IUAV University Venice
Dipartimento Culture del progetto
ABSTRACT (contact the author for a copy of the full paper) "Reaching a place of safety inside an unfamiliar environment is a very difficult task, especially for people who cannot immediately access a safe escape route. This includes... more
ABSTRACT (contact the author for a copy of the full paper)
"Reaching a place of safety inside an unfamiliar environment is a very difficult task, especially for people who cannot immediately access a safe escape route. This includes the disabled, persons assisting others who are prevented from escaping, patients, elderly people and pregnant women.
In an evacuation, disabled people are expected to reach an area of refuge inside the building. Areas of refuge (AR) are locations designed to hold occupants inside the building during a fire or other emergency, when evacuation may not be safe or possible. These facilities are designed to let occupants wait until rescued.
In Italy, building codes don’t require the presence of these specific spaces inside assembly buildings: only tourist and hotel accommodations are obliged to have them. In addition, neither specific information, nor prescriptions regarding their design are given (see Figures 1 and 2). This is an important consideration because it highlights the fact that designers and building tenants are probably not aware of the importance of areas of refuge. As a consequence, the occupants may not be familiar with their presence inside the building because they have never been trained or instructed to use them. Even in the case AR are present in a building, it could be difficult for people to notice them because these facilities have to be located in places that don’t interfere with evacuation routes and, consequently, they may not be immediately visible to people.
Finding an area of refuge in a fire could become a very difficult task. This is particularly true for people affected by sensory and cognitive disabilities, since it is especially difficult for them to process environmental information. Cognitive, motor or perceptual (sight etc.) impairments could affect the users’ ability to reach safe places (such as area of refuge) using environmental cues (such as those proposed in Figures 1 and 2). Given these assumptions, we decided to test people’s ability to reach areas of refuge, in order to understand what the problem in the current design of these kind of environments are and, therefore, set the basis for proposing and testing new design criteria. To do this, we decided to test people’s wayfinding abilities inside a hospital since these places are frequently used by impaired people."
"Reaching a place of safety inside an unfamiliar environment is a very difficult task, especially for people who cannot immediately access a safe escape route. This includes the disabled, persons assisting others who are prevented from escaping, patients, elderly people and pregnant women.
In an evacuation, disabled people are expected to reach an area of refuge inside the building. Areas of refuge (AR) are locations designed to hold occupants inside the building during a fire or other emergency, when evacuation may not be safe or possible. These facilities are designed to let occupants wait until rescued.
In Italy, building codes don’t require the presence of these specific spaces inside assembly buildings: only tourist and hotel accommodations are obliged to have them. In addition, neither specific information, nor prescriptions regarding their design are given (see Figures 1 and 2). This is an important consideration because it highlights the fact that designers and building tenants are probably not aware of the importance of areas of refuge. As a consequence, the occupants may not be familiar with their presence inside the building because they have never been trained or instructed to use them. Even in the case AR are present in a building, it could be difficult for people to notice them because these facilities have to be located in places that don’t interfere with evacuation routes and, consequently, they may not be immediately visible to people.
Finding an area of refuge in a fire could become a very difficult task. This is particularly true for people affected by sensory and cognitive disabilities, since it is especially difficult for them to process environmental information. Cognitive, motor or perceptual (sight etc.) impairments could affect the users’ ability to reach safe places (such as area of refuge) using environmental cues (such as those proposed in Figures 1 and 2). Given these assumptions, we decided to test people’s ability to reach areas of refuge, in order to understand what the problem in the current design of these kind of environments are and, therefore, set the basis for proposing and testing new design criteria. To do this, we decided to test people’s wayfinding abilities inside a hospital since these places are frequently used by impaired people."
Accidents that occur in built spaces represent the result of the interaction of several factors. Some of these factors are attributable to the characteristics of the environment, others depend on the user and the ways in which the... more
Accidents that occur in built spaces represent the result of the interaction of several factors. Some of these factors are attributable to the characteristics of the environment, others depend on the user and the ways in which the environment is used. The multifactorial nature of accidents explains why sectorial approaches represent a significant obstacle to the implementation of effective policies and intervention strategies for creating safer and more usable environments.
The subject of this essay, that pays special attention to residential scenarios, is the description and classification of risk factors, that is, those environmental circumstances as well as individual and behavioural conditions that increase the frequency and / or magnitude of an accident.
The article highlights the need for a comprehensive view of accidents as a cultural condition for an inclusive and
safe design (technical prevention) and effective information campaigns aimed at users (prevention in use).
