Bad Design Style: Case #44

Not long ago the ADA turned 20 years old. In that time we’ve come a long way in making accessibility part of the building code. Yet we somehow still have improper implementation of the code that continues with new construction today. For example this ramp that was built for a medical office in 2010. Yes it looks pretty and may function, but there parts of this ramp that are in violation of the ADA design code.

Landing Problems
First we need to address the pretty curve. The ADA code is a little vague on ramps that curve but does state that a landing be located at 90˚ turns. Well this ramp does a full “U” shaped 180˚ turn with no landings. Not nearly as easy as straight runs with landings.

Fallout
The next problem is edge protection. At the time this ramp was built, the ADA called for “curbs, walls, railings, or projecting surfaces that prevent people from slipping off the ramp“. This ramp does not do this and those gaps between posts are wide enough for the front wheels of a wheelchair to pass through and fall off the edge. Something that is more likely to happen with a very curvy ramp.

Read The Directions
The last problem is the handrails. Specifically the outside handrail which is not continuous and doesn’t follow the curve of the ramp. The handrail is straight in one section and then there’s a break at the corner column. Plus the ends of the handrail do not extend 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp as ADA code clearly states.