Access: Improving Accessibility to Historic Buildings and Places

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advice series

IMPROVING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND PLACES

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IMPROVING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND PLACES

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DUBLIN

PUBLISHED BY THE STATIONERY OFFICETo be purchased directly from:

Government Publications Sales Office

Sun Alliance House

Molesworth Street

Dublin 2

or by mail order from:

Government Publications

Postal Trade Section

Unit 20 Lakeside Retail Park

Claremorris

Co. Mayo

Tel: 01 - 6476834/37 or 1890 213434; Fax: 01 - 6476843 or 094 - 9378964

or through any bookseller

Government of Ireland 2011ISBN 978-1-4064-2319-8

All or part of this publication may be reproduced without further permission

provided the source is acknowledged. The Department of Arts, Heritage and

the Gaeltacht and the authors accept no liability for any loss or damage

resulting from reliance on the advice contained in this booklet

This publication has been produced with the support of theNational Disability Authority

Text by: Shaffrey Associates Architects and Fionnuala Rogerson Architects

Editorial team: Helena Bergin, Fingal County Council; Feargus McGarvey,

Mitchell + Associates; John Wickham, DoECLG and Jacqui Donnelly, DoAHG

All images are by the authors or DoAHG except where otherwise stated

Series Editor: Jacqui Donnelly

Design: Bennis Design


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ACCESSIMPROVING THEACCESSIBILITY OFHISTORIC BUILDINGS AND PLACES

ContentsINTRODUCTION 51. PRINCIPLES 11

Getting the balance right 11Principles of universal design 13Principles of architectural conservation 17Roles and

responsibilities

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2. LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT 22Disability Act 23Planning andDevelopment Acts 25National Monuments Acts 26Building Control Acts 27Employment Equality Acts 32Equal Status Acts 33Wildlife Acts 33Forestry Act 34

3. PREPARINGTO IMPROVE ACCESS 35Advice andexpertise 35

The access strategy 37The conservation assessment 38The access audit 40Access options 42

The access action plan 43The access statement 44Maintenance,monitoring andreview 45Approaches to improving access 47

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4. IMPROVINGACCESS IN THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT 54Wayfinding andsignage 56Accessible routes 60Changes in level steps andgradients 72Street furniture andlighting 75Seating andrest places 77Garden andlandscape features 78Getting aroundlarge sites 78

5. IMPROVINGACCESS IN AND AROUND BUILDINGS 80Arrival andcar parking 80Approach andentry 81Overcoming differences in level 86

The front door 97Circulation within the building 99Lighting

110

Facilities 111Emergency evacuation 116

6. PROVIDINGACCESSIBLE INFORMATION 119Pre-visit information 119Interpretive information 124Programmes andevents 126

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IntroductionOne of the key requirements for an inclusive andsustainable society is thateveryone shouldbe able to participate in andenjoy the social,economicandcultural assets of that society.Historic buildings andplaces are asignificant asset,a unique andirreplaceable resource which reflects a richanddiverse expression of past societies andforms an integral part of local,regional andnational cultural identity.Historicbuildings andplaces,important in themselves for their intrinsiccultural heritage value,are alsosignificant because of their uses as places where people work,live andenjoy everyday activities.For some people,barriers exist which make visiting andusing historicbuildings andplaces difficult or sometimes impossible.Making the builtheritage more accessible in an appropriate andsensitive manner canincrease awareness andappreciation of its cultural,social andeconomicvalue.It assists in meeting societys requirement to protect its architecturalheritage,whilst also meeting the needto provide equal access for all,as faras is practicable.

The purpose of this guidance is to advise those who own,manage or carefor buildings andplaces of architectural heritage significance on theoptions available to them to improve accessibility.It also provides guidanceandinformation for anyone with an interest or involvement in issuessurrounding the accessibility of historic buildings andplaces.It aims to: Increase understanding of the principles of architectural conservation

anduniversal design Improve awareness andunderstanding of the relevant legislation and

policy Provide guidance on preparing an access strategy Provide illustratedexamples of successful solutions where access to

historicbuildings andplaces has been improved Assist in determining the practicability of works to improve access to

the historicbuilt environment

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ACCESS IMPROVING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND PLACES

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In making the built heritage more accessible, it is essential to be aware of

peoples different needs and how these needs can be met in a variety of

ways. It is important to remember that often the best and most

appropriate way to make historic places more accessible is through

management solutions which may sometimes require little physical

intervention or alteration of historic fabric. Well-planned access strategies,

developed at an early stage, can avoid excessive intervention and cost.

Where intervention is required, careful, sensitive and elegantly designed

solutions should be prepared and carried out by those with the necessary

expertise and experience. Consultation with the relevant stakeholders,

including local authority access, planning, building control, fire and

architectural conservation officers, may assist in developing appropriatesolutions. In some cases, it may also be appropriate to consult with users

with disabilities.

It is important to remember that to successfully improve access to historic

buildings and places, it is necessary to address both conservation and

accessibility needs in an integrated and balanced manner.

An inclusive environment contains.

AccessibleCustomer Services.

An AccessibleBuilt Environment.

AccessibleInformation.

This diagram shows the three fundamental components of aninclusive environment. The provision of accessible customer servicesand information are of equal importance to an accessible andinclusive built environment.


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The types of places and uses to which this guidance applies is wide

and may cover sites in public or private ownership, in active use or

redundant, including the following:

Archaeological sites, often

containing ruins.

Bank buildings.

Designed landscapes.

Farm complexes.

Harbours.

Hospitals and medical clinics.

Hotels and guesthouses .

Houses, gardens and grounds.

Industrial buildings.

Institutional complexes

including universities.

Libraries.

Offices.

Places of worship.

Schools.

Shops and restaurants.

Town and village centres.

Train and bus stations.

The guidance in this booklet applies to a wide range of buildings and

places from private homes, places of work, places of worship, places people

visit for pleasure and places which provide essential services for everyday

living. There are different requirements for accessibility depending on

whether the place is a public building or a private home. For private

homes, solutions can be tailored to the specific needs of the occupant and

the legal requirements are less demanding. For owners or managers of

public buildings that come under the requirements of the Disability Act

2005, access solutions to serve all types of needs and abilities will need tobe found. Buildings and places which are not in public ownership, but

which cater for public use, should also be accessible if the services

provided are to meet with equality legislation. However, if works are

required which affect the architectural or archaeological significance of the

building or place, other statutory requirements apply such as the need for

planning permission and/or notification or consent under National

Monuments legislation.


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Many historicgardens anddemesnes are open to,andvisitedby,the publicandtheaccess requirements of allvisitors needto be considered

Churches andgraveyards in active usehave very different access requirementsto those which are no longer in use

Georgianterracedhouses,forwhich manyIrish cities andtowns arerenowned,areparticularlychallenging toadapt forwheelchairaccess

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The approach taken toadapting a home is specifictoa residents needs as well as toeach property

Waterways such as the GrandCanal andRiver Barrow are protectedfortheir historical andecological significance but also provide an easilyaccessedrecreational amenity for all

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While the principal focus of this booklet is on places of built heritagesignificance,some of these historicplaces may also be of natural heritagesignificance andtheir custodians shouldtake account of possible impactson wildlife habitats andnatural landscapes when planning andmanagingfor improvedaccess.

