beach access pathway 10

Defining the Accessible Circuit

Having defined the extent of the Accessible Quarter at Marina Beach, the next step is to define a route that would connect all the amenities within the quarter. A preferred route is presented as a circuit in the diagram on the facing page. The diagram also delineates the sections that are currently accessible without any obstructions for persons with disabilities. It also shows the sections that have some minor issues with regard to universal access.

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

The next section in this report will specifically dwell on these issues and provide recommendations based on standards.

State Commissionerate for the Differentlyabled & Proposed Museum of possibilities & Magizhchi Cafe Plaza Bus stops

Accessible public toilet

Skating ring Proposed beach access pathway Gandhi statue plaza

Proposed Accessible circuit Accessible as existing Minor issues present which require retrofit solutions to make the stretch accessible

Auditing the Quarter and Circuit The accessibility audit of the defined quarter and circuit in particular covers the following aspects discussed in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 1. Accessibility of streets 2. Accessibility to public transport 3. Accessibility to ‘public facilities and services’ defined as including all forms of delivery of services to the public at large, including housing, educational and vocational trainings, employment and career advancement, shopping or marketing, religious, cultural, leisure or recreational, medical, health and rehabilitation, banking, finance and insurance, communication, postal and information, access to justice, public utilities, transportation; The diagram on the facing page shows a summary of all the issues along the circuit and subsequent pages will dwell more on the details of these issues. The diagram on page 49 highlights existing and proposed amenities and the missing links that if implemented could make the quarter and circuit accessible,

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Issues and recommendations suggested as part of the audit are presented under 3 sections:

ACCESS TO THE QUARTER

BARRIERS ALONG THE CIRCUIT

MISSING LINKS TO AMENITIES

Recommendations are presented in the form of diagrams elucidating standards, reference images from best practices and also photomontages showing design solutions based on standards. Standards adhered to in this report are primarily from the ‘Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards on Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons 2016.’ In cases where there is no relevant standard or approach to an issue at site, references are drawn from global case examples.

ACCESS TO THE QUARTER A1

A8 Lack of accessible kerb drop ramp

B3 Lack of accessible kerb drop ramp at intersections

C4 Lack of Pedestrian refuge Islands

D2 Lack of Ramp for access E1 Overspeeding of vehicles

F3 Existing Level Difference to be corrected

A6 J2

A4 G1 G2 A5 C1 D1

F1 K1

J1 D2 L1 I B3

C3 C4

L2 C2 A7 H F3

BARRIERS ALONG THE CIRCUIT G1

G3 Obstruction caused by existing toe wall

K3 Obstruction caused by existing bollards

L2 Haphazard vehicular parking H Incorrect/ steep ramp ratio

Existing issues

I High speeds caused by free left turn J1

J2 Insufficient sidewalk width

A Lack of accessible kerb drop ramp

4 6

7 8

Access to the quarter

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation

• Kerb ramps must be provided wherever an accessible route crosses a kerb. • Slopes shall not be more than 1:10 and width not less than 900mm.

Details of Kerb Ramp Image source - ‘Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards on Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons 2016.’

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Kerb ramps at mid-block crossings.

B Lack of accessible kerb drop ramp at intersections

2 3

Access to the quarter

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation

• Kerb ramps must be provided wherever an accessible route crosses a kerb. • Slopes shall not be more than 1:10 and width not less than 900mm.

Placement of Kerb Ramp at pedestrian crossing Image source - ‘Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards on Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons 2016.’

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Kerb ramps at an intersection.

C Lack of Pedestrian refuge Islands

Access to the quarter

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation

• Raised islands in crossings should be cut through and level with the street. • In case of a right of way exceeding 11m a pedestrian refuge has to be provided at the median. • In case it is required to prevent twowheelers from using the refuge island, a staggered pedestrian refuge island can be considered. (see image on facing page)

Refuge island & Pedestrian crossing Image source - Universal Accessibility guidelines

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Image source - Google Streetview

Staggered arrangement for refuge island & pedestrian crossing in Cardiff, UK

D Lack of ramp for access

Access to the quarter

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation A minor level drop at this location can be negotiated by installing a rubber threshold available in the market. If not, a permanent sloped finishing of the edge will allow wheelchair users to climb onto this plaza and enjoy a space to relax.

Proposed accessible ramp with 1:12 slope

Proposed design for ramp adjacent to the accessible toilet

E Overspeeding of vehicles

Access to the quarter

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation

Image source - nacto.org

Overspeeding is a general problem throughout the length of the service lane. This can be controlled through traffic calming measures such as reducing and streamlining the carriageway and construction of speed tables/ table top crossings at strategic locations.

Image source - https://www.drivingtests.co.nz/

F Existing level difference to be corrected

Access to the quarter

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation Level difference to be corrected and made accessible

G Obstruction caused by existing toe wall

Barriers along the circuit

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation Toe walls to be demolished

H Incorrect/ steep ramp ratio

Barriers along the circuit

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation Accessible ramps should be provided with a minimum ratio of 1:14

Accessible Ramp Image source - Building for everyone (NDA)

I High speeds caused by free left turn

Barriers along the circuit

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation Removing the free left turn provision in the already signalized intersection could help reduce conflict between those crossing the street and vehicles taking the free left. Alternatively, installing a pedestrian operated signal so those who wish to cross the street can do so safely while vehicles wait will also work.

J Insufficient sidewalk width

1 2

Barriers along the circuit

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation 1

0.7 metre

Source: Street design guidelines UTTIPEC DDA 2009

1.1 metre

In busy areas like bus stops, railway stations, recreational areas, the width of sidewalk should be suitably increased to account for accumulation of pedestrians as well as to facilitate smooth movement of wheelchair users.

