CCT384 Universal Design and Access Case Study: Transportation
Week 10
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Exam Course Review Next Week! Twenty multiple-choice questions:
20 marks (each question = 1 mark) Five fill-in-the-blank questions:
5 marks (each question = 1 mark) Three short answer questions: 15
marks (5 marks for each question)
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Rail Systems
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Bordeaux Light Rail Bordeaux, Aquitaine France New Construction
Completed - 2005 Funding - Public
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Bordeaux Light Rail France, where the European Unions light
rail renaissance began in the 1980s, excels still. Bordeauxs Light
Rail system is a standard-bearer for modern light rail systems for
ease of use, aesthetics and seamless surface integration. The
Atlantic port city has been a hub of commerce since the Roman
Empire and is distinguished by its crescent-shaped Port of the Moon
and location between the ocean and the worlds most famous
vineyards. Bordeauxs exceptional architectural quality and
coherence has been recognized by the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage
site, in France second only to Paris in the number of protected
buildings (327). The Bordeaux tram system was designed, in part, to
protect and complement the historic core. The system is
street-based but separated from traffic except at intersections.
The light rail system consists of three lines, including
eighty-nine stations, Alstom CITADIS 302 & 402 light rail cars
all sleekly designed with subtle colors, large windows and low
floors, and maintenance facilities. Bordeauxs system also features
a unique power technology which eliminates the need for overhead
wires, giving the impression of vehicles magically gliding through
the central city. Design and construction of the line occurred over
a ten-year period and included a complex and extensive
participatory process that involved citizens from a wide range of
ages and abilities.
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Description (1) Bordeaux initially selected the automated VAL
(Vehicule Automatique Leger) system but extensive public objection
and concern for the safety of tunneling that could put the historic
fabric at risk reversed the choice in favor of a street-based, less
disruptive system. The Urban Community of Bordeaux (including the
city of Bordeaux) began the initial planning of a modern light rail
or tram system in 1997. The system was envisioned to improve the
transportation system for the people of Bordeaux and its suburbs,
using the newest technologies in a manner that respected the
architectural significance of downtown Bordeaux. The tram
rights-of-way are a mix of grassy medians or clearly delineated
areas on existing road surfaces. The system was built in multiple
phases: Phase I, costing 686 million, was built over 2003-2005 and
includes Lines A&B over 25km. Phase II, Line C, was built from
2007-2009 for 598 million. Both completed phases, operate daily to
carry approximately 55M passengers per year. Discussions are
underway for further significant expansion including a 4th
line.
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Description (2) Line A: runs from East to West, after crossing
the Garonne River on a bridge, it splits into two heading to the
North and South part of the City. Line B: runs from the Northeast
to the Southwest. Line C: runs from the North towards the Southeast
of the City. There are seventeen (17) park and ride locations with
a total of 5,000 parking spaces. In the historic downtown, 1.8km of
the tram system was designed without an overhead contact system
(OCS) and instead relies upon a sophisticated embedded third rail
technology known as Alimentation Par Sol (APS) that is powered only
when a tram is directly above it and both sets of power pickup
shoes engage the rail. While APS was originally prototyped in
Marseille, Bordeaux is the first city within Europe to extensively
utilize the APS system and has proven its reliability. Bordeaux has
also sought to expand APS usage to approximately 10.5km. In case of
APS power failure, batteries onboard the trams provide
instantaneous power. Vehicles switch from APS power to OCS power at
certain stations along the line in a manner that passengers never
notice the switch occurring.
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Description (3) Tram Design and Operation Bordeaux, after
extensive industry consultations, chose to purchase 18 Alstom
Citadis 302 trams which are 32.9m long (107.93ft) and 52 Alstom
Citadis 402 low-floor trams which are 44m long (144.36ft). As is
common practice in much of the world, trams operate in single car
trains and more vehicles are added during peak periods. Generally,
trams operate with 4- minute headways and 2-minute headways during
peak periods. The 100% low floor designs ensure easy and quick
boarding of the vehicles at each stop. The interior layouts allow
for approximately 213 riders on the Citadis 302 and 300 riders on
the Citadis 402. In each case, significant attention was paid to
the arrangement and location of stanchions (vertical poles) and
horizontal grab rails. Contrasting colors ensure high visibility.
