Inclusive Signage

CONTEXT

According to the World Health Organization, 40% of the global population are faced with some type of impediment to the use of the constructed environments of every-day life. 15% of this total corresponds to people with a type of functional diversity, while 25% suffer some type of temporary or permanent limitation on their use of the constructed environment, which may be a broken bone, having to use crutches or being pregnant. It can be affirmed, then, that everyone, at some stage of their life, will form part of these percentages.

In light of these data, it is essential to promote spaces, especially public spaces, with inclusive design parameters. Signage for all, which guarantees that all people can autonomously find their way and identify each one of the areas that form part of these spaces, is one of these essential criteria. Accordingly, there are compulsory regulations, such as the Building Technical Code (CTE), which regulate some of the basic principles to be met so that signage is inclusive.

In general terms, inclusive signage is composed of directories or signs at the entrances to the various areas, general organisation posters and signs confirming that the destination has been reached. Moreover, possible universal accessibility gaps between areas can be integrated into the accessible route by means of additional signage (such as tactile flooring and directional guides) implemented by means of different colours and contrasting textures and texts in different languages, and specific signage, corresponding to specific spaces (such as vertical movement).

OBJECTIVE

Guarantee access to and the use of facilities for everyone who forms part of society, regardless of their life circumstances.

PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Install signage for accessible itineraries with the International Symbol of Access (ISA).
Identify accessible furniture elements with the ISA symbol.
Install signage for and contrast all elements that may be an obstacle, such as pil-lars.
Prevent the installation of steps or isolated areas of relief on flooring. Cover floor seals that are wider than 13 mm with resistant material flush with the level of the floor.
Use non-slip tactile flooring running parallel to the traffic direction, with a relief of 4 to 5 mm.
Distinguish the points of interest of the facility by means of flooring that is different to the general flooring, and with colours and textures that are different to those of the tactile surface.
Install tactile guiding strips on stairs and ramps, in addition to strips to detect them, aligned with the steps or the start of the section. Install non-slip bands on the pans and reflective strips on the risers of stairs to detect the steps.
Install signage for the services of the facilities, such as the entrance, exit, accessible routes, the lift, bathrooms and toilets, cafeterias, and information points, ensuring that they are installed correctly so there is no confusion.
Guarantee that the signs can be easily understood and interpreted: avoid the use of red as a background colour, avoid the use of light grey and blue shades to express any type of information; use contrasting colours for the font, pictograms and backgrounds; use a matt finish to avoid reflections; write all the information in at least two languages (using fonts that are quick and easy to read (sans serif, like Arial), in addition to Braille.
Use pictograms and arrows consistent with the message to be transmitted, opting for those that are internationally accepted as specified in standard ISO 7001.
Use legible, clear and simple messages in a font size proportional to the size of the sign.

REFERENCE EXPERIENCES

Catalonia in Venice: Senyalística.
Nou edifici Corachan Nord.
Mon Palais accessible.

LEGISLATION

Código Técnico de la Edificación. “Documento Básico SUA: Seguridad de Utilización y Accesibilidad”.
Orden VIV/561/2010, de 1 de febrero.
UNE 1-142-90: Elaboración y principios para la aplicación de los pictogramas destinados a la información del público.
UNE 41501:2002. Símbolo de accesibilidad para la movilidad. Reglas y grados de uso.
UNE 170002:2009. Requisitos de accesibilidad para la rotulación.
Llei d’accessibilitat de Catalunya.