of building you are retrofitting. For instance, in an office building, hotel or bank, where there’s a front desk, a person in a wheelchair needs to be ac- commodated with a writing surface or desk that’s reachable. In schools or institutions where there’s labs or classrooms, furniture and built-in items need to accommodate people with disabilities.
RETROFIT SOLUTIONS When offering solutions for a retrofit, Kaplan looks at the practical application of the access codes and takes a realistic approach. “I work towards meeting the ‘readily achievable’ concept of the ADA require- ments for accessibility, but keep in mind access for persons who use wheelchairs for their mobility.” He also keeps in mind consideration for those with visual and hearing impairments. Common products used in ADA retrofits
include ramps (metal or otherwise), wheelchair lifts, plumbing fixtures, flooring transition strips, kick plates on doors, handrails, guardrails, door actuators, panic hardware, grab bars and low- profile thresholds. Doors, door frames and door hardware are also
an area where there are many renovations, Buchan- an adds. Reasons could include the door opening size not being wide enough, the door being too heavy to open, or door hardware that may not meet code requirements. “Lately, we are having clients add automatic door openers to doors, going above and beyond what is required for ADA, to assist in the opening function for many exterior doors and restroom doors.”
SUCCESSFUL RENOVATIONS Successful ADA renovations require the architect to have insight not only of the existing building condi- tions, but also how the space is going to be utilized and the type of spaces that are going to be pro- vided, explains Buchanan. “If we do this thought- fully, the requirements of ADA will be incorporated with ease. It is important for us to not only know the guidelines, but to also understand how people experience a space and what elements present challenges, not only to the disabled but for the able- bodied. Many of the requirements for ADA have benefits for all.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Saguaro building at Mesa Community College Red Mountain Campus con- sists of general classrooms, science labs, stockrooms, a multi-purpose performance arts classroom, faculty offices, student and faculty academic support and indoor/outdoor soft spaces for students, faculty and staff; SmithGroupJJR designed the newly constructed corporate campus developed by the Apollo Group for the University of Phoenix that houses the administrative offices for their online university group; LEO A DALY’s design of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club renovation focused on preserving traditional finishes, while adding a contemporary touch, as well as meeting current building codes and handicapped accessibility requirements. Marchand’s, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, includes a new large banquette and clusters of richly upholstered seating that can be moved or adjusted to accommodate wheelchair access; The Old Town Library in Avondale features simple materials and rich vi- brant colors that reflect the eclectic architecture and culture of Old Town Avondale in an innovative and modern way.