Re-defining Arrival at the Main Reception Area
Project Principle:
The design must be inclusive and usable for everyone, regardless of age, size, or ability. It should focus on the needs of senior citizens and individuals with mobility, visual, hearing, or cognitive impairments. To accommodate different users, the space should include various access options, such as ramps, elevators, and stairs. This will ensure flexibility and ease of movement. Resting platforms should be integrated as places to relax and engage in various activities.
The environment should be easy to understand, using simple shapes, clear forms, and a rhythmic arrangement of elements to help with navigation. Unobstructed sightlines and consistent layouts can reduce confusion. Adding tactile surfaces, proper lighting, strong color contrasts, and clear signage will improve spatial awareness for all users. The design should reduce physical effort by including gentle ramps, minimizing level changes, and automating doors and devices, ensuring comfort and accessibility throughout the space.
This competition focuses on a design challenge at the entrance of a sports center. The current circulation route poses a barrier for people with mobility issues. Right now, the only way for these individuals to reach the reception area is by using an elevator, which creates a separate and stigmatizing access route. This lack of inclusive circulation affects not only those with mobility impairments but also senior citizens and those with hearing, visual, and cognitive disabilities. To address this, a new, universally accessible circulation path has been introduced.
The former garden area has been turned into an accessible platform with ramps that have a 1:12 slope and integrated stairs. This new route leads all users to an upper-level reception area on the third floor through an alternative but inclusive entrance. The updated design also shortens the walking distance between the outdoor field and the reception. To improve openness and clarity, the existing bridge that connected the two buildings has been removed.
All new entrances are designed for accessibility with automated sliding doors for easy entry and exit. Circulation is guided externally by tactile paving and internally through careful use of light, color, and contrast. Inside the center, extra diffused lighting enhances visual communication, helping those who use sign language.
Along the outdoor ramps, every second landing features a resting platform with trees, plants, and seating. These areas offer comfortable spots for individuals who tire easily or want to socialize while resting. Evening lighting, provided by posts and hanging fixtures, improves safety and accessibility.
Trees arranged in a line provide shade and visual continuity, helping to define the path. Each step in the staircase has contrasting nosing, which improves orientation and safety, especially for those with partial visual impairments. This integrated design ensures the sports center is accessible, welcoming, and fair for everyone.
(From competitor's text)
The proposal features a particularly long ramp, requiring landings and handrails, while also posing safety problems in winter (wind, ice, maintenance). On the plus side, a vast plaza linking the outdoors to the indoors is a positive feature.
(From jury report)
12 scanned / 12 viewable
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