Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M

O N L I N E V E R S I O N M1 Section 4: Facilities in buildings other than dwellings OBJECTIVES Audience facilities generally 4.1 The aim is for all people to have 4.6 Wheelchair users and those with access to, and the use of, all the facilities mobility or sensory impairment may need provided within buildings. They should also to view or listen from a particular side, or be able to participate in the proceedings sit in the front for lip reading or to read sign at lecture/conference facilities and at interpreters. They should be provided with entertainment or leisure and social venues, spaces into which they can manoeuvre not only as spectators, but also as easily, and which offer them a clear view participants and/or staff. of an event, while ensuring they are not segregated into special areas. Wheelchair 4.2 Where permanent or removable users, people who have difficulty in using seating is provided as part of the design, seats with fixed arms and those with allowance should be made for disabled assistance dogs should also have the people to have a choice of seating location choice of sitting next to a conventionally at spectator events. It should also be seated person or a companion wheelchair possible for them to have a clear view of the user. Consideration should be given to activity taking place while not obstructing providing an area next to certain seats for the view of others. an assistance dog to rest. By having some 4.3 In refreshment facilities, bars and removable seating at the front and back counters (or sections of them) should be of blocks of seats (possibly in complete at a level suitable for wheelchair users. All rows), greater flexibility in location can be floor areas, even when located at different achieved and a greater number of wheelchair levels, should be accessible. users than the minimum provision shown in Table 3 can be accommodated. 4.4 A proportion of the sleeping accommodation in hotels, motels and 4.7 Greater spacing between rows of student accommodation should be designed seats at the rear of a block of seating, or at for independent use by wheelchair users. the end of rows, may provide extra legroom The remainder should include facilities that for people of large stature. With several make them suitable for people who do not seats removed, these locations may also use a wheelchair, but may have mobility, be suitable for wheelchair users. It is sensory, dexterity or learning difficulties. desirable for seating to contrast visually with the surroundings. Audience and spectator facilities 4.8 All users of facilities should be able Design considerations to locate suitable seating and move safely 4.5 Audience and spectator facilities fall and easily to and from the seating area and primarily into three categories: ancillary accommodation, such as lavatories, dining rooms and bedroom suites. a. lecture/conference facilities Lecture/conference facilities b. entertainment facilities (e.g. theatres/ cinemas) 4.9 People with hearing impairments should be able to participate fully in c. sports facilities (e.g. stadia). conferences, committee meetings and Note: The guidance here relates mainly to study groups. All people should be able to seating. For guidance on reception and use presentation facilities. Consideration sales counters, refer to 3.2 to 3.5. should be given to good sight lines and the design and location of lecture equipment (demonstration table, lectern, projection Access to and use of buildings other than dwellings Approved Document M Volume 2 38 O N L I N E V E R S I O N