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ECA Main Building

The University of Edinburgh, Central Campus, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9DF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Central Area is located on the south side in the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem and parking is strictly controlled.
    • There are car parks available to the rear of Evolution House, and in front of the Main Building and the Hunter Building. The Transport and Parking Office of the University of Edinburgh manages parking at the University. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only and are subject to the university’s parking regulations.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses from all over the city travel to the Central Area of the university. The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses. Up to the minute "real time" bus timetable information is now available at bus stops across the city. Information panels provided next to each bus stop let you know when the next bus services will be arriving, or if there has been a delay.
  • By Train View
    • The Central Area Lauriston Campus is 0.9 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Station. It should be noted that some of the walking routes may feature paths with steep gradients or steps given the landscape. A taxi can be taken from the station to the site. Edinburgh has rail links throughout the UK. The East Coast mainline, which links Edinburgh and London King’s Cross, is the UK's fastest intercity railway: you can travel between the cities in around 4 hours. Or, if you prefer to travel overnight, a sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week. There are great links to other cities too. The journey to Glasgow only takes 45 minutes, while York, Newcastle or Aberdeen can be reached in about 2 hours. All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, although some trains also stop at Haymarket, which is a smaller station in the West End.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Hunter Building Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are ECA Hunter Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 600cm (8ft 2in x 19ft 8in).
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the Lauriston Place.
    • This car park is clearly signposted from the Lauriston Place.
    • The nearest designated bay is 44m (48yd 4in) from the ECA Hunter Building accessible entrance.

Site/Campus Car Park (Courtyard Parking)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in the central courtyard.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are ECA Main Building, North-East Studio Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 462cm x 315cm (15ft 2in x 10ft 4in).
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the North-East Studio Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 60m (65yd 1ft) from the North-East Studio Building.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm (4ft 6in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to each side of the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
    • The width of the ramp is 148cm (4ft 10in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance at the zebra crossing.
    • There is / are 2 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • Access out of normal hours to the building is by swipe and can via key fob. The reader is 102cm high.

Outside Access (Deliveries Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the right hand (east) end of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 188cm (6ft 2in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Entrance (North East Studio Building Link)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the east end of the building on level C.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 155cm (5ft 1in).

Reception (Main Reception)

  • The main reception is located next to the main entrance.
  • The desk is 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around (Floor C - Ground Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 1 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the west of the building from the main corridor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The step can be seen in photograph 7.
    • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to room C.12.
    • The width of the ramp is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 8.
    • There is/are 2 unmarked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to C18.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a slight ramp, with a handrail on the left going up, for access to C18.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The level change can be seen in photographs 9 and 10.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
  • Comments View
    • C.19A is accessed via two unmarked medium steps, however these can be bypassed by going through room C.19.
    • There is no step free access to floors D or F.
    • The various parts of Floor D are not interconnected. Therefore to transition from one part of the floor to another cannot be done whilst remaining on floor D. It is instead necessary to travel back down to floor C and find an alternate staircase to the relevant part of floor D.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, C, D and E.
    • The stairs are located in the main entrance lobby.
    • The stairs are approximately 12m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on the basement floor.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • Photographs 1 to 4 show the main staircase. There is a staircase at the west end of the front corridor (5 to 6) giving access to floors C, D, E. Rooms D.05 and D.05A are off the landing. There is a staircase at the east end of the staircase (7 to 10) giving access to floors C, D, E, F1, F2. There is a staircase at the west end of the rear corridor (11 to 12) giving access to floors C, E. There is a staircase at the west end of the basement corridor (13 to 14) giving access to floors B, C. There is a staircase behind the reception (15 to 16) giving access to rooms D13 and D14. There is a staircase giving access to the principal's suite and boardrooms (17 to 18) on floors J, K. There is a staircase in room C25 (19 to 20) giving access to rooms D05, 05A and 05B.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are rooms prefixed A, D, F, J and K, shared toilets in the principal's suite and male and female toilets on the staircase to floors F1 and F2.
  • Comments View
    • The main floor levels are B (basement), C (ground floor) and E (first floor), with mezzanine rooms at level D, levels F1 and F2 and levels J and K.
    • This main staircase gives access to room D.08A on the landing.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the Sculpture Court and gallery.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, C and E.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1600kg.
  • The lift is approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the North-East Studio Building.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 203cm x 195cm (6ft 8in x 6ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does have a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The emergency call point for wheelchair users is at a height of 134cm.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.
  • Comments View
    • The lift does not stop on floor D and instead goes straight from C to E.

Getting Around (Level B - Basement)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 9 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to the wood workshop and metalwork.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • These steps are seen in photographs 5 and 6.

Lift (Floor B)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the basement floor leading to the wood and metal workshops rooms.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B and A.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 76cm x 89cm (2ft 6in x 2ft 11in).
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Getting Around (Levels D, E and F)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is a slight ramp, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to Studio E18.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • Photographs 5 and 6 show this ramp.
    • There is/are 6 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the Principal's Suite.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There are two sets of three steps with a shared toilet on the landing. Photographs 7 and 8 show these steps.
    • There is/are 6 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to offices E01 to E08 .
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • Photographs 9 and 10 show these steps.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 11 shows steps to room E27.
    • Photograph 12 shows steps to room F01.

Lift (Floor E)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the rear corridor on level E.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 99cm (2ft 7in x 3ft 3in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Toilet with Adaptations (Basement - B51E)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the right as you exit the main lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 238cm x 270cm (7ft 10in x 8ft 10in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 101cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 88cm.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change in the accessible toilet at a height of 77cm.
    • The sink is moveable and can therefore be either in reach or out of reach from the toilet seat.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - C51)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 356cm (7ft 3in x 11ft 8in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 78cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 92cm.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, waste paper pedal bin and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change in the accessible toilet at a height of 76cm.
    • The sink is moveable and can therefore be either in reach or out of reach from the toilet seat.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • There are female standard toilets located on floor B and F1. There are also staff only female toilets on floor C.
  • There are male standard toilets located on floor B and F1. There are also staff only male toilets on floor C.
  • There are shared standard toilets in C52 and on floor E by the Principal's suite.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to your right on exiting the lift on floor B.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 12m from the lift.
    • There is a/are cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • There are horizontal and vertical grab rails on both sides of the seat.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the toilets area on the basement floor.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • There is a deep step to access the showers.
    • Access to the facilities is via the main lift.