Automated visual and audio announcements are standard with
approximately six screens are provided so that at least one is
visible in each section of the tram. Typical side-by-side seating
is provided in various locations within in the tram. Given customer
feedback and the usage characteristics of the lines, in newer
trams, a greater emphasis was placed on providing perching or
leaning rails as well as ample space for standees, people using
wheeled mobility devices such as walkers, scooters, and
wheelchairs, as well as riders with strollers or luggage. At
platforms, seating includes shaded options. LED screens display the
time until the next train. Lighting is designed to facilitate
orientation and wayfinding.
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Design and the User Experience Public outreach included older
people, pregnant women and adults and children with disabilities.
The result offers a model of a light rail system that is usable,
comfortable, intuitive and understandable to local residents and
visitors from France and abroad. User engagement began at
conceptual planning and schematic design with a level of commitment
to engage organizations that represent people with disabilities.
Moreover, there were public temporary and permanent exhibits about
the project and as well as many public meetings. The City of
Bordeaux also opened a website inviting public comments and hosting
topical forums.
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Evaluation The tramway system has been a success since the
opening of the three lines. The users of the tram now represents
53% of the public transportation of Bordeaux and the surrounding
area. In 2008, 90.3 million passengers had used public
transportation with 54.7 millions using the tramway. That
represents an increase of 13.4% since 2007. In terms of universal
design, there has been some criticism about not replicating the
bright yellow color for external truncated domes and interior
vehicle rails as is common for trams in the UK and other parts of
the EU to improve independence and safety for people with low
vision.
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Universal Design Features Extensive participatory process with
user/experts engaged specifically for some elements. Tactile maps
at station entrances, lobbies and platforms. Detectable guide strip
from each station entrance to lobby, fare gates and down to the
platforms. Lighting levels vary in relation to function and lend
clarity to the hierarchy of information. Low floor trams, which
allow comfortable and easy access for not only people with
disabilities but also children, elderly, women with children,
people wheeling luggage or shopping carts. Spacious multipurpose
areas that can be dedicated to bicycles, prams or luggage. Many
streets along the tramway lines are pedestrian areas with limited
access cars. Good acoustical solutions resulting in low internal
and external noise levels.
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Environmentally Sustainable Features The investment in light
rail is itself an environmental feature offering a viable,
affordable alternative to the automobile that enhances mobility,
address environmental concerns, and promote efficient land use
trends Regenerative braking system on trams captures energy during
braking, stores it for use once the train rolls again.
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Project Details (1) PROJECT TEAM Client: City of Bordeaux Name:
The Light Rail System for Bordeaux Company: The Urban Community of
Bordeaux (CUB) Email: Telephone: +05 5699 8484 Project Manager
Name: Francois Saglier Company: Email: Telephone:
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Project Details (2) Architect(s) Name: Brochet, Lajus, Pueyo
Company: Agence dArchitecture BLP de Bordeaux Email: architects@
Brochet-Lajus- Pueyo.fr Telephone:+05 5719 5919 Designers Name:
Jean Philip Lanoire and Sophie Corrian Company: Lanoire &
Corrian Architects Email: [email protected] Telephone:
+05 5714 [email protected]
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Project Details (3) Landscape Designer Name: Alain Cousserant
Company: Group Signes Email: Telephone: +01 4022 9595 Specialized
Consultant Consultant Type: Urban furniture/ Name: Elizabeth de
Portzamparc Company: Elizabeth de Portzamparc Email: info@
ElizabethdePortzamparc.com Telephone: +01 5363 3232
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Bordeaux Light Rail At Pessac Centre station an Alstom Citadis
tram awaits passengers Images 2008 Institute for Human Centered
Design
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Bordeaux Light Rail A tram boards passengers with a French
cathedral in the background. Images 2008 Institute for Human
Centered Design
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Bordeaux Light Rail A tram rounds a curve in Bordeauxs historic
center with the Arch in the background. Images 2008 Institute for
Human Centered Design
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Bordeaux Light Rail In the pedestrian city center, modern
trams, people, street cafes and history mingle seamlessly. Images
2008 Institute for Human Centered Design
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Bordeaux Light Rail Two trams round a curve in the pedestrian
city center as people cross in all directions. Images 2008
Institute for Human Centered Design
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Bordeaux Light Rail Just in front of Bordeauxs Grand Theater, a
tram passes pedestrians. The tram is powered by the imbedded third
rail rather than overhead wires. Images 2008 Institute for Human
Centered Design
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Bordeaux Light Rail The interior of the 100% ultra low floor
Alstom Citadis tram has both wide open areas as well as 2X2
seating. Images 2008 Institute for Human Centered Design
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Bordeaux Light Rail Overhead LED screens display the next
station stop and fare validation points are provided near the wide
doors. In the wide open areas, seats are spring loaded to provide
plenty of space for baby strollers, people using wheeled mobility
devices and bicycles.
