Hello, everyone around the world! I teach barrier-free (accessible) design classes to elementary and middle school students in Japan. I’m writing this article to share some of Japan’s barrier-free (accessible) ideas with you. I hope this information about Japan’s barrier-free (accessible) practices will inspire you to think about accessibility in your own country too!
🌟 Barrier-free (Accessible) Quiz 🌟
When a building has a revolving door at its entrance, what should be installed alongside it to make it barrier-free (accessible)?
Think about it for a moment…
The answer is… sliding doors or regular swing doors!
💡 Explanation
Revolving doors can be convenient, but they can be difficult to use for elderly people, people with disabilities, and small children. By installing sliding doors or regular swing doors alongside revolving doors, the entrance becomes usable for everyone.
Here are some reasons why revolving doors can be inconvenient:
- Difficult for wheelchair users:
The space inside a revolving door is often too small for a wheelchair. It can also be challenging to move quickly enough to match the door’s rotation. This makes it very hard for wheelchair users to pass through independently. - Potentially dangerous for visually impaired people or those who have difficulty walking:
People who are blind or have low vision may find it hard to judge how fast the door is rotating. Those who use canes may also struggle to move in sync with the rotation. There’s a risk of getting caught in the door or falling. - Challenging for elderly people and children:
Revolving doors keep spinning at a set speed. Elderly people might find it hard to keep up with this speed. Small children might also struggle to time their entry correctly.
That’s why having sliding doors or regular swing doors is so important. They allow wheelchair users, people using canes, and those carrying large bags to pass through easily. People can move at their own pace, making the entrance feel safe and comfortable for everyone. This is the essence of barrier-free (accessible) design!
🌬️ Benefits of Revolving Doors
However, revolving doors do have some advantages. They are very good for climate control. Revolving doors have the unique ability to “let people through without letting air through”. This prevents outside air from blowing into the building. As a result, it’s easier to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity indoors while using less energy.
🤔 From a Barrier-free (Accessible) Design Perspective
For building designers, the idea of “installing sliding or swing doors alongside revolving doors” is a simple but effective solution. It’s a great example of balancing design efficiency with user satisfaction by addressing diverse needs with a single entrance.
🌈 The Importance of Barrier-free (Accessible) Design
Barrier-free (accessible) design is essential for creating a society where everyone can live comfortably and safely. The entrance to a building is the first step to using that building. By making this first step easy for everyone to take, we ensure that all people can equally enjoy the various experiences and opportunities that lie beyond that entrance.
🚶♂️ What You Can Do
There are many things you can do to help create a barrier-free (accessible) society:
- Be considerate of others: If you see someone having trouble, offer to help.
- Use barrier-free (accessible) facilities responsibly: Make sure elevators and accessible toilets are available for those who need them most.
- Learn more about barrier-free (accessible) design: The more you know, the more you might notice!
🔍 Barrier-free (Accessible) Explorer Team
Now, let’s explore your town! What are the entrances to nearby buildings like? If you find a building with a revolving door, check if it also has sliding or swing doors. By observing closely, you might discover barrier-free (accessible) features you’ve never noticed before. Share what you find with your family and friends!
Important Message
Lastly, I have an important message for all of you.
This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. Barrier-free (accessible) design practices and ideas might be different in your country or culture. Talk with your family or teachers about how things are done where you live. Let’s think together about how to make a world that’s easy for everyone to live in. Remember, I’m not trying to say that Japan’s way or my ideas are the only right ones. Also, always prioritize safety and make sure to act with trusted adults.
This article is simplified to spark your interest in barrier-free (accessible) design rather than provide complete accuracy. For precise information, please check the websites of official agencies in your country that handle accessibility standards.
If you have any questions, you can contact us at → https://lahainars.com/contact/
Please note that I’m not very good at English, so please use simple and short English sentences when contacting us.
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