The guidance is laidout in five sections:Chapter 1looks at the principles of architectural conservation andofuniversal design andthe importance of getting the balance right betweenthe two.It also explains the necessity of getting the right advice to ensurethat the owners or custodians of the building or place meet their

responsibilities.Chapter 2outlines some relevant legislation,describing the differentresponsibilities with regardto the provision of access,the protection of thebuilt heritage andother associatedlegislation including the requirementsof building regulations.Chapter 3provides information on the process of planning for inclusion bydeveloping,implementing andmanaging access strategies specifictotheparticular building or place,to ensure that the objective of improvingaccess is met while maintaining the significant characteristics of thehistoricplace.Chapter 4provides relevant information andpractical advice on deliveringsite-specific andpracticable access solutions for the historicexternalenvironment including the provision of accessible routes through a site or an urban area together with the provision of adequate seating,restingplaces andsignage.Chapter 5follows a typical journey sequence when visiting a historicbuilding from arrival andentry into the building,circulation in andaroundthe building andmeasures for ensuring safe evacuation of the building incase of emergency.Chapter 6 deals with the provision of accessible information for the visitor,both in assisting in planning a visit to a historicbuilding or place andininterpreting the site once there.It also discusses issues of accessibility inrelation to events heldin historicbuildings andplaces.

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1.PrinciplesGetting the balance rightFew historicbuildings andplaces were originally designedto be accessibleto all andmany present challenges in providing easy andindependentaccess.Indeedsome historicsites,such as castles andmilitary forts,wereactually designedandbuilt to make access difficult andthis may be animportant aspect of their special interest.Nonetheless,there are manysituations where it is possible to improve access either through innovative

management practices,high quality andsensitive design interventions,or acombination of both.Goodmanagement solutions include training staff to understandtheneeds of people andto assist when necessary.Appropriate staff trainingandawareness are particularly necessary in places where conventionalstandards are not practicable due to the impacts these might have,andwhere personal assistance may be requiredfor some users or visitors.Goodmanagement also includes the implementation of flexible,non-physicalarrangements andinitiatives within a building to accommodate peoplewith a diverse range of needs.It may sometimes not be possible toprovidephysical access to all parts of a historicbuilding without causing significantdamage to its architecture.In such cases,the services or experiencesprovidedshould,wherever possible,be made available in an accessible partof the building.Management solutions may also involve the installation ofportable or demountable aids,for example for one-off or infrequent events.Sometimes a management solution is necessary where a more permanent

solution is not possible or appropriate at that time,perhaps due to a lackofavailable funding or technology.Consultation with stakeholders andusergroups may help identify key issues andevaluate possible solutions.In determining the extent andapproaches to achieving improvedaccessibility,an acceptable balance needs to be struckbetween the needto protect the particular qualities of the building,townscape or landscapethat are valuedandthe needto provide for greater social inclusion andaccess.In making decisions about intervention andchange,owners or

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custodians shouldrespondto the needs of today while being mindful oftheir role as temporary custodians of a heritage passeddown fromprevious generations,which shouldbe passedon tofuture generationswith its special qualities intact.Many buildings of architectural heritage significance also play a role inpeoples daily lives.In getting the balance right,a different approach may

It is a challenge for anyone tovisit the ruins of the fifteenthcentury medieval Moyne Abbeybecause of its isolatedlocation,the difficulty of the terrain andthe condition of the ruinous site.

This is part of every visitorsexperience andit contributes tothe special qualities of the place.Any decision to improve accessneeds to be carefully balancedwith maintaining the integrityandauthenticity of the abbeyandits setting

Trinity College Dublin is home tomore than 16,000 students andstaff andis visitedby over half amillion people every year.Manyof the buildings,which datefrom the eighteenth andnineteenth centuries,areaccessedacross cobbledsquaresandhave raisedentrances.TheCollege is committedto theprinciple of universal access andhas developedan accessstrategy which is beingimplementedon a phasedbasis

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be appropriate for a building which accommodates an everyday functionsuch as a library,church,shop or bank,than for a heritage site which isopen to the publicas a historicvisitor attraction.Management solutions which do not require alteration of the building orplace may be appropriate in some instances to ensure sufficient access to aparticular service.Such management solutions can be assistedby off-siteandadvance information in the form of websites,leaflets andaudio-visualinformation,indicating where physical access is limitedandwhat facilitiesandinterpretive information are available.One-off or occasional events inhistoricbuildings andplaces,such as concerts,ceremonies,fairs,marketsand

the like,

may only require temporary measures which can be installed

in a sensitive andeasily reversible way.

Principles of universal designThe principles of universal design developedby the North Carolina StateUniversity in 1997 are:1. Equitable use the design is useful andmarketable to people with

diverse abilities2. Flexibility in use accommodating a wide range of individual

preferences andabilities3. Simple andintuitive use use of the design is easy tounderstand4. Perceptible information the design communicates necessary

information effectively to the user5. Tolerance for error the design minimises hazards andthe adverse

consequences of accidental or unintendedactions6. Low physical effort the design can be usedefficiently andcomfortably

with a minimum of fatigue7. Size andspace appropriate size andspace is providedfor approach,

reach,manipulation anduse

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The Disability Act 2005 (Section 19A) defines Universal Design as thedesign andcomposition of an environment sothat it may be accessed,understoodandusedto the greatest possible extent,in the mostindependent andnatural manner possible,in the widest possible range ofsituations,andwithout the needfor adaptation,modification,assistivedevices or specialisedsolutions,by any persons of any age or size or havingany particular physical,sensory,mental health or intellectual ability ordisability.It is about making places that everyone can use throughapplying a strategicapproach to planning,design andmanagement.Itpromotes inclusion andaccess for all andapplies both tonew buildingsandtothe adaptation of existing andhistoricenvironments.It relates notonly to the management andmaintenance of a building or place but alsoto the provision of information andservices.Applying universal design principles to ensure that historicenvironmentsare accessible andinclusive involves understanding the vast range ofhuman abilities andfrailties at all stages of life from childhoodto oldage.

There is no such person as an average personandthere are as manydifferences in the characteristics of disabledusers as there are amongnon-disabled,for example height,strength,dexterity,stamina,andintellectual,vision or hearing abilities.In seeking solutions the general aim is to findone that is usable byeveryone.However there are times when it is necessary to providealternatives.If a solution designedspecifically for use only by people withdisabilities cannot be avoided,then it shouldbe sensitively integratedwithin the existing architectural or landscape context.

To arrive at an acceptable solution,user consultation can be a key factor.By involving people with disabilities,older people anduser groups in theprocess,it may be possible to ensure that solutions are practical andpriorities are accurately identified.Universal design may include assistive devices;for example,an assistivehearing device may be requiredin a concert hall no matter how goodtheacoustics.Personal service andassistance may also be needed;in particularwhere services are automated.

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By consulting with arange of user groups,including older

people andpeoplewith disabilities,decisions on whataccess improvementsto prioritise are moreeffective

Universal design is an innovative anddynamicstrategy which focuses onconstantly seeking better solutions in a context where technology,knowledge andawareness are rapidly changing.Thus it is necessarycontinually to consider new solutions as a means of minimising technicalandenvironmental limitations.The practice of universal design isevolutionary in character.Each historicbuilding or place is unique andthelevel of access that can be achievedis dependent on the characteristics ofthe site itself.

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A universal design strategy appliedto places of built heritage shouldaimto include the following goals wherever practicable: Pre-visit information available in accessible formats andproviding

information about the accessibility of the site andservices Staff trainedin disability andequality awareness An accessible external landscape Simple andintuitive wayfinding andorientation Well-designedandlegible signage An accessible principal entry point Access for everyone to facilities or,where this is not possible,alternative

access provided Interpretive information available in a variety of formats Programmes andevents that are accessible to all Emergency evacuation for everyone

An inclusive environment is easy to use,safe,andcomfortable andoffers choice where needed

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However,because of the sensitivityof the built heritage,not all of thesegoals will be achievable at everysite and,where such cases arise,acareful balance will have to be reached.

Principles of architectural conservationAccording to the principles of architectural conservation,alterations to thebuilt heritage should:

Use expert advice at all stages of the process

Protect the special interest of the place Promote minimal intervention Properly recordall alterations Respect all previous alterations of interest Repair rather than replace historic fabric Promote the legibility of new work Use appropriate materials andmethods of work Ensure easy reversibility of alterations

We lookafter our historicbuildings andplaces for those who come after us.Many of these historicplaces have existedfor generations andit is ourresponsibility to handthem on in goodcondition to allow futuregenerations to enjoy them too.Conservation involves caring for historicbuildings andplaces andmanaging changes to them in a way whichretains their special characteristics.It is important,therefore,to understandthe following basicprinciples of architectural conservation practice so thatany changes undertaken do not damage the special qualities of a historicbuilding or place.

