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Faculties of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics and Philosophy

University of Cambridge, Sidgwick Site, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the Faculty of Philosophy, Casimir Lewy Library, Faculty of Modern & Medieval Languages & Linguistics Library, Teaching Rooms and Offices.

Opening Times (Faculty of Philosophy Casimir Lewy Library)

  • Comments View
    • Opening times vary outside of term time.
    • See the Philosophy Library website for details.

Opening Times (Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library)

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • Outside of term time the library is open 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday.
    • Please note that the library is closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the rear of the Criminology Building and Lecture Block.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Criminology Building and Lecture Block.
    • 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 not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • 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 ramped access to the car park from the central campus area.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Lecture Block.
  • Comments View
    • There is a site car park within 200m, accessed from Sidgwick Avenue and called Lecture Block. Use by visitors is only in limited circumstances.
    • If you would like to discuss parking needs with the Institute of Criminology, please email [email protected].

Site/Campus Car Park (West Road Car Park - Permit Holders Only)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located between the Faculty of Music and West Road Concert Hall and the Faculty of English.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Faculty of Music and West Road Concert Hall, the Faculty of English, the Faculty of Divinity and the Faculty of History.
    • 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 and signposted.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 400cm x 485cm (13ft 1in x 15ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff and 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 ramped access to the car park from the Faculty of Music and West Road Concert Hall.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Faculty of Music and West Road Concert Hall.
    • The nearest designated bay is 29m (31yd 2ft) from the Faculty of Music and West Road Concert Hall main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • All users, including Blude Badge holders, are required to have parking permits, available from the university.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the middle of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is 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 double.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • 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 permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
  • 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
    • The first set of doors may be opened manually without the use of a key card.

Outside Access (Stepped Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located under the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages Wing.
    • There is step free 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • Comments View
    • The entrance leads immediately to the bottom of a staircase which leads to the first, second and third floors. There are no other facilities in this area of the ground floor. The staircase immediately beyond the entrance can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There are similar stepped entrances located under the Faculty of Philosophy wing of the building, some of which have a second set of doors.
    • An example of which can be seen in photographs 3 and 4.

Counter (Estate Facilities)

  • The desk is 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • Estate Facilities is located to your right on entrance.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this counter.
  • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • The reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • 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 high 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
    • There are push pad automatic doors around the first floor and into room 107.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • The stairs are located to your right on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 12m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • 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.
    • There are three similar staircases located around the building which can be seen in photograph 2, 3 and 4.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are to your right on entrance.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 106cm x 138cm (3ft 6in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 good.

Lift (Faculty of Philosophy)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the Faculty of Philosophy wing of the building.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2 and 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The lift is approximately 80m (87yd 1ft) from the main lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The lift door is manual, opens outwards and may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are 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 not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does 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 good.

Entrance (Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located down the corridor to your right on exiting the lift.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar entrance in the same location on the second floor which can be used to bypass the internal library steps.
    • A member of staff will be needed to access this entrance.
    • The first set of doors has a width of 150cm and the second 130cm. These can be seen in photographs 3 and 4.

Reception (Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library)

  • The Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library reception is located to your right on entering the library.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a set of heavy manual doors between the library reception area and the main area of the library. These can be seen in photograph 3.

Library (Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics 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 have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • The space between some of the shelves in the library is restrictive with widths as low as 64cm in some places. This can be seen in photograph 6.

Other Floors (Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located within the Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library.
    • The stairs are approximately 20m from the Modern & Medieval Languages and Linguistics Library entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is another similar set of stairs from the first to the second floor of the library. This can be seen in photograph 2.
      There is an additional set of stairs from the second to the third floor of the library with a handrail on the right. This can be seen in photographs 3 and 4.
  • Comments View
    • The first and second floors of the library can be accessed by using the lift in the main faculty.
    • There are external doors connecting the faculty with the library on each floor which are double width, heavy and manual.
    • Library staff have a key for these doors and will lend it out and assist people who may find difficulty using the stairs to access the upper floors of the library.

Entrance (Faculty of Philosophy Casimir Lewy Library Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in front of you on exiting the Faculty of Philosophy lift on the second floor.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • The entrance is kept locked, a member of staff will need to be notified to gain access.

Entrance (Faculty of Philosophy Casimir Lewy Library Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the staircase to the south of the building on the first floor.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located on the staircase between the lift and the main entrance.
    • There is / are 4 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • The first 2 steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • The remaining steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There are barriers immediately beyond the entrance with a width of 104cm.

Reception (Faculty of Philosophy Casimir Lewy Library)

  • The Philosophy Library reception is located just inside the library.
  • The desk is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Faculty of Philosophy lift.
  • 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.

Library (Faculty of Philosophy Casimir Lewy 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 have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located in the main entrance lobby and on the third floor in the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages Wing.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the first, second and third floors of the building..

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located between the first and second entrance doors of the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is not a radar key.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 220cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is 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) to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • 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 and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • 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 low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • 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 118cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 118cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Comments View
    • Access to the toilet is only possible with a university card, which you must have programmed to allow entry.

Toilet with Adaptations (Third Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the building in the Modern and Medieval Languages wing on the third floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 48m (52yd 1ft) from the main lift.
    • 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 Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 142cm x 195cm (4ft 8in x 6ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to 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 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is 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 low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 not 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 cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • 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).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • 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 98cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located in the first stairwell to your left on exiting the lift lobby.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 40m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • This can be seen in photographs 1 and 2.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on the second floor to your right on entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 25m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • This can be seen in photograph 3.