An Observation on the Accessibility of a Connecting Ramp between Campus Buildings

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the challenges of circulation integration and regulatory compliance when retrofitting existing campus buildings with accessible facilities. Focusing on the elevated ramp connecting the fourth floors of Buildings 1 and 4 at Taiwan Tech, this study employs on-site measurement, visual documentation, and non-participatory observation for analysis. The research objectives include: (1) analyzing the spatial configuration and dimensions of the ramp; (2) evaluating the degree of compliance with relevant accessibility design codes; (3) identifying actual usage patterns and exploring the underlying causes of low utilization; and (4) examining the continuity of campus circulation to provide improvement recommendations. The findings indicate that while the ramp was installed to overcome elevation differences, discrepancies remain between its current state and modern regulatory standards regarding landing configurations, clear passage width, handrail design, and perceptual recognition. Furthermore, the ramp fails to interface effectively with primary instructional areas, resulting in "circulation breakpoints." Observational data revealed zero usage by individuals with disabilities during the study period and extremely low general traffic, suggesting that the facility possesses formal functionality but offers limited substantive utility. Additionally, the lack of supporting accessible facilities on the same floor further increases the burden on users. This study concludes that campus planning should shift from localized retrofitting toward systemic integration, optimizing entrance and ramp configurations to establish continuous cross-building pathways, while transitioning design paradigms from “regulatory-oriented” to “user-oriented” to foster an inclusive learning environment.

Keywords: Accessible Design, Campus Space, Ramp Design, Circulation Integration, Human Factors, Post-occupancy Observation

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1008037