In addition to full compliance with the International Building Code and Americans with Disabilities Act, this project went above and beyond requirements to incorporate principles of Universal Design, a concept in which buildings are designed to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaption or specialized design. Some of the highlights of the building's accessibility and universal design features are explored below.
Equitable Use
Spaces have been designed as identical whenever possible through standardization of support spaces, offices, and workstations across the building. Provisions for privacy, security, and safety have been designed to be equally available to all building occupants through security at the building entry and key card access in the elevators to the upper floors. Open kitchenette spaces are located on every other floor, with open stairs at each for easy access by all staff in the building. Restrooms are All Gender. There is a multi-faith space, single-use restrooms with showers, and nursing mothers' room on the first floor for use by all building occupants. One restroom is equipped with an adult changing station, compliant with Maryland Senate Bill 61 (2021) and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.
Flexibility in Use
Choice is provided through the provision of various furniture settings (seat heights, arms vs. armless, table heights and settings) throughout the support spaces, in addition to height adjustable desking in the individual work settings.
Simple and Intuitive
Spaces are arranged throughout the building consistent with importance and access levels to reduce unnecessary complexity. Classrooms and student/public access spaces are located adjacent to stairs and elevators. Staff workspaces are separate from student access spaces to designate more public/private zones within the building.
Perceptible Information
Building communications are designed to meet a variety of sensory abilities. Redundant information is provided at each floor, wayfinding is provided through signage with pictorial, tactile and high contrast placards to increase legibility. Graphics and the art program enhance the space and communicate the intent of the school’s mission.
Tolerance for Error
Clear circulation and pathways throughout the built environment provide consistency and ease wayfinding for users. Primary circulation paths terminate at the building exterior, to provide daylight and orientation for those in the space.
Low Physical Effort
Ergonomic chairs and adjustable desks allow for users to maintain a neutral body position while at work. Task lights enhance controllability of the individual workspace and reduce eye strain and operable window shades help to control and reduce glare.
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Open workstations are oriented to minimize approach from behind, and the offices are oriented to face the entry point and corridor to maintain clear lines of sight. Auto openers on the restroom doors help reduce physical effort and allow for adequate space for those using assistive devices.