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Hallways, Corridors & Circulation

Designing hallways, corridors and circulation to work for the widest possible spectrum of survivors, staff and visitors is to plan for ease of use, perceptible information, and size and space for approach and use. When done well, getting through the building should be seamless and not noticeable. It commonly requires careful planning to achieve that seemingly simple result.

Suggested Barrier Removal and Other Details of Welcome

A checkbox next to a statement means that it corresponds with an item in the Checklist for Existing Facilities, Version 2.1.

• Long hallways of more than 40’ can be made more manageable by people with balance, stamina or mobility issues if a ‘chair rail’ is installed at 30 – 34”. It looks like a design feature but is also functional.
• Keep a clear route in the path of travel. Careless placement of furniture or other protruding object like payphones, fire extinguishers or high shelves can block or obscure the route. If the hallway is wide enough, objects like plants can be put on the floor to block someone from hitting her head.

  courtesy of Adaptive Environments

• Landmarks that can easily be distinguished by visually impaired individuals and people who are distracted or anxious are useful as orientation cues. Such cues include changes in illumination level, bright colors, unique patterns, wall murals, location of special equipment or other architectural features.
• Many people have limitations in movement of their heads and reduced peripheral vision. Thus, signage positioned perpendicular to the path of travel is easiest for them to notice. People can generally distinguish signage within an angle of 30 degrees to either side of the centerlines of their faces without moving their heads.
• Provide 5-foot turnarounds or other clear spaces at the ends of aisles, between shelves, tables, counters, or other long displays by rearranging furnishings, displays, and equipment.

  courtesy of Adaptive Environments

• At turns, provide 4-foot-wide aisles by rearranging furnishings, displays and equipment.
• Periodically check and maintain access features such as clear corridors, clear aisles, clear and correct information on signage, and adequate lighting. 
• Consider reversing a door swing, or moving or removing an obstructing partition to get desired clear width.
• If there is a door threshold of more than ¼ inch, install a bevel.
• Provide regular maintenance for automatic door openers, door closers, and handles.

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