The subject of this essay, that pays special attention to residential scenarios, is the description and classification of risk factors, that is, those environmental circumstances as well as individual and behavioural conditions that increase the frequency and / or magnitude of an accident.
The article highlights the need for a comprehensive view of accidents as a cultural condition for an inclusive and
safe design (technical prevention) and effective information campaigns aimed at users (prevention in use).
- by Antonio Lauria and +1
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The tools and management approaches adopted in Italy for the evacuation of people with disabilities are similar to the ones present in other countries, especially in the UK and the United States. These were the first coutries in the... more
The tools and management approaches adopted in Italy for the evacuation of people with disabilities are
similar to the ones present in other countries, especially in the UK and the United States. These were the first
coutries in the world that introduced the concept of ‘Area of Refuge’ (AR) as a means to let people egress
through distinct evacuation phases, in addition to other specific solutions for people with disabilities.
Anyway, there are currently a few studies on disabled occupants from which to derive information for the
design of AR. This paper reports on a study which extends the work of McConnell & Boyce (2012) to
investigate the level of knowldge that mobility impaired occupants in Italy have regarding AR, as well as
their relative concerns, expectations and willingness to use AR. Given the importance of the contribution of
“buddies” to the overall egress process, a sample of office workers has also been assessed, since these
people may have to wait in the AR while accompaning mobility impaired occupants.
Results confirm that there is still a large proportion of disabled occupants that are not aware of the presence
and use of AR and that AR are still currently designed in a manner that does not match their expectations.
This paper suggests the current design of many AR should therefore be questioned and re-thought.
similar to the ones present in other countries, especially in the UK and the United States. These were the first
coutries in the world that introduced the concept of ‘Area of Refuge’ (AR) as a means to let people egress
through distinct evacuation phases, in addition to other specific solutions for people with disabilities.
Anyway, there are currently a few studies on disabled occupants from which to derive information for the
design of AR. This paper reports on a study which extends the work of McConnell & Boyce (2012) to
investigate the level of knowldge that mobility impaired occupants in Italy have regarding AR, as well as
their relative concerns, expectations and willingness to use AR. Given the importance of the contribution of
“buddies” to the overall egress process, a sample of office workers has also been assessed, since these
people may have to wait in the AR while accompaning mobility impaired occupants.
Results confirm that there is still a large proportion of disabled occupants that are not aware of the presence
and use of AR and that AR are still currently designed in a manner that does not match their expectations.
This paper suggests the current design of many AR should therefore be questioned and re-thought.
Questa sezione "News in the material world" nasce dalla collaborazione tra Ponte e ArTec, Archivio delle Tecniche e dei Materiali per l'architettura e il disegno industriale dell'Università IUAV di Venezia, con lo scopo... more
Questa sezione "News in the material world" nasce dalla collaborazione tra Ponte e ArTec, Archivio delle Tecniche e dei Materiali per l'architettura e il disegno industriale dell'Università IUAV di Venezia, con lo scopo di presentare le innovazioni del mondo "materico" dell'architettura. Dopo la prima uscita dedicata agli "Smart materials" e la seconda dedicata alle "Green Surfaces", la sezione di questo mese ha come tema "Transparency", ovvero materiali e prodotti che interpretano in maniera differente il concetto di trasparenza. Anche in questo caso, i materiali vengono presentati attraverso una lettura introduttiva e una serie di schede dettagliate, comprensive anche di riferimenti tecnici e commerciali. The section "News in the material word" is the result of a collaboration between Ponte and ArTec, Archives on Techniques and Materials for Architecture and Industrial Design, with the aim to present innovatio...
- by Valeria Tatano and +1
- •
In 2005 the BRE (British Research Establishment), a British organization that carries out research, testing and consultancy activities for the construction sector, has started in its headquarter in Watford, North of London, the Innovation... more
In 2005 the BRE (British Research Establishment), a British organization that carries out research, testing and consultancy activities for the construction sector, has started in its headquarter in Watford, North of London, the Innovation Park, a permanent exhibition of buildings in scale 1:1, characterized by very high energy efficiency and by the use of strongly innovative materials and products.
- by Valeria Tatano and +1
- •
The construction of skybridges has become more frequent in the last twenty years in high rise vertical cities. This structure represents not only an aerial connection model between high buildings but an actual urban infrastructure that is... more
The construction of skybridges has become more frequent in the last
twenty years in high rise vertical cities.