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For most historicbuildings andplaces,it is well establishedthat the bestway to protect them is to keep them in active use.This may involveadaptations andalterations to keep the place in use andsome compromisemay be necessary;however,the special interest shouldnot beunnecessarily affectedandevery effort shouldbe made to minimise loss of,or damage to,the qualities of the building or place.Before commencing any works it is important to learn as much as possibleabout the particular building or place;for example what its history hasbeen andhow it has changedover time.It shouldbe recognisedthat lateralterations may be important additions to the history of the place.If thebuilding or place has been cared

for and

adapted

over the years,

each

generation of change has made its own contribution toits character.It isimportant to understandwhat is special about the place andhow thesespecial qualities can be protectedwhen carrying out works.It is alsoessential to get independent advice from acknowledgedexperts in therelevant fieldof conservation when planning works.These couldinclude aconservation architect,engineer,landscape architect,archaeologist orecologist,depending on the nature of the works required.

This ramp has been designedas a contemporary interventionin steel andtimber which willweather to a grey colour tomatch the stonework.The rampis readily removable ensuringthat the intervention isreversible.As part of the worksa doorway which hadbeenblockedup was reopenedwiththe new door recessed.Theoriginal steps have beenbrought forwardandraisedtoeliminate the single step at thedoorway.Any historicfabricthat was removedhas beenretainedon the site andthealterations recorded

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Planning shouldtake place in a holisticway,formulating an overall planwhich addresses all necessary works to conserve the distinctive qualities ofthe place but which also allows for change.Works can then beimplementedin a phasedmanner to reflect priorities andavailableresources.Ideally,interventions andalterations shouldbe readily reversiblewithout causing damage to the special character of the building or place.Generally,alterations shouldadopt an approach of minimal intervention.Goodconservation works shoulddo as much as necessary andas little aspossible(Article 3,Burra Charter).Where major interventions or additionsare required,these shouldaddto the distinctive qualities of the site ratherthan compete with the historic

building or place so

that,

in time,

they

become valuedelements in their own right.In some instances,theappropriate design solution may be to adopt the historicstyle;howevercare shouldbe taken to ensure high quality detailing andspecification,aspoor quality pastiche versions woulddetract from the original.Often acontemporary design of high quality is more appropriate andthe approachshouldgenerally strive for minimal visual impact andthe use of highquality materials.These new elements shouldnot visually dominate thehistoricbuilding.Junctions between the historicfabricandany new element shouldbecarefully designedto avoiddamage andthere shouldbe a clear andelegant distinction between the new andthe old.Respect shouldbe givento local distinctiveness in material,design andconstruction detail.Intervention andnew works shouldnot damage important historicfabricandfeatures or promote future decay.When carrying out interventions thematerials,design anddetailing of the intervention shouldbe compatiblewith the historicfabricandshouldnot damage its structural integrity andperformance.It is goodpractice to prepare drawn andphotographicarchival records of the building or place before andafter carrying outworks,in addition to recording any features which come to light duringthe project.

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Roles and responsibilitiesImproving accessibility requires commitment at all levels within an

organisation responsible for the management of a historic building orplace.The same is true for protecting the architectural heritage.Management shouldempower anddelegate staff to provide effectiveon-site management,operational procedures andmonitoring.For publicbuildings,the Disability Act places responsibility for providingaccess with the heads of certain publicbodies andrequires that thosebodies appoint at least one member of staff as an access officer.Within organisations whose property includes historicbuildings andplaces,it is important that those authorisedto act as access officers aremade aware of the value of the built heritage of the site, the principles ofarchitectural conservation,relevant legislation andnational andlocalpolicies.It is alsoimportant that they are given the necessary authority toworkwith other people anddepartments,both within andoutside theorganisation,who may also have a role in the planning,managing andcarrying out of works to historicproperties within the organisationsownership or management.In organisations which own or manage a large portfolio of historicbuildings andplaces,perhaps spreadacross a wide geographical area,itmay be useful to establish a historicproperty committee andit isrecommendedthat the access officer andrepresentatives of any relevantaccess group are part of this committee,in addition to includingcommittee members with building conservation expertise.The planning ofany works to historicproperties shouldbe coordinatedby this committeeso that accessibility issues are properly integratedin a sensitive manner.

Those who own or are in charge of buildings andplaces of architecturalheritage significance shouldbe aware of their duties andresponsibilitiesunder the Planning Acts andthe National Monument Acts. They shouldconsult with the relevant statutory authorities before planning any works.

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STAFF TRAININGIN EQUALITY AND INCLUSIONThe type andlevel of training requireddepends on the nature of theorganisation andthe specificrole of the staff member;however all staffshouldbe made aware of the principles of equality,inclusion anduniversaldesign.For buildings andplaces where physical access is difficult to provide due tothe potential impacts it wouldhave on the architectural heritage,theattitude,awareness andtraining of building owners,managers andstaffbecome of much greater importance.The advantage of goodstaff trainingis the creation of increasedawareness of the needs of people withdisabilities so that,where a building or place is not fully accessible,staffknow how to explain any access limitations,andto offer andprovidesuitable assistance when necessary.Sometimes a little assistance from astaff member can make an otherwise inaccessible building accessible forsomeone with a disability.Trainedstaff may alsooften be able to identifycreative andnon-damaging solutions for making heritage sites moreaccessible.

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2.Legislative contextIt is important to establish at an early stage whether a historic building orsite is protectedby legislation andwhat types of notifications,permissionsand/or consents are necessary to obtain before undertaking any works.Thecomplexity of legislative requirements dealing with the conservation of thebuilt heritage andthe improvement of accessibility often requires expertadvice,together with consultation andnegotiation with the relevantstatutory authorities.

The following provides a brief description of the relevant legislation whichunderpins the principles of accessibility andthe protection of historicbuildings andplaces.This section is intendedas guidance only andis not alegal interpretation of the legislation discussed.

The Office of PublicWorks has been assisting government departmentsmeet objectives to ensure that publicbuildings are,as far as ispracticable,accessible to everyone.Here smooth,pavedaccess routesfrom the pedestrian gates to the main entrance steps were providedthrough the re-laidsetts.A rampedaccess leads up to the entrancepodium

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DisabilityAct 2005The Disability Act applies principally to public bodies.

Under the Act,

public

bodies are requiredto ensure that the services they provide to the generalpublicare accessible to people with disabilities.A publicbody shouldalsoensure that information is available in accessible formats on request as faras practicable.Within this Act there are specificrequirements for heritage sites.Section 29(1) (a) requires that the headof a publicbody shall,as far as practicable,ensure that the whole or a part of a heritage site in its ownership,management or control to which the publichas access is accessible topersons with disabilities andcan be visitedby them with ease anddignity.However,this does not apply if the works requiredto make the heritagesite accessible would:(i) Have a significant adverse effect on the conservation status of a species

or habitat or the integrity of a heritage site,or(ii) Compromise the characteristics of the site.

