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Department of Psychology (Psychology Building)

University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Ground Floor - Lecture Theatre, Seminar Room, Reception
    First Floor - Offices, Library, Psychology Sanctuary
    Second Floor - Offices, Laboratory, Seminar Room
    Third Floor - Offices
    Fourth Floor - Offices.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located around the Downing Site with a Blue Badge bay located to the rear of the Courtyard Building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Department of Archaeology (Courtyard Building McDonald Institute) and the Sedgwick Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • 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 615cm (8ft 2in x 20ft 2in).
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders, permit holders and staff permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • 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 Downing Site.
    • The nearest designated bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Courtyard Building main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is car parking located throughout the Downing Site.
    • Car parking is restricted and over-subscribed.

Outside Access (Accessible / Goods Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 134cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated when exiting.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 90cm (2ft 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) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 136cm (4ft 6in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 4 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 not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Reception (Main)

  • The main reception is located to the left as you enter.
  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) 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 good.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • 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 good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The Psychology Sanctuary common room has vending machines with controls at a height of 145cm.
    • There is a push pad automatic door single into the ground floor classroom with a width of 82cm (photograph 6).

Lecture Theatre(s)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are push pad activated.
  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the back.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is not step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The speaker's area is at the bottom of the staggered seating and has an additional step to access it.
  • The height of the lectern is 92cm.
  • The lectern is not height adjustable.
  • There is (staggered) tiered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the (staggered) tiered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the lecture theatre(s) ranges between 69cm and 74cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    • The stairs are located in the main foyer area.
    • The stairs are approximately 4m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the main entrance foyer.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 375kg.
  • The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the accessible / goods entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 88cm x 98cm (2ft 11in x 3ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Entrance (Library)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located towards the left of the building on the first floor.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single (with an unlocked extension leaf).
    • The width of the door opening is 128cm (4ft 2in).

Reception (Library)

  • The library reception is located in the library at the end of the corridor to your right on exiting the lift on the first floor.
  • The desk is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Library

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is not an ordering service.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
  • Comments View
    • There are some shelves within the library which require a step ladder to access.
    • Items can be requested in advance or during working hours at the library reception.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located off the main entrance foyer.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located off the main entrance foyer.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the first and fourth floors.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the third floor.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet cubicle on the ground floor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located off the main entrance foyer.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the accessible / goods entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 194cm (5ft 1in x 6ft 4in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 106cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 80cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located off the main entrance foyer.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m from the accessible / goods entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.