This structure represents not only an aerial connection model between high buildings but an actual urban infrastructure that is able to connect several buildings and areas of the city. Aerial bridges have an additional important role in the security egress programs of skyscrapers, allowing
for the possibility of a horizontal egress procedure and for an alternative to vertical egress. This essay offers an examination of these structures, with the aim of understanding hoe they function, the architectural and urban potentialities they offer for the contemporary city and possible evolutions for the city of the future.
twenty years in high rise vertical cities.
This structure represents not only an aerial connection model between high buildings but an actual urban infrastructure that is able to connect several buildings and areas of the city. Aerial bridges have an additional important role in the security egress programs of skyscrapers, allowing
for the possibility of a horizontal egress procedure and for an alternative to vertical egress. This essay offers an examination of these structures, with the aim of understanding hoe they function, the architectural and urban potentialities they offer for the contemporary city and possible evolutions for the city of the future.
Le prove di evacuazione rappresentano un’importante verifica del funzionamento dei piani di emergenza e del livello di conoscenza e formazione delle persone coinvolte, ma spesso rimangono patrimonio solo di chi ne è stato direttamente... more
Le prove di evacuazione rappresentano un’importante verifica del funzionamento dei piani di emergenza e del livello di conoscenza e formazione delle persone coinvolte, ma spesso rimangono patrimonio solo di chi ne è stato direttamente coinvolto, senza un metodo di rilievo e rilettura dell’esperienza che permetta di identificare punti di forza e criticità su cui intervenire. Per effettuare uno studio analitico più approfondito sulle dinamiche che si instaurano in tali occasioni si è organizzata una prova presso il Teatro Comunale “G. Verdi” di Pordenone, dopo averla concordata con la direzione del teatro ma senza alcun preavviso agli spettatori.
La prova è stata condotta il 10 febbraio 2015, ha interessato la platea del Teatro in cui erano presenti i bambini di 11 classi provenienti da 7 scuole primarie, più i loro accompagnatori, per un totale di 339 persone, ed è stata ripresa con telecamere collocate all’interno e all’esterno della struttura con l’obiettivo di rilevare i comportamenti dei presenti e la loro interazione con il contesto ambientale. Questa modalità è stata poi implementata con la somministrazione di uno specifico questionario rivolto agli adulti accompagnatori e mediante una lettura dei disegni proposti dai bambini.
Le fasi di progettazione ed esecuzione dell’esperienza, coordinate dal Comando Provinciale dei Vigili del fuoco di Pordenone, hanno visto la collaborazione dell’Università di Udine, dell’Università IUAV di Venezia, del Consorzio Universitario di Pordenone, e della ULSTER University di Belfast, oltre al supporto logistico della direzione del Teatro.
Il contributo propone una rilettura dello svolgimento della prova attraverso le risultanze dei video e dei questionari, che hanno consentito di effettuare valutazioni sui tempi impiegati per l’esodo e i comportamenti delle persone coinvolte.
La prova è stata condotta il 10 febbraio 2015, ha interessato la platea del Teatro in cui erano presenti i bambini di 11 classi provenienti da 7 scuole primarie, più i loro accompagnatori, per un totale di 339 persone, ed è stata ripresa con telecamere collocate all’interno e all’esterno della struttura con l’obiettivo di rilevare i comportamenti dei presenti e la loro interazione con il contesto ambientale. Questa modalità è stata poi implementata con la somministrazione di uno specifico questionario rivolto agli adulti accompagnatori e mediante una lettura dei disegni proposti dai bambini.
Le fasi di progettazione ed esecuzione dell’esperienza, coordinate dal Comando Provinciale dei Vigili del fuoco di Pordenone, hanno visto la collaborazione dell’Università di Udine, dell’Università IUAV di Venezia, del Consorzio Universitario di Pordenone, e della ULSTER University di Belfast, oltre al supporto logistico della direzione del Teatro.
Il contributo propone una rilettura dello svolgimento della prova attraverso le risultanze dei video e dei questionari, che hanno consentito di effettuare valutazioni sui tempi impiegati per l’esodo e i comportamenti delle persone coinvolte.
- by Valeria Tatano
- •
Il libro prende in esame il tema della progettazione antincendio inclusiva intesa quale insieme di azioni, progettuali e gestionali, che devono essere poste in atto in ogni edificio in cui si intenda affrontare in modo organico e completo... more
Il libro prende in esame il tema della progettazione antincendio inclusiva intesa quale insieme di azioni, progettuali e gestionali, che devono essere poste in atto in ogni edificio in cui si intenda affrontare in modo organico e completo il tema dell’accessibilità in condizioni di emergenza.