For the purposes of the Disability Act 2005,Section 29 (3) defines aheritage siteas including:a) A monument within the meaning of the National Monuments Acts

1930-2004b) A heritage building or a heritage garden or parkwithin the meaning of

the Heritage Act 1995c) A protectedstructure or a proposedprotectedstructure,with any

attendant grounds,or an architectural conservation area,within themeaning in each case of the Planning andDevelopment Act 2000

d) A nature reserve which is the subject of an establishment order withinthe meaning of the Wildlife Acts 1976 and2000,and

e) A national parkownedby the State andunder the management andcontrol of the Minister for the Environment,Heritage andLocalGovernment (Note:these functions were transferredto the Minister forArts,Heritage andthe Gaeltacht in 2011)

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Access foreveryone to theCustom House,

Dublin is via thenorth entrancewhere a rampedaccess route hasbeen providedtoreach the entrancepodium

The ramp islocatedparallelto the pavement,behindrailingswith minimalimpact on theNeoclassical

faade

A section of the railings andof the stone plinth werecarefully removedto giveaccess to the base of theramp. The south, riversideentrance,which is accessedvia an impressive set of steps,is now only usedfor specialevents when both entrancesare available for use

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Under Section 25 of the Disability Act 2005,for publicbuildings other thanheritage sites,publicbodies are requiredto ensure that buildings that areaccessedby the publicare brought into compliance with Part M 2000 ofthe Building Regulations by 31 December 2015.Publicbuildings must bebrought into compliance with any amendment of Part M not later than 10 years after the commencement of the amendment.Section 26 of the Disability Act requires publicbodies to provideintegratedservices to people with andwithout disabilities,wherepracticable andappropriate.It also requires all publicbodies to appoint atleast one access officer.Section 27 of the Disability Act requires publicbodies to ensure that goods and

services supplied

to it are accessible to

people with disabilities,where this does not incur undue cost or delay.

The National Disability Authority has produceda Code of Practice forAccessible Heritage Sites under Section 30 of the Act. This Code of Practiceprovides guidance to publicbodies on improving the accessibility ofheritage sites in their ownership.

Planning and Development Acts 2000 - 2010Under Part IV of the Planning andDevelopment Act 2000,a building whichforms part of the architectural heritage can be protectedeither by beingdesignatedas a protectedstructure or by being locatedwithin anarchitectural conservation area.Where a building is a protectedstructure,or has been proposedforprotection,or is locatedwithin an architectural conservation area,the usualexemptions from requirements for planning permission may not apply.Inthe case of a protectedstructure any works,whether internal or external,which wouldmaterially affect its character,require planning permission.Protection also extends to the landwithin the curtilage of the building andto other structures andfeatures associatedwith a protectedstructure suchas outbuildings,boundary walls,paving,andrailings.In an architecturalconservation area,any works to the exterior of a building which wouldaffect the character of the area also require planning permission.This mayinclude works to the exteriors of buildings andto features such as paving,railings andstreet furniture.

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Under Section 57 (2) of the Act,the owner or occupier of a protectedstructure is entitledto askthe planning authority to issue a declarationwhich provides guidance in identifying works that would,or wouldnotrequire planning permission.For general advice on planning issues relating toarchitectural heritage,refer tothe statutory guidelines entitledArchitecturalHeritageProtectionGuidelines for Planning Authorities(2011) publishedby the Department ofArts,Heritage andthe Gaeltacht.Chapter 18 of these guidelines deals withissues relating to improving access.

Level access to this buildinghas been achievedin a sidestreet by extending anoriginal window opening tostreet level.Where suchentrances are not theprincipal entrance it isimportant that they areclearly sign-posted,supervisedclosely andwell-maintained.They shouldbelocatedas close as possibleto the main entrance

National Monuments Acts 1930 - 2004Alternatively,or in addition,a building or place may be protectedunder theNational Monuments Acts in one or more ways as follows:a) By reason of being a national monument in the ownership or

guardianship of the Minister for Arts,Heritage andthe Gaeltacht or alocal authority or subject to a preservation order

b) As a monument enteredin the Register of HistoricMonumentsc) As a monument enteredin the Recordof Monuments andPlaces

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In respect of monuments to which (a) applies,the written consent of theMinister for Arts,Heritage andthe Gaeltacht is requiredfor any structuralinterference or grounddisturbance.In respect of monuments to which (b)and(c) apply,two monthsnotice in writing must be given to the Ministerof any proposedworks at or in relation to the monument.Breach of theserequirements is an offence.

The Recordof Monuments andPlaces (RMP) is the most widely applyingprovision of the National Monuments Acts.It comprises a list of recordedmonuments andaccompanying maps on which such monuments areshown for each county.It can be consultedin county libraries andmainlocal authority offices.The National Monuments Service of the Department

of Arts,Heritage andthe Gaeltacht advises on the protection applying toany particular monument under the National Monuments Acts.

Building Control Acts 1990 - 2007The building control system is centredon the parent Act,the BuildingControl Act 1990,which comprises three principal categories: Provides for making of Building Control Regulations Provides for the making of Building Regulations,and Gives powers of enforcement andinspection

The Act was amendedin 2007;the main provisions made were: Strengthening of enforcement powers of local Building Control

Authorities Registration of titles of certain building professions,and Legal transposition of relevant parts of EU Mutual Recognition of

Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC of September 2005)

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BUILDING CONTROL REGULATIONS 1997 - 2009Building Control Regulations 1997 first came into force on 1 July 1998.Theyapply to new buildings,extensions,material alterations andchanges of useof buildings.Their purpose is to promote observance of the BuildingRegulations by supplementing the basic powers of inspection andenforcement given to Building Control Authorities by different sections ofthe Building Control Act 1990.The Building Control Regulations dosointhree ways: Requiring a commencement notice of works to be lodgedwith a fee

Requiring a Fire Safety Certificate for most buildings,with the exception

of houses andindividual apartments.They also detail exemptions to theregulations (not to the technical requirements of the BuildingRegulations),and

Requiring a Disability Access Certificate for most new buildings,withthe exception of houses andindividual apartments,andcertain worksto existing buildings.This was introducedthrough an amendment tothe Building Control Regulations in 2009

BUILDING REGULATIONS 1997 - 2010

The primary purpose of the Building Regulations is to provide for thehealth,safety andwelfare of people in andaroundbuildings.In general,theBuilding Regulations apply to the construction of new buildings,toextensions andmaterial alterations to existing buildings andtocertainchanges of use of existing buildings.These Regulations apply to all types ofconstruction.

The Building Regulations comprise broadfunctional requirements,orgeneral statements of intent. Technical Guidance Documents A to M giveguidance on how to comply with the Regulations.

The secondschedule lists the various parts (A to M) andthe Regulationswithin each part.The thirdschedule lists the types of buildings that areexemptedfrom the Building Regulations.For example,under Class 8 of thethirdschedule,a building subject to the National Monument Acts isexemptedfrom the Building Regulations.

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guest building,institutional building,place of assembly,shop (which is notancillary to the primary use of the building),or shopping centre.In the case of new dwellings (which,since 2001,must be visitable bypeople with disabilities) some amendments have been includedin TGD-M2010 in respect to approaches toa dwelling,widths of internal doors,etc.Part M does not apply to works in connection with extensions to,andthematerial alterations of,existing dwellings,providedthat such works donotcreate a new dwelling.

TGD M 2010,introducedthe concept of practicabilitywhen dealing withworks to existing buildings,for example extensions,material alterationsandcertain material changes of use.It encourages a balancedandintegratedapproach when dealing with works to existing buildings.Indetermining the practicability of works to an historicbuilding,circumstances to consider include where the works wouldhave asignificant adverse effect on the historical significance of the existingbuilding,facility or environs or where existing structural conditions or otherphysical or site constraints wouldprohibit modification of an existingfeature.For further information refer tosection 0.7 of TGD M 2010.

DISABILITY ACCESS CERTIFICATES (DAC)The Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2009 introducedtherequirement for a Disability Access Certificate (DAC),in order to improvecompliance of buildings with Part M of the Building Regulations.A DACconfirms that,if the building (or works) is constructedin accordance withthe plans,calculations,specifications andparticulars submitted,it wouldcomply with the current requirements of Part M.A DAC is grantedby aBuilding Control Authority andis requiredfor new buildings other thandwellings (but including apartment buildings) andcertain works inconnection with material alteration (as set out in Article 20 D (1) of S.I.No.351 of 2009) to which the requirements of Part M apply,which commenceon or after 1 January 2010.Where it is not consideredpracticable for a historicbuilding or place tocomply with aspects of Part M,

it is necessary to communicate this to the

Building Control Authority when applying for a DAC,giving the reasonsanddescribing any proposals to mitigate the restriction on access or use.

