Dimensi on Data asic Hum an Dimension
Basic Hum an Dim ension D ata .:•'
O w r : . i
Designers have traditionally designed sites, buildings, vehicles and furniture with the average-size person in mind. This statistically-based "average" person has generally been an adult male without disabilities. The result has been an environment which does not really meet the size and spatial requirements of many, if not most, of its users. The needs of extremely small or large adults, children, and persons who have physical disabilities have been overlooked in most of the criteria used to design the built environment. Although it can serve as only a general guide, this section should provide increased awareness of the spatial requirements of all people, especially those with disabilities.
As the illustrations on the following pages show, the eye and arm levels of people in wheelchairs are considerably lower than average, standing adults. This data is particularly significant in determining reach . It is i mportant to ranges, work surface heights and maximum heights for storage units, controls and and others are based on "average" , ANSI, keep in mind that most accessibility guidelines such as dimensions for people in wheelchairs. The arm and eye levels of elderly people and children using wheelchairs can vary widely from those norms, and should also be considered in the design of a barrier-free environment. g e a sni
A D
S UAF
book to spatial requirements which result h t u o s g r Special emphasis is given i from the use of wheelchairs because persons using wheelchairs account for a significant percentage of people with disabilities, and because s patial requirements for such persons generally meet or exceed the requirements of persons with other disabilities.
The sources for the anthropomorphic data in this chapter are as follows: Charles George Ramsey and Harold Reeve Sleeper, Architectural Graphic Standards, eighth edition, , editor ( New York: John Wiley prepared for the American Institute of Architects, J ohn Ray Hoke, Jr., A I & Sons, 1 988), pages 2-8. Human Dimension & Interior Space, A Source , , SDIA , , P a e n o r and Martin Julius Book of Design Reference Standards ( New York: Whitney Library of Design, 1979). Dimensions for adults are on pages 85-98; dimensions for children are on pages 1 06-110. AI
42
d i e c p r g n The template on the
AN ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK
SDIA
k Z l i e n
page is t y s e t r u o c
AI
,
of the Barrier-free Design Center of Herma n Miller.
Basic Human Dimension Data
E
Of
ID I
610 mm I
0
0 .k
t f
0
24 in
.■
t r i
tr
Of
E
E
C
1 r -
0 to
O 1 / 1
1 4
I
22 in
1
560 mm
1
in -
13 in - 1 7 in
1 8 in
330 mm - 430 mm
455 mm 3 5 5 m m -
Man and Woman without Disabilities
Children without Disabilities
P VI
•
30 in
up to 48 in
36 in
28 in
760 mm
1220 mm
915 mm
710 mm
Man with Dog Guide
E O
Man and Woman on Crutches
Man with Walker 43
ACCESS FOR ALL
People who use wheelchairs need wider spaces to move aboutthan average standing adults. However, people who use other mobility aids such as walkers or crutches, parents with strollers, people with dog guides or canes, or those carrying large objects may need wider spaces than even people using wheelchairs. This data is significant in determining not only the width of pathways, ramps, stairs and doorways but also the size of toilet stalls and clear floor space.
150 mm l I 610 mm I 1 150 mm
48 in
1220 mm clear floor space
E
E
0
C t L 1
E
E c E
2
•
m
Child's Forward Reach
Adult's Forward Reach
25 in
635 mm max
13 in -
1 8 in
330 mm - 455 mm
Ex
25 in
Child's Front Reach Over Counter
635 mm min
Adult's Front Reach Over Counter
45 ACCESS FOR ALL
A large
portion of most accessiblity guidelines is based on the maneuvering and turning spaces required by people who use wheelchairs. This data is useful in the planning of areas such as restrooms, corridors and entrances, as well as the placement and spacing of furnishings in public areas such as lobbies, auditoriums and libraries.
The chart on page 48 illustrates some of the standard dimensions of manual and motorized wheelchairs which are commonly used today. Although many people still use manual wheelchairs, a significant number of people now use motorized ones. Wheel-
chair technology has developed to the point where motorized chairs can be used by people with very
little mobility. Models are available which can be guided by use of a mouthstick, the nod of a head or even voice commands. As such technology becomes advanced to allow people with more severe mobility limitations to use wheelchairs, the proportion of motorized chairs will continue to increase.
36 in 915 mm min passage
Absolute Minimum Corridor Width for Single Wheelchair
13 in - 18 in 330 mm - 455 mm
• , 4.
• ••• • • •• • ,4 •• •• •
•
Adult's Side Reach Over Counter
46 AN ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK
•
• • •
Child's Side Reach Over Counter
N.
60 in
for 360° turn 1830 mm preferred
Two Wheelchairs Passing in Corridor
Minimum Corridor Width for Turning a Wheelchair
30 in 760 mm min clear floor space 48 in
1220 mm min clear floor space
E E .c
CC
1
1 0
2
1 ■ ,
Minimum Clear Floor Space for Parallel Approach
Minimum Clear Floor Space for Forward Approach 47
ACCESS FOR ALL
Range of Adult Wheelchair Measurements Motorized
Manual Height: Arms from floor Height: Seat from floor Foot rest: Minimum extension Foot rest: Maximum extension Wheel Diameter: Front Wheel Diameter: Rear
25 - 31.5 inches 1 7.75 - 20 inches 1 4.5 - 15.75 inches 20.75 - 21 inches 5 - 8 inches 22 - 24 inches
(635 - 802 mm) (449 - 510 mm) (368 - 399 mm) (529 - 535 mm) (125 - 200 mm) (560 - 610 mm)
30 - 35 inches 20.75 inches
(760 - 890 mm) (529 mm)
1 5 - 18 inches 21 - 22.5 inches 23.5 inches 20 inches
(380 - 455 mm) (535 - 573 mm) (598 mm) (510 mm)
•
47■ •
42 in
27 in
1065 mm
685 mm Folded View
Rear View
Side View
Average Adult Chair Measurements
Disabilities Without Dimension This chapter is by no means comprehensive. It provides data only for those disabilities which have or create a dimensional need that is different from one of the standard averages used for most design. There are a whole range of other disabilities which will affect the design and organization of the built environment, but will affect its dimensions in a much
48 AN ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK
less direct manner. Such disabilities include, but are not limited to, hearing impairments, cognitive impairments, and some activity limitations. Excluding specific data pertaining to design for such disabilities from this chapter is not meant to imply that this data is being overlooked. In fact, an attempt has been made to thoroughly address the architectural requirements of disabilities without dimension throughout this book.
