Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Department of Archaeology (West Building)

University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 3ER

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free and level.
  • The Department of Archaeology (West Building) has one entrance, which provides step-free level access (via a very easy ramp) to the ground floor and al other floors, via lift. There are push-pad activated, double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The entrance is signed as "McDonald Institute - Department of Archaeology".
  • The entrance provides step-free level access (via a very easy ramp) to the ground floor and all other floors, via lift.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access on all floors, and step-free access from the entrance on the ground floor to all floors via the lift. However, there are standard female toilets located off the main stairs between the first and second floor, and the third and fourth floor; as well as standard male toilets located between the second and third floor. These have stepped-only access.
  • Floor surfaces along circulation routes are a mixture of tiles, vinyl and carpet, with all tiled and vinyl flooring having a shiny finish, and all carpet being low pile.
  • There is no seating in any circulation areas of the building.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided in this building, except for inside the lift, where a wall-mounted list of floor services is available.
  • There are not manual doors in any circulation corridors, only to access stairwells. There are some push-pad activated automatic doors inside the building on the ground floor.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located on the ground floor, to the right as you enter the building.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located in the female toilet located off the main stairs between the first floor and second floor, and in the male toilet located off the main stairs between the second floor and third floor.
    • The male toilet facilities are located on the basement floor, and off the main stairs between the second floor and third floor.
    • The female toilet facilities are located off the main stairs between the first floor and second floor, and between the third floor and fourth floor.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located to the west side of the Downing Site Courtyard.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 94cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 94cm.
  • The width of the opening is 128cm.
  • The doors have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 104cm.
  • The key card reader automatically operates the automatic doors.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located diagonally to the right as you enter through the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Floors -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 108cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 114cm (width) x 129cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a medium visual contrast and tactile markings.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Stairs (Main Stairs)

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the right as you enter through the main entrance, beyond the lift.
  • The ground, first, second, third and fourth floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are unmarked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs (Ground Floor to Basement)

  • The stairs surveyed are located immediately to the right as you enter through the main entrance, through the automatic door and past the toilet with adaptations.
  • The ground floor and basement can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20 steps between floors.
  • The steps have low visual contrast markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located immediately to the right as you enter through the main entrance, through the automatic door and then on your left before the stairs down to the basement.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 6m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards automatically and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • The door has a push pad lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 138cm (width) x 180cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 68cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 95cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 114cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 126cm from the floor.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a pedal bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 152cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The automatic door is touch pad activated, with this being 99cm high to enter the facility and 94cm to exit.
      The lock is also a touch pad, with this being 102cm high.
      There is an additional twist lock for the door.
      There is an additional toilet roll holder on the dropdown rail, which is within reach of the toilet and is 65cm high.