Hi rhun,

Blister and corduroy warning surfaces have specific uses (refer to DETR
Guidance on the Use of Tactile Paving Surfaces).  Corduroy surface at the
top of the steps and contrasting nosings are fine, but I would advise
against using this form of surface for avoidance of a physical feature.
Also, waist high rails and chicanes cause confusion to vision impaired
pedestrians as demonstrated in banks and post office queuing systems unless
they are well contrasted against their surrounding - somehow I get the
feeling that the architect would not like this either.

I must say that the architect's imagination has to be questioned here if the
only aesthetic consideration is a grey facade.  If there were a little more
imagination forthcoming from the architect, the solution might have been to
use strategically placed planters (in brightly coloured containers), flower
beds or a pronounced change of surface texture (not tactile warning
surfaces).

I agree in some respects with the architect in that the use of black and
yellow bands/stripes is not very aesthetic.  The aim is to protect
individuals from hazardous features, but at the same time not to make it
stand out.  The architect has some responsibility here as the design should
have taken these issues into consideration at the design stage.

Regards, John.

John Gregory
Access Officer
Environmental Services Department
Ext. 1630
DDI. 01295 221630


                -----Original Message-----
                From:   Rhun ap Harri [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
                Sent:   26 June 2003 09:12
                To:     [log in to unmask]
                Subject:        La Scala

                Dear Accessibuilt

                The infamous La Scala at UW Aberystwyth is causing some
concern:

                http://www.aber.ac.uk/~arcwww/about/projects.shtml


http://users.aber.ac.uk/ijo98/photos/aber/views2/la_scala.jpg

                http://www.modusoperandi-art.com/mp03.html


                Health and Safety here is wondering if there is an issue
with the pillars
                and the slope of the structure being a hazard for visually
impaired
                people. The architect is against placing coloured (black and
yellow, or
                white) stripes on the pillars and sides of the structure,
because of
                aesthetic reasons. The structure is all grey and may not
stand out well in
                overcast or dark conditions they say. It has been pointed
out that there
                are other pillars like this around the campus in any case
with no hazard
                warnings, and there has not been an issue with them, as far
as is known.

                I thought that a 'path' of tactile slabs on the ground
around the whole
                structure would be an option - blisters for the pillars and
sides, and
                corduroy profile for the front by the steps.

                Another idea - waist high rails ( with a rail at a lower
height for canes
                and guide dogs) around the whole structure, and chicanes for
entry.

                Any advice would be welcome.

                Many thanks

                Rhun
                --
                Rhun ap Harri
                Swyddog Anabledd /Disability Officer
                Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales
                Adeilad Cledwyn Building G7 Penglais Campus
                SY23 3DD   01970 628537    07971 818 993

                ----------End of Message----------

                Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy
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Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html