Universal Design:

A Study of Different Places in Jadavpur University, Kolkata

A report by:
Aradhana Kundu
001510201004
3rd Year B.Arch

Guided by: Department of Architecture

Dr.Mainak Ghosh Jadavpur University
Associate Professor November 2017
 Department of Architecture
Jadavpur University | 2017

BUILDING : GANDHI BHAVAN, JADAVPUR UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS, KOLKATA.

Exterior Barrier-Free path of Travel

Category Requirement Detail
proper drainage exterior flooring is slightly sloped to
drain rainwater
slip resistant no.
stable and even texture

Surfaces and Textures

path no special pathway marked

General
rest areas present
horizontally projecting obstructions not present
parked vehicles and vegetation present but not an obstruction
Obstructions
street furniture not present
temporary signs present

Interior Barrier-Free Path of Travel

Category Requirement Detail
corridors wide enough for two corridors are 3.5m wide
wheelchairs to pass
consistency of materials and colours

General

Floor unimpeded pedestrian movement yes, since corridors are 3.5 m wide
surfaces slip-resistant no, flooring is very smooth
smooth surfaces smooth upto a height of 2m
unimpeded perception possible
Wall surfaces
unimpeded pedestrian movement
possible, gaps between seats is about 600mm

Aradhana Kundu|001510201004
 Universal Design:
A Study of Different Places in Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Vehicular Access
Category Requirement Detail
safe, clear path of travel
differentiated pedestrian routes
Layout of parking areas
gravel lots
subdivide large lots with vegetation
accessible stalls at both ends of block
near sidewalk and ramps
On- site road parking parking meters/machines that do not parking not available
require twisting or pinching action to
operate
individual parallel stalls
Parking stalls
two or more adjacent stalls
Signage international symbols
Parkades accessible stalls on each level

Ramps
Category Requirement Detail
locate on private property, outside
of road right-of-way

General
requirements

slopes at an inclination of 1:12

width 1.2m wide
wheelchair passing possible
landings present
for people with vision loss stud pattern for warning
cross slope 8.33%
Exterior ramps weather not covered for protection from rain

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 Department of Architecture
Jadavpur University | 2017

Illumination and Acoustics

Category Requirement Detail
control glare no glare
enhance illumination at critical
locations

Illumination controls and operating not accessible for visitors. Operated by maintenance
mechanisms department.
enhanced level of illumination
outdoors

sound-absorbing materials
corridors and hallways reverberate sound as they are long
and wide, walls are not covered for acoustic absorption.
Inside the auditorium, walls are covered for sound
absorption.
switches to turn off noisy devices
not available
Acoustics loud speakers away from crucial
areas of communication

Aradhana Kundu|001510201004
 Universal Design:
A Study of Different Places in Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Building Entrances, Doors and Doorways

Category Requirement Detail
distinguishable facade

Entrances

consideration of weather effects covering to protect from rain present

good lighting and signage present
sliding doors not present. Swinging doors are present.
transition space yes. At three levels- entrance->lobby ->corridor-
>hall
Specifications for door push plates made of glass and wood
people with vision marked glass doors present
loss numbers on doors not present. Swinging doors are present.
exit doors opening into high traffic exit doors open into no traffic areas
areas shall be recessed
opening doors made of glass and wood
door-release hardware swinging door spring-not suitable to be used by
disabled person
Doors openers and handles steel, at lower levels to be accessed by wheelchair-
hardware bound persons
security present. They also provide assistance to disabled
people.
smooth kickplate wooden, smooth kickplate
door opening wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass
doors in a series shall be power no door is power assisted
assisted
Doors and gates
door width 1.2m wide
revolving door or turnstile not available
timing not available

Page 5 of 9
 Department of Architecture
Jadavpur University | 2017

Stairs
Category Requirement Detail
location visible from both entry gates. Present on two sides of
the building
dimensions 1.5 m wide
illumination

General
requirements

nosing
not present. Material used for stairs is granite.
do not use heavily patterned
carpet

Interior stairs

weather

Exterior stairs

Aradhana Kundu|001510201004
 Universal Design:
A Study of Different Places in Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Handrails and Guards

Category Requirement Detail
located on both sides of a ramp or
stairway

Handrails

tactile cues and arrows on handrail not present

at top and bottom of stairs and
ramps
handrails to contrast with in contrast with vegetation, but not in contrast with walls
surrounding surfaces
leave space between handrail and present
wall

 There are no elevators in the building, hence making it difficult for disabled people to reach
the first floor and be seated in the balcony of the auditorium

Page 7 of 9
 Department of Architecture
Jadavpur University | 2017

Public Washrooms
Category Requirement Detail
avoid vestibules with two
doors

Entrances

Stalls clear opening available

toilet paper dispensers available
soap dispensers available
Fixtures hand towels/dryers available
toilet seat cover dispenser available
waste receptacles available
Knee space "P" traps offset horizontally available
easily accessible available
located on main floor near Washroom for the disabled is present on the ground
main entry floor, but washrooms for normal people is present at
a height of +900 from plinth level, as is shown in
figure.
Universal washrooms

call buttons in buildings with present

security personnel

Aradhana Kundu|001510201004
 Universal Design:
A Study of Different Places in Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Public Facilities
Category Requirement Detail
chairs

sightlines clear, as auditorium has seats on different

Assembly seating in levels
public facilities level spaces for wheelchairs

accessible seating space seating for wheelchair bound people is only

limited to the front row, as their entry is from
the front gate, near the stage
removable posts
Permanent barriers pedestrian flow barriers not available
avoid use of cables, chains or ropes

Page 9 of 9