To look for a specific item then please use the search facility by clicking here

Buildings

6.6 Corridors

Corridors, aisles and passageways on main circulation routes should have an unobstructed width of at least 1800mm to allow adequate twoway flow. Elsewhere, widths should be at least 1200mm for corridors to which wheelchair users have access, or 1000mm for corridors accessible only by stairway.

Avoid unexpected changes of level, particularly at doorways. Floors should be unobstructed and walls free from unexpected projections below head height, such as plants or lights. Appliances such as fire extinguishers and radiators should be recessed.

Signs should be used freely, to help avoid unnecessary journeys. Other orientation cues can be helpful, e.g. provided by lighting, windows, textures and contrasting planes.

Tonal contrast is desirable between floors and walls (see 6.20 Colour and Lighting). Provide contrasting strips on any plate glass panels. Ensure adequate lighting levels in all areas, and avoid confusing reflections. Floor furniture should not cause excessive reflection. Avoid deep pile carpets.

Exercise care in the use of decorative designs. If floors are patterned, select a design which incorporates guidance patterns, e.g. to locate doorways along corridors. Avoid designs which are confusing, e.g. patterns like steps. On walls, avoid patterns which distort the shape of important features such as a doorway or the corner of a wall.

Lobbies, Single door lobbies, Double door lobbies, Corridor giving variety of doorways and recommended minimum clear dimensions

next part of fact sheet 6.6