Walkway and Access

Design for accessibility includes the capacity for a broad spectrum of the population to use a building with relative ease.  Older buildings, such as this church in Toronto, were originally designed without these factors in mind.  Back then, climbing a few steps was not seen as a hindrance.  Here, a new landing, steps and ramped access are desired for the entry located closest to the parking lot. 

Until fairly recently, a ramp was considered to be mainly for use by those in wheelchairs.  The downside to this design approach was that it tended to segregate users - plus at a typical 1:12 slope it is not very easy to climb.  For this project, the slope is a gentler 1:20, positioned to land at the highest grade point available (thereby shortening length).  Its slope is now considered closer to a walkway, and relates to the car park and the adjacent path winding through the site.  The intent is that more people will want to use it. 

   Beyond the function of access, the expression of the guard is geared to allow for visibility beyond - to the existing church facade itself.  Due to the relatively shallow grade difference between landing and lower walkway, a solid guard is not necessary.  This reduces its overall visual mass and material cost.  A new wider door, complete with a standard push button operator, completes the exterior renovations.