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IMPROVING ACCESS TO A PRIVATE HOME

There is currently no legal requirement to make an existing privatedwelling accessible. For the private house owner who wishes to carry

out works to improve access, it may not always be necessary to

implement all of the procedures set out in this booklet as alterations

can be tailored to meet particular individual needs. Where the private

house is a protected structure, a recorded monument, or located in

an architectural conservation area, there are statutory requirements

under the Planning and Development and National Monument Acts.

A conservation assessment is recommended where consents orpermissions are necessary; for example, works require planning

permission if they would materially affect the character of the

building. While, in general, works should comply with Building

Regulations, Part M does not apply to extensions and material

alterations to existing dwellings provided that such works do not

create a new dwelling. However, such works must not create a new or

greater contravention of the Building Regulations. Works to dwellings

are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Disability Access

Certificate but works to the common areas of apartment blocks may

require one. It is important to distinguish between homes which are

houses and homes which are apartments as there are differences

regarding the application of fire safety and Building Control

legislation.

As with all historic buildings and places, the architectural

conservation principles set out in this booklet apply and, where a

building is altered to meet the particular needs of an individual, theworks should ideally be readily reversible. It is also recommended

that suitably experienced and skilled professional advice is used to

determine the most appropriate solutions.


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Most people wish toremain in their homes as they grow older andthechallenges posedby steppedentrances needcarefulandearlyconsideration.If the building is a protectedstructure planning permissionwillbe requiredwhere the works wouldmaterially affect the character ofthe building.A declaration may be requestedfrom the planning authoritytoestablish what may be consideredexempteddevelopment in aparticular case


Employment EqualityActs 1998 & 2004Under the Employment Equality Acts,an employer is requiredto takereasonable measures,which may include the adaptation of premises andequipment,to enable a person with a disability to have access toemployment.A place of employment may be in a historicbuilding or place.When considering what wouldbe a 'disproportionate burden' on theemployer,account is taken of the financial andother costs entailed,thescale andfinancial resources of the employer,andthe possibility ofobtaining publicfunding or assistance.

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Equal Status Acts 2000 - 2004The Equal Status Acts give protection against discrimination on the

grounds of disability in non-employment areas including education andinthe provision of goods,services andaccommodation.Services are definedbroadly to include access to publicplaces,banking andinsurance services,entertainment,facilities for refreshment andtransport.Under these Acts,a person selling goods or providing services,providers ofaccommodation andeducation institutions shoulddoallthat is reasonabletoaccommodate the needs of a person with a disability by providing specialtreatment or facilities in circumstances where,without these,it wouldbeimpossible or difficult toavailof the goods,services or accommodation.However,service providers are not obligedtoprovide specialfacilities ortreatment when the cost involvedis greater than a nominalcost.

The definition of nominal cost depends on the circumstances of each caseandthe size of organisation.For example,a small business may not have toprovide wheelchair access if the cost of doing so is deemedexcessive.If,onthe other hand,the service provider is a major organisation the cost maybe viewedas a validnominal cost andthe question to be answerediswhether access can be providedsensitively andwithout adverselyaffecting the special character of the historicbuilding or place.

Wildlife Acts 1976 - 2010These Acts contain the principal statutory provisions for the protection ofnatural heritage (both flora andfauna) andthe control of activities whichmay impact adversely on the conservation of wildlife.Under these Actsareas,species andhabitats deemedto be of significance or at riskaredesignatedfor statutory protection.Any works which may take place insuch designatedareas or which may impact on protectedspecies must becarriedout under licence from the National Parks andWildlife Service(NPWS) of the Department of Arts,Heritage andthe Gaeltacht andcertainprocedures andmitigation measures may be required.Further informationis available from the NPWS.

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Wicklow Mountains NationalParkhas an extensive networkof accessible boardwalks

through the protectedareasof Glendalough Valley which isa designatedSpecial Area ofConservation.The boardwalkserves twofunctions:toprotect the ecology of theplace andto provide an easy-to-use walking route alongthe valley floor

ForestryAct 1946If considering the felling of trees in order toimprove accessibility,it isnecessary tohave regardtothe relevant legislation.Under the Forestry Act,a felling licence must be obtainedfor trees in areas not in publicauthorityownership,which are over 10 years old,other than in a number ofprescribed

situations.The Act is administered

by the Forest Service of the

Department of Agriculture,Fisheries andFood.Felling licences must alsobeobtainedfor any worktotrees which are locatedwithin statutory protectionareas under the Wildlife Acts.Permission from the localauthority is requiredtofelltrees which are protectedby Tree Preservation Orders.

When a tree whichmakes an importantcontribution to asetting or to thebiodiversity of anarea,obstructs access,alternative routesshouldbe consideredwhich avoiddamageto the tree

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3.Preparing to Improve AccessAdvice and expertiseIt is important that the right advice is taken from the outset when improving the accessibility of a historicbuilding or place.Goodandtimelyadvice often results in simpler,more cost-effective solutions involvingcreative approaches which deliver high quality design where physicalinterventions may be necessary.In some cases,a well-consideredmanagement solution may lessen,

or completely avoid,

the need

to

physically alter a building.Getting the right advice also assists in ensuringcompliance with legal requirements andobtaining the necessary consentsandpermissions.Goodadvice is providedby professional consultants with recognisedexperience andqualifications in architectural conservation andaccessibledesign.In some instances,a professional advisor may be able to providethe necessary expertise in both disciplines.However,in more complexsituations it may be advisable toengage professional specialists in each ofthese fields.Other specialist input may be required,including in the fields ofarchitecture,landscape architecture,archaeology,specialist conservation,historiclandscapes,ecology,structural engineering,building servicesengineering,fire engineering,emergency evacuation or graphicdesign.A professional advisor shouldbe able toadvise on the needfor suchspecialist input andcoordinate andintegrate the different areas of advice.Consultationis animportant part of ensuring that the right approaches andsolutions are developed.Preliminary advice shouldbe sought from the localauthority architecturalconservationandaccess officers andalsofrom theplanning,fireand buildingcontrol officers.Usersboth with and withoutdisabilities,localaccess groups anddisability representative organisationsmayalso need to beconsulted.Forpublic buildingsand sites,itmaybeimportantto consultwith peoplewho do notvisitaplaceto find outwhythisisthecase.Thishelpsto identifytheprincipal barriersand thosewhich shouldbe tackledfirst.It alsodemonstrates a commitment toimproving access.

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Improving Accessibility: Eight actions for delivering well planned

and coordinated access. Consultation, which is a critical componentin improving accessibility, should generally be an integral part of allthese actions

Access Strategy.

Access Options.

Access Action Plan.

Statutory Consents.

Implementation.

Maintenance and Review.

*Access Audit. Conservation Assessment.

* The conservation assessment and access audit are ideallyundertaken simultaneously, even if carried out by separateconsultants. There should be joint initial visits and both processesshould feed into one another. It is only by having a properlyintegrated approach that appropriate, effective solutions forimproving access can be developed.


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The access strategyAny organisation seeking to

meet its social and

legal obligations to

provide

access shouldfirst develop an access strategy. The access strategy sets outthe organisations policy andcommitment to delivering access andinclusion.It shouldbe developedwith input from people at all levels acrossthe organisation.The strategy should: Ensure that the needs of all are addressed,including employees,visitors

andservice users Identify those persons responsible for progressing andmanaging the

implementation of the strategy

Establish preliminary timescales andbudgets Inform procurement briefs andspecifications to be usedwhen

engaging external contractors,professionals andspecialists in order toensure the availability of the necessary skills in building andlandscapeconservation andin universal design

Provide for the preparation of access audits,conservation assessmentsandaccess plans,ensuring there is appropriate coordination betweenthese andother relevant plans,strategies andpolicies

Allow for the improvement of access as a continuous andongoingprocess

Ensure measures are in place for monitoring andreview

The access strategy shouldaddress the issues of conservation andaccess inan integratedmanner.Two key tools in transforming the access strategy forthe physical environment into a set of specificproposals containedin theaccess plan are the conservation assessment andthe access audit.It isimportant that both of these processes are run in tandem with each other,with collaboration between the conservation andaccess specialists.Thismight include,as a minimum,an initial joint site visit to ensure goodcommunication anda mutual understanding of the critical issues.