In particolare vengono approfonditi il ruolo e i limiti dello 'spazio calmo', soluzione progettuale atta a realizzare un luogo sicuro, temporaneo, destinato a persone con disabilità coinvolte in una situazione di emergenza, in cui possano attendere aiuto per completare l’esodo o aspettare che cessi la condizione di pericolo.
Attraverso i risultati di una ricerca sul campo si sono individuate una serie di criticità relative alla reale conoscenza delle modalità di esodo. A fronte della necessità di un coinvolgimento diretto delle persone, che sono chiamate a ricoprire un ruolo importante nella tutela della propria e altrui sicurezza mediante comportamenti e scelte che si acquisiscono con una formazione specifica, si è rilevato che pochissimi utenti con disabilità motorie conoscono l'esistenza di procedure specifiche che li riguardano direttamente.
È quindi fondamentale progettare e gestire correttamente gli spazi, studiandone sia l'accessibilità in condizioni normali, che in caso di evacuazione di emergenza, mettendo in atto, al di là delle norme, tutte le strategie di cui il progetto dispone e che questo testo analizza e illustra, come lo studio del comportamento umano in emergenza e le tecniche di wayfinding.
In particolare vengono approfonditi il ruolo e i limiti dello 'spazio calmo', soluzione progettuale atta a realizzare un luogo sicuro, temporaneo, destinato a persone con disabilità coinvolte in una situazione di emergenza, in cui possano attendere aiuto per completare l’esodo o aspettare che cessi la condizione di pericolo.
Attraverso i risultati di una ricerca sul campo si sono individuate una serie di criticità relative alla reale conoscenza delle modalità di esodo. A fronte della necessità di un coinvolgimento diretto delle persone, che sono chiamate a ricoprire un ruolo importante nella tutela della propria e altrui sicurezza mediante comportamenti e scelte che si acquisiscono con una formazione specifica, si è rilevato che pochissimi utenti con disabilità motorie conoscono l'esistenza di procedure specifiche che li riguardano direttamente.
È quindi fondamentale progettare e gestire correttamente gli spazi, studiandone sia l'accessibilità in condizioni normali, che in caso di evacuazione di emergenza, mettendo in atto, al di là delle norme, tutte le strategie di cui il progetto dispone e che questo testo analizza e illustra, come lo studio del comportamento umano in emergenza e le tecniche di wayfinding.
The accessibility of the historical context, at the urban or architectural scale, has to couple the issues of conservation and functionality in order to ensure the same fruition possibilities for the most of the users. The actuation of... more
The accessibility of the historical context, at the urban or architectural scale, has to couple the issues of conservation and functionality in order to ensure the same fruition possibilities for the most of the users.
The actuation of this aim encounters many difficulties in Venice, in consideration of the unique urban morphology that needs specific interventions, able to preserve heritage while taking into account the principles of Inclusive Design.
This text tries to illustrate the results of a first survey, done by the research group, focusing on the strategies adopted in the historical Venetian context, where in the last ten years a considerable effort has been done to transform a large part of the islands, as well as museums or public and private buildings into accessible places. The interventions actualized experimentations and innovations to improve the usability of bridges, elements that constitute the principal physical barrier for the citizens’ and tourists’ autonomy.
Several reasons decelerate this process, transforming each new intervention in a matter of emergency, linked to exceptional circumstances and to the number of the people involved, forgetting that an inclusive city should improve everyone’s quality of life and that this objective can be reached only by a unitary project, shared by citizens, public administrations and designers.
The actuation of this aim encounters many difficulties in Venice, in consideration of the unique urban morphology that needs specific interventions, able to preserve heritage while taking into account the principles of Inclusive Design.
This text tries to illustrate the results of a first survey, done by the research group, focusing on the strategies adopted in the historical Venetian context, where in the last ten years a considerable effort has been done to transform a large part of the islands, as well as museums or public and private buildings into accessible places. The interventions actualized experimentations and innovations to improve the usability of bridges, elements that constitute the principal physical barrier for the citizens’ and tourists’ autonomy.
Several reasons decelerate this process, transforming each new intervention in a matter of emergency, linked to exceptional circumstances and to the number of the people involved, forgetting that an inclusive city should improve everyone’s quality of life and that this objective can be reached only by a unitary project, shared by citizens, public administrations and designers.
- by Valeria Tatano and +1
- •
- Cultural Heritage, Accessibility, Inclusive Design