As architects with architectural degrees and professional experience, we approach accessibility reviews with architectural design in mind. This allows us to work as an integrated part of the design team and ensures that accessibility considerations are thoughtfully incorporated into the overall design.

​Why Accessibility

 

Besides complying with applicable codes and standards, ensuring that the project’s built-environment is accessible, as much as possible, to various people with disabilities, enriches the user-experience for all users, and increase project value from customer-attraction, leas-ability, sale and resale point of views.

 

Accessible designs include not only people with disabilities but also the elderly, parents with strollers, and others. This wider inclusion can lead to more customers, tenants, or users, increasing profitability.

 

Ensuring a design is accessible can prevent potential legal disputes & claims related to accessibility.

 

Complying with applicable building codes and standards in relation to accessibility requirements, during the design phase, can avoid costly retrofits or re-work during construction or after the construction is complete.

 

An accessible design can enhance an investor's reputation, portraying them as socially responsible and forward-thinking. This can differentiate their investments in a competitive market.

 

As populations age, the number of individuals who benefit from accessible features increases. Designing with accessibility in mind ensures that the building remains relevant and functional for decades.

 

Accessible designs within the employee work areas, can lead to increased employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.

 

Accessibility Review Approach

 

Accessibility review requires a holistic approach, addressing outdoor and indoor spaces to ensure smooth mobility and user-friendly built-environment.

 

Accessibility review includes but not limited to site approach, landscape features, parking spaces, drop-off zones, building entries, vertical & horizontal circulation components (sidewalks, stairs, ramps, elevators,…), doors, restrooms, seating areas, amenities, sleeping units, millwork, furniture, …

 

Universal Design Approach

 

Universal Design is committed to creating products, environments, and systems that are inclusive, user-friendly, and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, size, ability, or disability.

 

While Universal Design is not directly required by code, it is highly recommended to follow the below Seven (7) principles of Universal Design during the design process. |SOA| help Owners & designers to identify every opportunity to apply the Universal Design principals, as much as suitable to project’s objectives.

 

Equitable Use:

The design should be useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

Flexibility in Use:

The design should accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Simple and Intuitive Use:

Use of the design should be easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

Perceptible Information:

The design should communicate necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

Tolerance for Error:

The design should minimize hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Low Physical Effort:

The design should be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

Size and Space for Approach and Use:

appropriate size and space should be provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.