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The conservation assessmentThe conservation assessment provides essential information on the historic

building or place which can assist in planning for improvedaccessibility.Itshouldinclude a comprehensive description of the historicbuilding orplace as it exists,identifying architectural styles,materials used,its generalconstruction as well as its relationship to the context andsetting.Usinghistoricandcontemporary photographs anddrawings it may alsoprovidean account of the overall development of the place,outlining phases anddates of development andassociatedchanges.The conservationassessment shouldidentify any legal constraints;for example if thebuilding is a protectedstructure,a recordedmonument,or is locatedin anarchitectural conservation area.It shouldestablish the significance of thebuilding or place in terms of its overall importance andidentify theparticular aspects of the building or place which may be of special interest(these couldinclude buildings,interiors,architectural elements,elements ofdesignedlandscape andstreetscape elements) as well as those areaswhich are vulnerable to change andthose which maybe capable ofsustaining some alteration.Where known, the names of architects,engineers,landscape designers andany known craftsmen,builders orgardeners involvedshouldbe documentedas well as those responsible forcommissioning it andany significant events or personalities associatedwith the place.

An access auditandconservationassessment of anarchitectural

conservation area,such as the centreof a historictown,are usedtoidentify the specialfeatures which areimportant toconserve as wellasthe access barrierswhich are tobeovercome

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Inarchitecturalconservation areas,the conservation assessment shoulddescribe the specialcharacter which defines the area andtheparticularfeatures which contribute toit,such as the prevailing architecturalstyles andbuildingmaterialsused,thearrangementand relationshipofindividualbuildings toeach other,the hierarchy of spaces,specialviews,street furniture,lighting,planting andpaving materials.It shouldidentify areas andelementsthat canor cannot accept changewithout damagetothe character of theoverall architectural conservation area.

The conservationassessmentshould describethe specialcharacter whichdefines the areaorbuildingandthe particularfeatures whichcontributeto it

Professionals with expertise andexperience in built heritage and/orlandscape conservation shouldcarry out the conservation assessment.For some sites additionalspecialist advice may be required.Where aconservation assessment is being undertaken toinform an access plan,it isrecommendedthat the professionalcarrying out the assessment has someknowledge andexperience of the principles of accessibility anduniversaldesign.For complex,significant or large historicbuildings andplaces,it may beappropriate to develop a conservation plan. The conservation plan is a toolfor managing change in places of heritage importance.The plan isgenerally developedby a multi-disciplinary team which may containconservation architects,architectural historians,archaeologists,landscapearchitects,ecologists,planners,engineers,specialist conservators,or anyother skills necessary to address the particular issues andimportance ofthe building or place.It describes the particular aspects of the place that

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makes it significant,identifies the issues which threaten this significanceandthen develops policies andactions aimedat protecting what issignificant.It shouldinvolve consultation with relevant stakeholders andidentify responsibilities,resources andprogrammes for implementation.While the conservation plan does not provide an access strategy,a goodconservation plan shouldaddress accessibility issues andinform thepreparation of the access strategy.In addition to identifying those aspects of greatest significance,theconservation assessment shouldalso identify those elements which canundergochange or which may be of less architectural heritage value.Historic

research may identify old

routes or openings which may be

suitable to reuse when improving accessibility. The conservationassessment shouldalso establish the requirements with regardtostatutory consents andpermissions.

The access auditThe access audit is an important toolin identifying anddocumenting thebarriers in a service,building or place,which can cause difficulties for peoplewith physical,sensory or intellectualdisabilities.It identifies where suchbarriers may compromise access andmeasures the usability of facilities andservices being delivered.It shouldalsoidentify where accessibility needs arecurrently being satisfactorily met.The audit shouldbe carriedout by anaccess specialist in advance of any proposals toimprove access andit isgoodpractice for consultation tobe carriedout with users as part of theaccess audit.It is recommendedthat,in the case of historicbuildings andplaces,this specialist shouldalsohave a knowledge andexperience ofconservation principles for historicbuildings andlandscapes.An access audit generally follows the normal journey sequence of the user;however this depends on the type of place being audited.It may typicallyinclude an assessment of all or some of the following: Pre-visit information The journey to the site by car,publictransport or other means

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Moving aroundin external areas accessible paths,surfaces,methodsof movement andwayfinding

Approach routes,set-down points andcar parking Entry to any buildings Horizontal andvertical circulation within buildings The facilities,services andinformation within the building or place Communications systems andsigns Procedures for emergency situations andevacuation Management Maintenance

The access audit shouldprovide recommendations with regardto theremoval of the barriers identifiedandaddress the access needs of all users.It shouldalso,where possible,prioritise the issues to be addressed.Theaudit should

identify maintenance issues that affect accessibility so that

any ensuing recommendations can be incorporatedinto plannedmaintenance programmes.The recommendations of an access auditshouldinform the access plan.

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Ideally,the accessaudit andconservationassessment shouldbe preparedsimultaneously andthe auditor andassessor (wherethese are differentpeople) shouldliaise closely todevelop a commonunderstanding ofthe relevant issues


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department may be useful.The advantage of consultation is that anypotentially conflicting issues shouldarise early on andthe relevant officersare aware of these issues when it comes to assessing an application for planning permission,a Disability Access Certificate and/or a Fire SafetyCertificate.Where recordedmonuments or designatedhabitats might beaffected,advance consultation with other statutory bodies,in particular theheritage services of the Department of Arts,Heritage andthe Gaeltacht,isstrongly recommended.The consultation process is particularly useful formore complex situations,or where the proposedphysical interventions arelikely toleadto a material impact on the special interest qualities of thebuilding or place.Advance consultation is more likely to leadto robustlyworked-out andmanageable solutions.

This stage,therefore,is one of the most crucial steps in achieving successful solutions.It is the stage where the skill of the professional team is evidentin developing creative,well-designedsolutions which are appropriate tothe particular context andrequirements of the building,place or service.In assessing the feasibility of options developed,the available resources,identifiedpriorities andtimeframes for planning andobtaining necessaryconsents needtobe incorporated.For example,the access audit shouldprioritise its recommendations toenable implementation to be carriedouton a phasedbasis where funding may be limited.Alternatively,theconservation assessment may have identifiedparticular repair works whichare urgent to protect the architectural heritage.All these factors needto beintegratedwhen selecting preferredoptions for implementation.

The access action planThe access action plan is in effect an action plan for implementingimprovements to the accessibility of a building or place.It sets out thevarious actions andprojects against timescales,resources andthoseresponsible for implementation.

The access action plan continues the process of reconciling conservationandaccess needs andit is fundamental in determining the changes thatare necessary to achieve improvedaccessibility to the historicbuilding or

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place.The access action plan shouldnot only include proposedphysicalchanges,but also the initiatives for staff training,management andoperational procedures which are to be implemented.Typically, the

access action plan is discussedandsharedwith all relevant stakeholdersandshould: Contain a comprehensive list of site-specific,practicable actions to

deliver access which cover management solutions andphysicalalterations

Identify what actions would,andwouldnot,require statutorypermissions,consents or licences andset in place procedures forobtaining such consents

Incorporate access statements (see below) for those physical workswhich wouldrequire statutory consent

Programme implementation of projects toreflect prioritisedaccessneeds,other building development andrepair strategies,andavailableresources.Thus the access plan shouldincorporate short-term andlong-term aims andprojects.It shouldalso identify where temporarysolutions may be providedandthe reasons for them

Allocate budgets for projects Establish monitoring andreview procedures Assign responsibilities for all the above

The access statementWhere physicalworks require statutory consent,it is advisable that an accessstatement shouldform part of any application documentation.The accessstatement shouldbe incorporatedwithin any conservation report that formspart of an application for statutory permissions/consents with regardtoproposedworks toprotectedstructures andrecordedmonuments.