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Bordeaux Light Rail This is a close up photo showing how close
the tram is to the platform edge. Images 2008 Institute for Human
Centered Design
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Airports
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Ottawa and Vancouver Airports Project Facts Ottawa and
Vancouver Airports Canada Renovation Completed - 2009 Funding -
Public
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Introduction (1) Airports present a unique design challenge. In
operation 24/7 for 365 days of the year, they are an important
transit gateway with multiple moving parts, extremely varied users
and intense security responsibilities. When two cities in Canada
Ottawa and Vancouverneeded to add terminals to their airports, the
progressive clients looked to expand upon the standard Canadian
Accessibility Codes and deliver universal design quality to their
travelers. Architect Stanis Smith is a vice president in the
Vancouver office of the international design firm Stantec and he
served as the primary consultant on both airport projects. The
Ottawa International Airport Terminal was completed in 2003. The
Vancouver International Airport was completed in 1996, and was
expanded upon in 2000, 2003, and 2009.
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Introduction (2) In both instances, the architects engaged a
diverse team of consultants to help create buildings that are open,
transparent, and inclusively welcoming and usable. They developed a
sequence of memorable and distinctive spaces creating an
appropriate gateway to the city and country, and resolved
sophisticated security, airport, and airline requirements in a
manner that is unobtrusive to passengers. They used materiality and
structural layout to facilitate intuitive wayfinding and support
the needs of both passengers and employees, while employing
sustainable elements. In contrast to the anonymity of most
international aiports, both of these Canadian airports are
distinguished by celebrating the natural beauty and cultural
heritage of the region.
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Description(1) In the Canadian capital of Ottawa, Stantec
created a new multi-level international and domestic airport
terminal serving six million passengers per year. The Ottawa
International Airport Terminal is approximately 660,000 square feet
[61.31square meters] and is located adjacent to an existing
terminal. It has been designed to expand incrementally as passenger
volume increases. In Vancouver, the multi-level International
Airport Terminal was designed to accommodate eight million
passengers per year. The building is 1,600,000 square feet [92.90
square meters] with connections to the adjacent domestic terminal
and a multi-level parking structure serving both terminals. The
building includes 37 bridged aircraft gates as well as Canadian and
US Customs and Immigration Facilities. A light-rail system is
currently being constructed that will link the terminal to downtown
Vancouver in anticipation of the 2010 Winter Olympics in
Vancouver.
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Description(2) Beyond the base of being code compliant, both
terminals support passenger wayfinding and incorporate a universal
design approach via lighting, millwork, flooring, and other
finishes. The design ensures that passengers may orient themselves
intuitively with minimal reliance on signage. The terminals layout
minimizes walking distances, creates an inclusive sense of welcome,
and offers a building that is a unique gateway to the city and
region. The distinctive First Nation (aboriginal Canadians) imagery
offers a compelling opportunity to appreciate cultural richness of
the area while also creating landmarks that aid in wayfinding.
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Evaluation With airport terminals, passenger feedback is
frequently solicited and user-surveys are regularly conducted.
