FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)

Lesson 9: Housing Environments for Special purposes and Needs : Barrier Free

Street

Before building any apartment house for the elderly and handicapped, it is advisable to note street conditions, access to transportation, proximity to shopping areas, and whether there are major obstacles between the apartment house and the shopping locations.

Both wheelchair users and elderly handicapped persons have a common need of hard, nonslip, even street surface. Avoid loose gravel and provide continuing common surface not interrupted by steps or sudden changes in level, and other obstructions such as manhole covers, light or telephone poles. The street should be marked with signage in Braille and visual signage at appropriate height to indicate the shopping area, apartment blocks, bus stop, taxi stand.