Few architects can honestly claim to love reading building codes. It is undoubtedly intimidating and may present difficulties for your design. You’ll probably get used to what you should be on the lookout for on a project over time, but even seasoned architects might need an intern to verify a few code questions for them throughout the design phase.
To guarantee accessibility for people with disabilities, ramps must be designed and built by ADA regulations. For ramps to comply with accessibility standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies rules and guidelines. Here are some crucial things to remember:
Application and Administration
The ADA standards’ opening chapter provides readers with an overview of how to use the rest of the guide, including a lengthy list of definitions and norms for interpreting the illustrations. The terms described in this section are italicized throughout the text to help readers understand a word or phrase’s meaning about these standards.
Scoping Requirements
Use this chapter to find out how the ADA ramp standards relate to the project you’re working on. It covers extant structures, historically significant structures, and guidelines exclusions. An essential component of an ADA-compliant project, the accessible route, is defined and explained in Chapter 2, along with the situations in which it is necessary. Parking, fire alarm systems, and accessible egress are all included. The remainder of the chapter is divided into brief parts that address each type of area that will be covered later in the standards. These sections clarify when and how compliance is required and provide links to the pertinent sections for more information.
Building Blocks
The Building Blocks chapter provides the groundwork for accessible design; all other sections draw from this knowledge. Clear floor areas are ubiquitous and extremely significant. They are necessary in front of numerous items, such as kitchen and bathroom equipment. Together with providing specific information on knee and toe space, reach requirements, and other required clearances, the rules also allow for clean floor space in alcoves.
Accessible Routes
Generally speaking, each site’s arrival point must access at least one accessible route (see Chapter 2) to the accessible entry or entrances. Tables and illustrations regarding appropriate ramp slopes, accessible elevator design, guardrail, and curb regulations, and door-opening clearances are all included in the rules.
General Site and Building Elements
Chapter 5 discusses site components, such as accessible parking spots and passenger loading zones, before going into the interior of the building. Detailed handrail requirements and some general stair recommendations are also presented.
Plumbing Elements and Facilities
The specifications for every plumbing fixture are covered in this chapter, along with information on required grab bars, fixture heights, and clear floor areas. The standards often include alternatives for fixture type and placement to satisfy the goal of the design.
Communication Elements and Features
The chapter on communication elements covers fire alarms, signage, and other more specialized types of communication (such as ATMs and public phones). Signage requires a lot of consideration regarding accessible design, and the rules define criteria for elevated characters, Braille, installation height and position, visual characters, pictograms, and accessibility symbols.
Summing it Up
As standards may change, it’s crucial to refer to the most recent edition of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) or local construction codes. Always involve a trained design specialist to guarantee adherence to current requirements and handle particular site conditions.
