Building for Disabled People. Conversions

The needs of disabled people are often not taken into account sufficiently in new building projects, so it is frequently necessary to convert existing residential units into appropriate apartments. Suitable buildings have a generous floor area and offer simple opportunities for alteration in accordance with the occupant's needs.

The conversion measures required can include: alterations to the plan, including building work (which is limited by structural considerations, the type of construction and floor area); alterations to services, bathroom and kitchen fittings etc.; and supplementary measures, such as the installation of ramps, lifts and additional electrical equipment. Attention should also be paid to access from the street, any floor coverings which require changing and the creation of a car parking space with ample allowances for wheelchair users. The extent of the alterations depends on the degree of disability of the residents and the specific activity within the apartment. As a result, the conversion measures will often be specified in conjunction with the disabled person and tailored to his or her needs.

Prior to commencing conversion work, the plan and structure of the existing apartment should be examined carefully. Ground floor apartments of an adequate size are particularly suitable because additional services (passing through the basement) can be installed more cheaply and entrance modifications are easier.

Extent of the conversion work: Three groups of disabled people can be identified, each with corresponding requirements:
- Disabled members of a family (husbands, wives, children) who go to work or school outside the home. Alterations in such cases relate to access to the house/apartment, furnishings and provision of sufficient freedom of movement in the living and sleeping areas, and specially adapted facilities in the bathroom/WC.

- Disabled persons who carry out household tasks. Here, additional alterations must be made to the kitchen and elsewhere to simplify work in the home.

- Severely disabled persons who are only partially independent, if at all, and thus require permanent care. Extra space must be provided for manoeuvring wheelchairs and facilities to aid the work of carers should be added. Note that self-propelled wheelchairs require most space.

Comparison of sizes of living area: While apartments for the elderly are no larger in area than standard apartments (any changes consisting only of adjusting door widths and tailoring the functional areas), living areas for disabled people need to be increased appropriately, particularly for wheelchair users and the visually impaired. Regulations often require additional rooms in these apartments as well as a modified bathroom with WC for wheelchair users.

Recommended values for habitable areas are: 45-50 m² for a one- person household; 50-55 m² for two people.

Barrier-free Living. A functionally efficient and well-designed living space is of great importance to people with disabilities. To turn through 180° a wheelchair user requires 1500-1700 mm. This requirement sets the minimum sizes and circulation space of landings, rooms, garages etc. shown here. Entrances should not have a threshold or steps and revolving doors are not permitted. Doors should have at least 900mm clear width. Bathroom/WC doors must open outwards. The minimum width for a landing is 1500mm, and landings of over 15m in length should include a circulation area (1800 x 1800 mm). All levels and facilities inside and outside a building must be accessible without negotiating steps; if necessary, include a lift — (13) or ramps (10).