K Obstruction caused by existing bollards

1 2

K 3

Barriers along the circuit

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Recommendation

Bollards should be avoided but where necessary be at least 1000 mm high, provide a wheelchair passage width of at least 900 mm, and should not be linked with chains. An alternate design to prevent two wheelers from entering footpaths while allowing wheelchair access is shown on page 44. Section across footpath Image source - ‘Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards on Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons 2016.’

Proposed design showing alternative arrangement to prevent two wheelers from entering footpaths while allowing wheelchair access

Existing toe wall (in wireframe)

Planter box

Side walk Existing toe wall 900

900 900

900 2100 (min 900)

900

Carr

iage

way

All dimensions in millimeters (mm)

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

L Haphazard vehicular parking

1 2

Barriers along the circuit

Recommendation Reorganizing the existing parking zones with dedicated accessible parking spaces.

Parking layout for disabled access . Image source - https://archi-monarch.com/disabled-parking-space/

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Table top pedestrian crossing Dedicated parking for PwD

Reorganised parking layout

Dedicated lane for pedestrians/ PwDs demarcated with thermoplastic paint and separated with kerb

Proposal for a reorganized parking zone near Gandhi Statue along with safe crossings on the service road Summary of parking spots provided in the proposed layout Vehicle type

General parking

Designated parking for PwD

Two wheeler

Four wheeler

Bus

1 46

Proposal for a reorganized parking zone near Gandhi Statue along with safe crossings on the service road

Reorganised parking

Dedicated parking for PwD

Kerb

Table top pedestrian crossing

Kerb

6 metres

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Dedicated lane for pedestrians/ PwDs demarcated with thermoplastic paint

Missing links to amenities

This section details out any missing links to amenities - both existing and proposed- which if implemented can greatly enhance the accessibility as well as the livability of the quarter for persons with disabilities. The diagram on the facing page shows the different types of interventions several of which are broadly categorized as follows:

x y z

Figure 1 - Showing location for beach wheelchair pick-up zone near police kiosk

Table Top Pedestrian crossings - To control over speeding and ensure safe crossings Signage at strategic locations - To enable wayfinding Seating every 50 metres - To enhance livability in the quarter

Figure 2 - Showing location for access ramp

Access ramp Installing an access ramp connecting the two levels of the plaza will ensure a much larger plaza space that can be made accessible by persons with disabilities (Figure 2)

Beach wheelchair pick-up zone A secure pick-up zone adjacent to the police kiosk at the Gandhi Statue plaza for beach wheelchairs which have been procured as part of the beach access pathway project (Figure 1)

Y Z

X Z

Y Z

Z Z Z Y

Y x Table Top Pedestrian crossings y Signage at strategic locations z Seating every 50 metres

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Existing condition of crossing to access service road opposite State Commissionerate for Disability

Proposed table top crossings

Table top pedestrian crossing

Existing condition of intersection outside State Commissionerate for Disability

Proposed table top crossing

Table top pedestrian crossing

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

y Signage Recommendation An important element of way finding that allows the users to ascertain information or can inform the user of a route, a hazard, or a facility, etc.

Parking Signage provision: • Information and direction signs should be provided at junctions of circulation routes and key destinations such as drinking water facility, toilets and other facilities. • Directional signs should readily identify and provide a logical sequence from a starting point to a point of destination and a clear indication of return routes to named exits. • The names of destinations should be consistent throughout the signing system. • A clear indication of the existence of steps or ramps on a route should be provided at both ends of the route.

Ramp

Toilet

Types of signages: According to the purposes it serves, signage can be of following types: (a) Directional (b) Information (c) Identification (d) Instructive (e) Health & Safety

Viewing Distances for signage

• Long distance signage include fascia signs, external location, external direction, house numbers • Medium range includes location + direction,

identification signage • Close range would include room signs, directories, wall mounted information etc.

Schedule of Colour Contrast for Signs

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Signage material Signage material should be non-reflective, preferably matt finish. It should have non-glary and non-glossy surface. Natural and artificial light should be such so as not to produce glare on the signage surface. The material of all signage should be chosen so as to reduce wear and tear and possible damage by vandalism and at the same time easy to maintain. Some suggested materials for signage are wood, acrylic, Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP). Font type • Prefered fonts: Sans family - Microsoft Arial, Arial Black, Trebuchet MS, Verdana, etc. • Should be Left justified • Should be Tactile embossed with Braille • Minimal use of bold • Consistent font stem widths • Avoid italics, condensed text, light stems

Size of Letters in Signage Viewing Distance

Height of letters

2 - 3 meters

15 mm

6 meters

20 mm

8 meters

25 mm

12 meters

40 mm

15 meters

50 mm

25 meters

80 mm

35 meters

100 mm

40 meters

130 mm

50 meters

150 mm

Size of Signage Viewing Distance

Size of signage

Up to 7 meters

60 mm x 60 mm

7 meters – 8 meters

100mm x 100 mm

Exceeding 8 meters

200 mm x 200 mm to 450 mm x 450 mm

Source - ‘Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards on Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disability and Elderly Persons 2016.’

z Seating Recommendation

No seating spaces along the entire sidewalk

Seating: When walks exceed 60 meter in length it is desirable to provide a rest area adjacent to the walk at convenient intervals of 30 meter for bench/ resting seats. For comfort, seat height should be between 450 mm-500 mm, have a backrest and hand rests at 700 mm height.

Accessibility Audit at Marina Beach in Chennai | Urban Design Collective | September 2020

Submitted to The State Commissionerate for Differently-abled No.5, Kamarajar Salai, Lady Wellington College Campus, Chennai – 600005

Prepared by

Project team: Vidhya Mohankumar, Srivardhan Rajalingam Project Support: Nawin Saravanan Image credits: Urban Design Collective (unless mentioned otherwise)