Feedback and post-occupancy studies have been overwhelmingly
positive for both Vancouver and Ottawa. The Vancouver International
Airport has been praised for being highly efficient, functional,
and accessible, creating a serene and poetic environment that has
propelled the airport to the top of worldwide surveys of passenger
friendliness and customer satisfaction. It is regularly rated as
one of the ten best airports in the world by independent
organizations as diverse as the International Airport Transport
Association (IATA) and Cond Naste.
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Universal Design Features (1) Mobility: complete physical
access throughout via ramp or elevator numerous moving walkways *
low resistance door closers/lever handles screen walls in lieu of
doors to washrooms emergency buttons in UD washrooms low writing
shelves and toe clearances at all check-in counters dedicated
passenger drop-off and pick-up zones accessible change bench in
customs search areas
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Universal Design Features (2) Visual assistance: Dynamic
high-definition high-contrast signage that automatically rotates
between several different languages Braille/tactile lettering on
all service rooms audible floor callers in elevators audible
readers via phone handset at all flight- information and
baggage-information displays
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Universal Design Features (3) Auditory assistance: visual fire
alarms/strobes emergency message video override silent pager video
monitors closed captioning on all entertainment televisions TTY
pay/information telephones TTY phone in key public areas microphone
volume controlled handset at all check- in/service counters
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Environmentally Sustainable Features Natural daylighting
Low-velocity distribution air conditioning Low VOC and renewable
materials Access to public transit Sensors to automatically shut
off interior lights, escalators, and walkways Bike parking for
employees
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Ottawa and Vancouver Airports This black & white image
shows a very simple overview of the terminal design in relation to
accessing the planes. Image Credit: Stantec Images 2008 Institute
for Human Centered Design
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Ottawa and Vancouver Airports This black & white image
shows a very simple overview of the terminal design in relation to
accessing the planes. Image Credit: Stantec Images 2008 Institute
for Human Centered Design
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Ottawa and Vancouver Airports This color image shows a large
aboriginal-style natural bark canoe elevated on a concrete pad to a
comfortable viewing height with a dramatic water feature to the
right falling straight down in a continuous sheet. Image credit:
Stantec Images 2008 Institute for Human Centered Design
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Ottawa and Vancouver Airports Two very large First Nation
totemic figures carved in wood form a portal greeting visitors to
the Vancouver International Airport. Image credit: Stantec Images
2008 Institute for Human Centered Design
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Ottawa and Vancouver Airports The colored image shows an
inclined walkway with glass sides and a wooden rail at the top
passing through indoor garden spaces on either side with seating
clearly visible on the right. Image credit:Stantec Images 2008
Institute for Human Centered Design
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Ottawa and Vancouver Airports Colored image depicts a ramp with
a floor of textured tile and stainless steel hand railings. The
ramp opens to a level entry to food service on the right and
continues down to the Jade Canoe sculpture viewing area below.
Image Credit: IHCD file photo Images 2008 Institute for Human
Centered Design
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Ottawa and Vancouver Airports Image of Jade Canoe, the most
famous First Nation sculptures at Vancouver International Airport.
This very large dark green sculpture of complex human figures
tightly packed in a boat that is installed in the Vancouver airport
terminal which is set off by skylights above and a viewing area
distinct from the path of travel and fully accessible. Image
credit: Stantec Images 2008 Institute for Human Centered
Design
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Activity
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Watch and take notes on two or three segments from Trading
Spaces (TLC Channel) Available here:
http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/trading-spaces/
http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/trading-spaces/ Consider what they
show to PEOPLE FROM OTHER CULTURES about typical family housing
(AND Universal Design) in North America. Do these shows give
accurate portraits of average North American families and homes,
including culturally-specific examples? Think about how and in what
ways their producers might change the shows to present more
accurate pictures of typical Western housing from YOUR community,
with examples. In the Makeover shows, look for UD examples among
both the original AND redesigned houses furnishings, equipment, and
yard. They may be highlighted by the host or client family, OR just
filmed but NOT mentioned. In watching a few of these shows, we did
NOT hear them introduce UD or see more than one or two examples as
the camera swooped by. But I hope that you will!