Sharkitecture.NET » Accessibility

You have been contracted to design a 30,000 sf nursing home, which is a project-type you do not have experience designing

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:41:36 +0000

What would you do to ensure your design is appropriate?

I would consult with a qualified expert in accessibility and barrier-free design, and potentially form a joint-venture with another firm with experience in this project-type. I would consider adding staff with experience with this job type, researching similar projects, meeting with http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/ agency people early on to determine their process.

Name 10 potential accessibility issues that are likely to arise (historic building)

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:09:05 +0000

1. elevator access
2. bathroom accessories (grab bars, mounting heights)
3. ramps to front entry, if stairs are present
4. signage
5. clearances at doors and in restrooms
6. strobe lights
7. accessible countertop heights
8. door thresholds
9. door hardware (levers, kickplates, closers)
10. contrasting stripes on stair treads

a) Restrooms dimensions
b) Corridor width
c) Width of doors
d) clearances at doors
e) means of access and egress
f) ht. of door knobs
g) ht., location and clearance around of water fountains
h) Projection from the ceiling
i) Clearance in the lounge
j) Ht. of the kitchen counter in the lounge

Assess and apply specific provisions of relevant laws, codes, regulations, and standards review and approval processes

admin — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:35:23 +0000

1. Review and approval

2. Plan check â€“ generally will check for code compliance to fire and life safety requirements, accessibility, and other local regulations

3. Design review

4. Environmental Review (see below)