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Institute of Astronomy (Observatory Building)

University of Cambridge, Madingley Rise, Cambridge, CB3 0HA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a library, study areas and staff offices.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The areas in front of the building, either side of the main entrance, can be used as a parking area during events, and also by visitors with mobility impairments if requested in advance.
    • Although not a designated drop off point, the circular driveway in front of the building could be used as a set down or pick up point (shown in photograph 3).
    • This car park can't be accessed from the main part of the Madingley Rise Campus. Instead, it is accessed via Observatory Drive, which leads off Madingley Road.
    • There is a barrier at the entrance to Observatory Drive (photograph 4). The barrier is normally raised during normal working hours.

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.
    • 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 (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The 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 164cm (5ft 5in).
  • 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 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 not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do not have handrails.

Outside Access (Side Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the right hand side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 65cm (2ft 2in).
    • There is not 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 (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 66cm (2ft 2in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • 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 slight.
  • Comments View
    • There is a carpet in between the doors that has a small lip all the way around it.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the ground floor.
    • There is a steep ramp, with no handrails, for access to Library B.
    • The width of the ramp is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • This ramp can be seen in photograph 1. There is a similar ramp immediately ahead of this that gives access to Library A textbooks and standard female and male toilets. This can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There is a steep ramp, with no handrails, for access to the library space.
    • The width of the ramp is 139cm (4ft 7in).
    • This ramp can be seen in photograph 3.
    • There is a steep ramp, with no handrails, for access to staff offices and the west staircase.
    • The width of the ramp is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • This ramp can be seen in photograph 4.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is not clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is no 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 varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is/are 1 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to staff offices 16, 17 and 18.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • This step is shown in photograph 1.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • The stairs are located on the east wing of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the side entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar staircase on the west wing of the building. This can be seen in photograph 3. There is a similar staircase in the centre of the building that gives access to the rare books room. This is shown in photograph 4.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are staff offices, standard toilets, supervision room and the rare books room.

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 an ordering service.
  • It takes approximately 7 days to process an order.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable chair is / are available.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor..
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floor..

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located in Greenwich House.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the far right of the building on the ground floor.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the side entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever twist.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located in the centre of the building on the ground floor.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 26m from the side 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 78cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.