By Art Kjos
Elevating Accessibility in Architecture
The journey toward creating a more accessible society began with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and expanded with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. These landmark regulations set baseline standards for accessible design. Federal departments were required to comply with ADA standards, and state and local governments incorporated accessibility into their building codes, making architects crucial players in creating inclusive spaces.
But compliance alone often falls short of providing an excellent user experience for people with disabilities. Facility owners can play an essential role by establishing expectations for new or renovated buildings to not only comply with the current standards but to aim higher—to create spaces that truly enhance the user experience for all. Owners also bear the responsibility of maintaining these spaces to ensure ongoing compliance and accessibility.
Beyond Minimum Standards: Achieving the Spirit of ADA
Early in my career as an architect, I focused on blending ADA compliance with the aesthetic vision of a project. At times, the aesthetic vision might take precedence over convenience or the experience of those with ADA needs as the overall project was developed. While my designs met the minimum standards, they didn’t necessarily provide an equivalent positive experience for people with disabilities. Later in life, I experienced personal accessibility challenges firsthand, which reduces my mobility. Through my own health changes I realized that many building designs, though compliant, could still be frustrating and fail to deliver a truly inclusive environment for everyone.
There is a crucial distinction between adhering to the minimum standards of compliance and embracing the spirit of ADA. Unfortunately, many facilities demonstrate that prioritizing accessibility is often an afterthought, which can lead to significant shortcomings in the user experience.
Compliance vs. Intent: Real-World Examples
- Parking Location: At my general doctor’s office, for example, ADA-compliant parking spaces are located across a busy drop-off zone or far from the main entrance. This forces mobility-compromised patients to navigate unnecessarily long and hazardous paths, compromising their experience.
- Event Seating: Accessible seating is frequently positioned in less-than-ideal spots, offering poor or obstructed views, especially when seated behind standing patrons. This diminishes the quality of the event experience for people with disabilities.
Budget Constraints and Oversights
When project budgets are tight, ADA considerations can be overlooked. Projects often adhere to a narrowly defined scope, leaving compliance issues outside the project’s immediate focus unattended.
- Curb Cuts: In some cases, site alterations are made without addressing existing non-compliant curb cuts, leaving significant accessibility barriers uncorrected.
Misguided Solutions Without Design Expertise
Owners sometimes resort to quick fixes to bring their facilities into compliance, delegating ADA issues to facility staff without proper design training. These well-intentioned efforts can result in more problems than solutions.
- Inadequate Landings: In my community, a non-compliant ramp was replaced with a new one, but it lacked a proper landing at the door. The accessibility problem remained unresolved.
- Improper Parking Solutions: At another facility, parking spots were simply repainted with ADA signage, but the dimensions were insufficient, and there were no curb cuts for wheelchair access.
The Importance of Maintenance
Maintaining ADA-compliant features requires ongoing attention, yet many facility owners lack a comprehensive maintenance plan. Common issues include:
- Heavy Door Pulls: Doors that require too much force to open or close are a frequent complaint, but this is rarely addressed during project commissioning or routine maintenance.
What would it look like to design for accessibility as an opportunity rather than a requirement?
The most successful projects I have worked on did more than follow the rules. They anticipated real-world use. They asked how a person with mobility challenges would move through the space and how the design could remove obstacles rather than simply accommodate them. They prioritized experience, not just compliance.
The ADA sets the foundation, but if I could go back, I would push harder for owners and architects to approach accessibility with a more intentional mindset. True accessibility is not about checking a box. It is about designing spaces where everyone feels included. That is not just good compliance. It is good design.