06. Indoor Environment - Universally Accessible Circulation

Connect areas of the building through universally accessible circulation

Rationale: Implementing universal accessibility practices across circulation routes that support those with a broad range of abilities ensures that all people are able to move freely between spaces and comfortably use facilities — contributing to enhanced social inclusion and decreased risk of injury and psychological distress.

For the most accurate strategy and documentation requirements, please refer to the digital scorecard made available on the Fitwel Platform.

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with the option below:

Universally Accessible Circulation (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all of the following requirements:

Low-Rise Residential with shared interior spaces (LR+)

1. Implement a minimum of three of the following universal accessibility practices throughout the building:
   • no obstacles (such as steps, ramps, or equipment) in all indoor circulation pathways
   • handrails along a minimum of 51% of indoor corridors
   • warning and tactile guiding strips along 51% of indoor circulation pathways
   • visual contrast between floors and walls in all indoor circulation pathways
   • slip-resistant floor surfaces in all indoor circulation pathways
   • interior lighting that allows for evenly distributed illumination in all indoor circulation pathways
   • accessible buttons at all elevator call areas (such as floor or side-rail buttons)
   • elevator voice announcements for each floor
   • elevators with doors at front and rear on each floor
   • automated door openings at main building entrances and entrances to shared spaces
   • all doors to common spaces should open into rooms and away from circulation routes such as corridors and landings, unless other requirements apply due to emergency evacuation or outward opening doors have a door recess or guardrail installed

   • all doors to common spaces should have a clear width of 850mm (measured from the face of the door to the stop on the strike jamb, with the door open 90 degrees.)

     Note that universal accessibility practices are only required in shared circulation areas, not inside individual dwelling units.

2. Ensure that an identified universal accessibility practice(s) is implemented in each of the following circulation areas included within the building(s) under the control of building management:
   • hallways, walkways, and corridors
   • stairs, lifts, ramps, and escalators
   • elevator call areas
   • lobby and reception areas
   • gateways between regularly occupied spaces

Compliance Documentation (LR+)

Design Pathway 

• Requirement 1
  • Upload annotated design drawings or photograph(s) showing each unique universal accessibility practice
• Requirement 2
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) for each group of typical buildings identifying the following:
    • all circulation areas within the building(s) under the control of building management
    • the locations of the universal accessibility practice(s) that will be implemented within the circulation areas

Built Pathway 

• Requirement 1
  • Upload an annotated photograph(s) showing each unique universal accessibility practice
• Requirement 2
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) for each group of typical buildings identifying the following:
    • all circulation areas within the building(s) under the control of building management
    • the locations of the universal accessibility practice(s) implemented within the circulation areas
  • Upload an annotated photograph of each unique circulation area showing the universal accessibility practice implemented.