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The access statement shouldset out: The access strategy A description of the proposedworks A statement on how they meet access needs A description of the impact on the heritage significance The mitigation measures proposedto minimise this impact,and The mitigation measures proposedto minimise the impact of any

barriers to access which cannot be overcome through management

or physical interventionThe access statement shouldalso describe any alternative options exploredin reaching the particular proposedsolution andthe reasoning behindtheselection of the preferredoptions.

Maintenance,monitoring and review

Improving access is not a once-off activity;it shouldbe seen as an ongoingprocess.Matters to consider include the maintenance of improvementprojects,testing andmonitoring in use after completion,andreviewing theongoing andchanging accessibility needs of the organisation withprovision for subsequent modification.As part of the completion of a project,it is goodpractice to provide theowner or manager with an access handbookwhich addresses themanagement andmaintenance of access to the building or site.Thishandbookmight most effectively be incorporatedas part of the safety filefor the building.A maintenance regime is important to ensure that accessibility needs aremet andcontinue to be met.A well integratedandregular programme ofmaintenance brings benefits for all users andthe building owners andmanagers alike.Regular maintenance of external environments which areexposed

to weather is necessary.

In the Irish climate,

paths and

signage can

very quickly become overgrown or surfaces slippery with the growth ofmosses.The maintenance of signs andlighting ensure places are not just

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easily accessible but safe as well.Maintenance of mechanical or electricalinstallations needs to be carriedout regularly by certifiedcontractors.It isimportant that lifts andassistive devices are well maintainedandregularlytested, particularly platform lifts, hearing loops andsimilar. Where suchinstallations are usedfor a multiplicity of access needs,andare therefore inconstant use,it is more likely that any maintenance issues that arise arepromptly identifiedandaddressed.Maintenance of car parking areas,access routes andfacilities,in particular accessible sanitary facilities,is alsocritical.It is important that these areas are never usedfor the storage ofmaterials or equipment andthen foundtobe inaccessible when needed.

Poor maintenanceof a downpipe hasresultednot only indamage to thephysical fabricofthe building buthas renderedthisramp inaccessibleon wet days

It is goodpractice to allocate an annual budget for implementation andmaintenance programmes.Monitoring andreview may not in themselvesincur significant cost but they are necessary to ensure that ongoingaccessibility needs are being met.For example,in urban areas or largemulti-use concourse areas,there can be a tendency for temporary signs tobe installedadhocwhich can pose a hazardfor people with visionimpairment.The identification andauthorisation of a person or persons tomonitor andtake the necessary action shouldbe the responsibility of theheadof the organisation or the appointedaccess officer.These issues canbe addressedas part of the access planning process.More complex againcan be the monitoring of installations by different utility companies in an urban area (such as telephone cables,water mains,or undergroundpowerlines),to avoidhazards andensure that these installations are appropriatelylocatedanddesignedin themselves.Again,a well-managedinstallation islikely to serve both accessibility andconservation needs well.

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Monitoringand review proceduresshould allow forthe modification ofexisting measures where they are not working satisfactorily,wherethere maybebettersolutionsavailable which can beimplemented withoutimpactingnegatively onthe conservationpriorities,or where a temporary provisionneeds tobe replacedby a permanent solution.Management solutions mayalsoneedtobe reviewedtoassess if,andhow,these are working;for example,where existing staff needupdating of skills andwhere newstaff needtraining.Feedbackfrom bothstaff andvisitors alikecan be animportant part of thereviewprocess.It is recommendedthat organisations findways toget bothpositiveandnegative feedbackfrom users toguide the ongoing review.

Platform lifts areparticularly susceptibleto poor maintenanceregimes andarefrequently foundto beout of order whenneeded

Approaches to improving accessEach historicbuilding andplace presents unique access problems andchallenges andthe use of standarddesign guidance is rarely appropriate.Examples of goodsolutions can be providedto illustrate how requirementsmay be met,but these may not be suitable in all circumstances.In general,successful solutions show an attention to design detail,materialspecification anddesign quality.Other examples show how improvedaccess can be deliveredthrough goodmanagement andthe provision ofappropriate information.Examples of physical solutions include those thatare temporary, easily reversible or permanent.To ensure high qualitysolutions are achieved,the following paragraphs highlight some importantpoints that shouldbe observed.

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MANAGEMENTSOLUTIONSIt is important first to consider management solutions which may avoid theneedfor any physical alteration.Staff training in equality anddisabilityawareness can overcome many barriers to access by means of appropriatemanagement andgoodpractice.

BESPOKE SOLUTIONSSolutions shouldbe designedto meet the specificconditions of thehistoricbuilding or place.While standardsolutions may sometimes beapplicable,more often a bespoke solution,one specifically tailoredto aparticular situation, is requiredfor historicplaces.This may not necessarilycost more but it does require careful,informeddesign of a high standardthat may leadto an innovative solution.Durability andperformance overtime as well as functionality andappropriateness for the specificcontextshouldbe considered.

High quality contemporary design solutions,such as this elegant rampin the Petit Palais in Paris,may not always follow standardguidance.Nonetheless they may provide safe andconvenient access andbeappropriate in historicsettings

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INTEGRATED DESIGN SOLUTIONSAn integratedandholisticapproach is recommendedwhen planning toimprove access. When carrying out any works of a physical nature,consideration shouldbe given to how access couldbe improved.Tacklingthe physical elements of improvedaccess within a larger scope of worksmay provide opportunities for better solutions.For example,there may bean opportunity tore-grade groundlevels without damage to underlyingarchaeology or landscape features when laying undergroundservices inexternal areas which may eliminate or reduce the impact of ramps.Opportunities may also arise to undo previous interventions which detractfrom the historic

buildings and

places.

The replacement of cobbles over the years in front of this buildingresultedin the raising of the general paving level andthe lowest step tothis door was almost concealedbelow groundlevel.When providingramps to the doors the bottom step was raisedthus eliminating thestep at the door thresholdandreducing the height andlength of theramp.The existing granite stones were preservedanddamagedstoneswere replacedwith stones of matching granite.By painting the ramps instone-grey the negative impact on the faade has been minimised.However,a better visual contrast between the ramp andthe handrailswouldhave been achievedby painting the handrails in a tonallycontrasting shade such as a darkgrey

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COMBINING MANAGEMENTAND PHYSICAL SOLUTIONSAn integratedapproach means giving consideration to both managementandphysical adjustments,rather than toeach in isolation.For example,consideration of the optimum internal layout of a historicbuilding which isto be adaptedfor a new use may suggest that the principal entry point berelocatedandthis might also eliminate the needtoprovide a ramp orplatform lift where there are steps up to a historic entrance.In making suchan alteration,the disruption tothe historiclayout andunderstanding of thebuilding needs to be consideredandin some cases,such alterations maynot be acceptable.It may not always be possible toachieve universalaccess to every floor level of a building without significant disruption to

historiclayouts.For example,converting a medieval tower house toanon-domesticuse may require lift shafts andfire lobbies or excessivealteration to achieve accessible opening or circulation widths.It may bepossible,however,toprovide services andfacilities at groundfloor level,to which level access can be achievedthrough an existing level entry orby providing a ramp or platform lift.

CONSULTATIONConsultation with endusers is useful when developing bespoke solutionsto checkappropriateness,test effectiveness andallow for their refinement.When improvements are planned,particularly in the case of a publicbuilding,it may be appropriate to consult with accessibility groups andusers to establish their priorities.It is important toensure that consultationis effective,takes into account all potential users andhas regardto thediversity of needs.

