Requirement 5 states "Locate a main staircase to be visible before an occupant visually encounters any motorized vertical circulation (elevator/escalator). The staircase must be visible from the principal point of entry at each building floor". I agree that the staircase being visible from the principal point of entry is desirable for encouraging active occupants. However, to explicitly make the visibility of circulation for "active occupants" a priority above visibility of elevators for those with mobility impairments runs counter the ideals of Universal Accessibility. I respectfully ask that this requirement be reviewed and language be adjusted to address this issue of social sustainability. In otherwords, can we promote heathly environments that do not come at the expense of building users who cannot take advantage of a prominent and inviting stair?
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Crista Shopis
Senior Engineer, LEED APTaitem Engineering
8 thumbs up
June 12, 2014 - 12:25 pm
Wow! Thank you for pointing this out. I totally agree and support the request!
Lissa Spitz
Project ManagerA3C Collaborative Architecture
1 thumbs up
December 11, 2014 - 1:42 pm
I appreciate the point and perspective, but I would also respectfully suggest that this credit doesn't necessarily promote healthy environments at the expense of occupants who can't use the stairs. The fact that only seven of eleven possible compliance paths are required allows teams to pick and choose, so locating the stairs visually ahead of elevators is not actually a prerequisite. Although a possible re-wording might be: Locate a main staircase to be equally visible when an occupant visually encounters any motorized vertical circulation (elevator/escalator).
Lee Altman
NYC Department of Design and Construction18 thumbs up
December 12, 2014 - 4:02 pm
Thank you all - I think this thread is important and your points are well made. One point I'd like to add is that in advocating for increased stair use we find that reducing elevator use also means that the elevators are more often free and available for those who need them. There are many other synergies between universal accessibility and active use of the built environment, and one absolutely does not need to come at the expense of the other.