There is actually a type of design focused on making all spaces functional for all people, Universal design. Rather than having to add on disability entrances and signs, this system bears in mind from planning stages the implications of all design features on people. For example when universal designers think of streetscapes they consider planters, benches, bike racks, curbs, or even street lights and how they could be placed to avoid limiting access for the visually impaired or wheelchair users on the pavement (Rattary et al.). Universal design is defined by The seven principals of universal design as embedding choice for all people in design. In 1995 the designers of 1525 Clifton Rd did not have this mind set, however today if I were to redesign the building I may include....
1. Getting rid of the need for ramps in general. Since in my construction I do not think I could level out the slope of the road, I would have an automatic sliding door on the ground level making it so a person would enter on the basement level. The sliding glass doors would show wheelchair accessible signs, and be level with the pavement. I would place the door were currently the planter boxes are located. It is centered in front of the building, so it should be clear that it is the entrance. Since it would be automatic for anyone there would be no discrimination of who would have to use say an automatic door opener button.
2. Additionally to make the entrance accessible to the most number of people, I would consider the streetscape of the sidewalk. I would widen the pavement and add benches on either side of the sliding doors up against the building to avoid space being taken up.
1. Getting rid of the need for ramps in general. Since in my construction I do not think I could level out the slope of the road, I would have an automatic sliding door on the ground level making it so a person would enter on the basement level. The sliding glass doors would show wheelchair accessible signs, and be level with the pavement. I would place the door were currently the planter boxes are located. It is centered in front of the building, so it should be clear that it is the entrance. Since it would be automatic for anyone there would be no discrimination of who would have to use say an automatic door opener button.
2. Additionally to make the entrance accessible to the most number of people, I would consider the streetscape of the sidewalk. I would widen the pavement and add benches on either side of the sliding doors up against the building to avoid space being taken up.