USERNEEDSThe needs of all users shouldbe consideredwhen developing designsolutions.The best designedphysical solutions seekto meet manyrequirements.For example,providing a ramp at a steppedentrance canassist with deliveries of heavy loads as well as accommodating visitors with childrens buggies or wheelchairs.If usedby many,these interventions aremore readily acceptedandlikely to be better maintained.

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Access solutions thatfacilitate many users,such as a ramped

access in addition toexisting steps,aregenerally thepreferredoption

USINGTECHNOLOGYWhen designing access solutions,ongoing developments in technologyshouldbe consideredwhich may require less physical intervention into thehistoricfabric.This may result in opting for a temporary solution as aninterim measure.

Recent advances in,

for example,

Global Positioning

Systems (GPS),Bluetooth technology andother applications to aidnavigation may reduce the needfor physical aids but these technologiesare not yet available to everyone andmay only suit some people.

USINGMOCK-UPS AND MODELSWhen considering the introduction of new elements,such as handrails orramps,in architecturally sensitive buildings andplaces,it may be helpful toproduce full scale mock-ups to assess impact prior to finalising decisions.Alternatively,andfor larger elements,the use of advancedcomputer-generatedimages can provide helpful illustrations of design proposals.

ONGOINGMAINTENANCEAccessibility issues need

to be taken into account when carrying out

routine maintenance.Almost all routine maintenance provides anopportunity to improve access.

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CASE STUDYDundalkGaol was built in the mid-nineteenth century andis a protectedstructure.The Gaol was convertedto a Regional Resource Centre forComhaltas Ceoltirireann in 2008.The main entrance door in the gablewas reachedby a steep flight of steps andall the cell doors of the maincentral space were very narrow andhadsteps at their thresholds.It wasclear that the internal galleries andcell doors were essential characteristicsof the protectedstructure andshouldnot be altered.A new entrance was formedto the side accessedby a bridge.A singledoorway was widened

to allow access into

the atrium and

into the cells on

the other side. An accessible toilet was providedat the entry level.The cellswere interlinkedby opening up the party walls between them thusallowing publicaccess to new facilities without altering the wall of the atrium.

The first floor contains a number of rooms usedas offices,archive,research,dressing rooms andsanitary facilities.The main publicfacility on this levelwas the archive/research area.To create wheelchair access to this levelwouldhave involvedvery significant alterations to the building fabricwhich wouldhave been detrimental to its special character.To avoidthis, itwas decidedtoprovide a dedicatedresearch room on the groundflooradjacent to the administration office which couldbe usedby anybody whowas unable to access the upper level.This room is electronically linkedtothe archive andthus a researcher with mobility impairment can access allthe necessary facilities from groundfloor level(Images courtesy of Deaton Lysaght Architects)

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4.Improving Access in theExternal Environment

The historicplace embraces a wide variety of externalenvironments whichrange from centres of cities,towns andvillages tosignificant historicgardens.It alsoincludes archaeologicalsites andearly ecclesiasticalsites as wellaslarge institutionalcomplexes such as universities,harbours,andindustrialheritage sites which can comprise large open areas between buildings.Someplaces are primarily of architecturalheritage significance,for others theheritage significance may include naturalas wellas built heritage.Peopleengage with the historicoutdoor environment for a variety of reasons:forsocial,recreationalandhealth reasons,toconduct business,as a means ofgetting from one place toanother,toenjoy nature,or tolearn more abouttheir history andculturalidentity.Users have different expectations andrequirements depending on the purpose of their visit.Equally,responsibilityfor management of these externalareas lies with a wide range of bodiesincluding localauthorities,state departments,semi-state organisations,private companies and

private individuals.Within this wide range of external

situations,there are many issues of accessibility toaddress.It shouldbe borne in mindwhen undertaking materialalterations totheexternalenvironment that Part Mof the Building Regulations applies totheapproach routes tobuildings as wellas tothe building environs andtotheroutes between buildings andfacilities.The same levelof consideration is

The use of scootershas greatlyincreasedthemobility of manypeople whentravelling toandarounda site.Theimplicationsoftheir use shouldbeconsideredwhenplanning toimprove access

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Wayfinding and signageWAYFINDINGWayfinding isthe instinctive waypeople use theirsensesand cognitive powersto navigate fromplace to place.Familiaritywith the historic orderofthemanmade environmentisoften deeplyembedded in people and thisknowledge isused intuitivelywhen findingoneswayaround anew place forthe first time.Findingoneswayeasilyaround the historic environment requiresclear,direct routesand the provision ofwell-designed and located signs.Inrecent years,technological solutionsto wayfinding have greatlyimproved.Global PositioningSystems(GPS),Bluetooth technologyand mobile phoneapplicationshave been developed specificallyto assist all usersto orientthemselvesand to navigate fromplace to place and these mayhelpreducedependence on physical signs,audible information and guidance paths.Thesetechnologieshave the advantage in historic sitesofhavinglittle orno physicalimpact on the place.

SIGNAGEIn developingastrategyforsignagewhetherinside abuildingorin theexternalenvironment,it is necessary toidentify thenumber of signs required,their purpose andwhere they shouldbe located.Signage shouldbecarefullyintegrated into thebuildingorplaceensuringthatthe resultdoesnotobstruct or damage animportant aspect of the heritagewhilst at the sametimeproviding sufficient legible informationtoensure that the environmentis accessible.Thedesignof the signs, the choice of location,fixingmethodologiesand lightingdesign all need careful consideration.Wall-mountedsigns,should,where appropriate,be placedat eye level.Insensitivelocations,the use of freestanding signs may avoiddamage tohistoricfabric.Where the introductionof signage wouldresult inanunacceptable impact onthe character of the building or place,trainedstaff assistance may be anacceptable alternative.Inthe externalbuilt environment,the signage requirements for anurbancentre differ from those for a historicgarden,or a medievalruinina ruralsetting.There are oftenexisting signs whichare themselves of historicinterest

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and should beretained,forexample theVictorian ward boundarysignsinDublin City andthe surviving clear andsimple traditionalname signs at theentrances totowns andvillages.

Tactile maps can assist blindandvision-impairedpeople tonavigate the built environment.In this Italian example,a simpleandstraightforwardstreet planhas been provided.Carefulconsiderationshould begiventothe design andsiting of thistype of sign

Where newsigns are introduced,they shouldbe carefully integratedwithanysurvivinghistoric signage.Theyshould follow theprinciplesofwell-ordered,logical circulation.Oftentheexternal urbanenvironmentiscluttered withsigns,introduced in an ad-hoc manner,makingitdifficultformanypeopletounderstandandsee andobstructing circulation.A well-plannedandmanagedapproachtosignage andwayfinding in thepublicrealm generally involvesthe coordinationof severalorganisations.Generally,fewer signs are better,both in termsofaccessibilityand minimisingvisual impacton thehistoricbuiltenvironment.Ongoingmonitoringand maintenanceofsignsin thepublicrealm are alsonecessary.Duallanguage signs shouldbe made larger toaccommodate the additionaltext rather thanuse unacceptably smallfont.Withina site,signs ideallyindicate distances tokey features or places andthe presence of possiblebarriers along the route suchas steps,the gradient of any slopes,andwhetherassistance is available.

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The types of signs that might be requireddependonthe use of the place andthe extent of publicaccess andmay includename signs,directionalsigns,maps andemergency signs.In determining anapproachtosignage,consideration should begiven to:

The retentionandreuse of any existing historicsigns of note The consistency of signdesign andits appropriateness toits location The avoidance of fixing toimportant features or finishes The avoidance of visualimpact or obstructionof important features and Thereversibilityoftheworks

For accessibility the following principles are important: Signs shouldbe locatedwhere they are clearly visible A person withlowvisionmay beable toreada sign if they canapproachit