TOGETHER LET'S ALL GO TO THE SPORTS CENTER 'DESIGNING SPACES WHERE INCLUSION IS FELT, NOT SEEN'
EXPERIENCE 2 ATTENDING A SPORTS GAME
Our guiding principle is to seamlessly integrate a gently sloped ramp within the stair assembly, an invisible accessibility feature that blends into the architecture. The ramp follows the universal design standards having a maximum slope of 1:15, non-slip surface, handrails, color-contrasted tactile warning strips at start/end, and share landings and transitions with the adjacent stair flight to create a unified circulation node. By aligning the ramp within the stair footprint, rather than as a separate addition, we ensure continuous handrails, consistent lighting, intuitive wayfinding, and tactile cues for low-vision users, all while maintaining aesthetic cohesion. This "invisible" integration empowers individuals of varying mobility and sensory needs to navigate with dignity, safety, and independence without sacrificing design integrity.
Embedding a ramp within stairs offers a seamless, inclusive path that significantly enhances safety, accessibility, and convenience. By eliminating abrupt threshold changes, it reduces tripping hazards and fall risks, especially for wheelchair users, seniors, individuals with walkers, strollers, or those recovering from injury while fostering independence and dignity.
(From competitor's text)
The jury noted that the proposed 'stramp' (stair + ramp) presents some safety concerns and that focusing primarily on a single access point may reduce the overall efficiency of the course.
(From jury report)
