Table 3 The score of compliance to UD for each element and item in the three buildings

Using Circulation systems

Mechanical Circulation Systems (Elevators)

The Lifts lobby is near the main entrance and all main facilities

1

3

1

The net area of the lobby leading to the lift is suitable for people when gathering before entering the elevator and does not interrupt the user’s circulation flow

1

3

1

The net area of the elevator’s car is suitable for wheelchair users to turn by180°, also for the users who pull wheeled bags or push strollers.

1

1

1

The difference between the elements and their backgrounds and the surrounding area. (Element examples: calling buttons, key numbering, and doorway frames)

1

2

2

Voice messages to determine the floor which is reached by elevator and its services

1

1

1

The height between the call buttons and floor number buttons is between 89 and 120 cm to suit all users

1

3

3

Ramps and Stairs

The width of stairs and ramps is suitable for the expected traffic flow; it is likely to exceed the minimum desired width of the stairs.

2

2

2

The number of risers between the stair landings does not exceed 10 risers.

1

2

3

Long stairs and ramps have places for users to sit and rest at the landing.

1

1

1

Uniformly lit handrails, treads, and walking surfaces without deep shadows

3

3

3

Slip-resistant floors that do not hinder the movement of wheeled devices or wheelchairs

1

1

1

The depth of the tread is not less than 35.5 cm, and the height of the riser is between 10 and 18 cm.

3

3

2

Use tactile indicators such as bumps to determine the beginning and the end of the stairs, and on the stair railings

1

1

1

The slope ratio of the ramps is minimal than 1:12.

1

1

1

Hallways and Corridors

Stairways are placed far from the main movement path.

3

3

1

Ramps that pass in the usual direction of travel

1

1

1

The width of the corridors and the hallways is suitable for passing two people in opposite directions.

3

3

2

Lighting level is equal in all hallways and corridors.

1

1

1

The transition is gradual from dark to bright spaces, particularly in the areas with intense natural lighting.

1

1

1

Help in directing movement paths through colors, materials, and floor texture

1

1

1

29/60

37/60

30/60

Entering and exiting

Identifying the Entrance

Use of signage to direct users towards entrances and exits

1

1

1

The use of intense lighting to facilitate recognition of the entrance and to increase the safety of the building

1

1

1

The entrance is distinguished from the rest of the building by using materials, color, and form

2

2

1

Various rooflines above the entrance form a hierarchy between building components

2

2

1

The entrance of the building is visible from the entry points of the site, which means that it has clear visual access

1

2

1

Directing pedestrians towards the entrance by using plant material, sidewalk, and other site elements.

3

2

1

Maneuvering through the Entrance or Exit

The width of the doors is wide enough to suit all users of all abilities and situations (for instance, carrying bags, pushing strollers, or people in a wheelchair)

3

3

3

Automatic opening sliding doors and lightweight doors to facilitate the opening process with little physical effort

1

1

1

Facilitate the opening process for people with limited hand strength by using push-type or U-shaped handles

1

1

1

Using appropriate heights for keyholes to suit the sitting and standing positions or using two keyholes

1

1

1

Using glass in the doors to help in detecting the coming people

3

3

1

Protect the doors from corrosion and scratches that may happen by wheel users by installing a metal plate at the bottom of the doors

1

1

1

A.1.1.1.1.1.1. Departing the Entrance and Exit Area

The design of the entrances allows using them as an emergency and normal ones

3

3

3

In emergencies, pathway lighting can be used to lead users towards emergency exits

1

1

1

Direction information can be conveyed by audio

1

1

1

Building exits are indicated by multi-sensory indicators

1

1

1

In cases of emergency and power cut, automatic doors will remain operational for the users to leave the building

1

1

1

27/51

27/51

21/51

Wayfinding

Paths/Circulation

To help people understand where they are in the building by referring to that point at least one main circulation node

1

1

1

The main pathways are distinguished by larger widths, different colors, and different ceiling height than the secondary pathways

1

1

1

Distinguish between places where the public is welcome to access from places where the public is not welcomed by using clear boundaries such as columns, fences, or walls

2

2

1

Vertical circulation like ramps, stairs, and elevators located where it is visible from entries and/or major nodes

2

3

3

In multi-story buildings, the place for services such as bathrooms and elevators are the same on all floors

3

3

3

Designing emergency exits are in places that users constantly pass through

3

3

3

Information System Design

Signs are placed throughout the building with consistent font and expressive graphics

1

1

1

The signage installation system is movable, which facilitates changing shapes easily and at a low cost

1

1

1

Consideration is taken when designing the lighting system to prevent glare from the signs

1

1

1

Directional signs are located where they are most visible which is usually overhead and perpendicular to the path of travel

1

1

1

Ensure that building elements or furnishings do not block the signs

1

1

1

The number of messages and lines should not exceed five within a single directive sign

1

1

1

To avoid ignorance of the language, familiar or easy pictograms are used

1

1

1

To avoid a large number of directional signs, maps are used in the main distribution halls

1

1

1

To reassure that the user is on the right path, signs are placed in the transition areas

1

1

1

Floor levels and their uses (e.g., entrances to the complex, offices, concourse, parking) clearly identified in elevator lobbies and at the tops of ramps, stairs, and escalators

1

1

1

To ensure that all users have access to information, place the signs at intersections

1

1

1

In case there is more than one entrance, signs that are used to guide users to the information desk are provided from each entrance

1

1

1

To give more support to people with different abilities, voice instructions are provided to indicate the direction

1

1

1

Adopting technology, if available, to serve all users by providing visual and audio information

1

1

1

Use screens to display events, announcements, and emergency conditions, while providing the same information audibly

1

1

1

Sign Content

Use terms and words that are easy to understand and choose common terms rather than technical terms

3

3

3

Use pictograms and symbols that are easy to understand and learn

1

1

1

It is recommended that the sign should contain symbols and graphics alongside the text

1

1

1

Use the primary colors that are known to all, such as red, yellow, instead of mint and violet

3

3

3

The use of colors for what they are assigned to, such as red, yellow, and green, for safety uses

1

1

1

If there are complex signs, information about them should be provided for easy understanding

1

1

1

Orientation Aids

Maps are placed in a direction that enables users to use them properly

1

1

1

“You are here” symbol to help in orientation

A mark “You are here” must be placed inside the maps to help guide the user

1

1

1

Maps must contain the building’s plan or site landmarks

1

1

1

The places label used in the maps must be unified with those used in the direction signs

1

1

1

Avoid dependence on language by supporting text with easy-to-understand symbols and pictograms

1

1

1

The heights and inclination of installing maps and plans are suitable for everyone to see, whether seated or standing users

1

1

1

It is preferable to place maps and buildings planes near the information desks so that receptionists can use them to clarify directions to users

1

1

1

Each floor in the building contains a map with room numbers and names

1

1

1

45/105

46/105

45/105

101/216

110/216

96/216

46.76%

50.93%

44.44%