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Department of Geography (Geography School)

University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 1QB

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include Laboratories, Libraries, Offices and Teaching Rooms.

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.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Downing Site Parking.
    • The car park is located throughout the Downing Site with a Blue Badge bay to the rear of the Courtyard Building.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is the Grand Arcade Car Park.
    • The car park is located within the Grand Arcade.

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 (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a steep ramp to the front of the entrance with handrails on either side. This can be seen in photograph 4.

Outside Access (Stepped Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not 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 single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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 10 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 not have handrails.

Other Floors (Main Entrance Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, Main Entrance, G.
    • The stairs are located in front of you on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 4m from the main entrance.
    • There are 11 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 not a landing.
    • There is a separate set of stairs to the left of the building from floors B, G, 1, 2 and 3. This can be seen in photographs 2 and 3.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in front of you on entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, Main Entrance, G.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 150cm (2ft 11in 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 not 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 bright.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to rooms 19 and 22, general office and rooms 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d on the ground floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the Instrumentation Lab and the Tree Ring Unit on the lower ground floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There are not 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 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.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Small Lecture Theatre)

  • 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).
  • There is a slight ramp/slope for access to the lecture theatre(s).
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 116cm.
  • The ramp/slope has a handrail on the right leading in.
  • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is/are 2 deep (18cm+) step(s) for access to 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 not push pad activated.
  • There are no designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 90cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is not staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 67cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Large Lecture Theatre)

  • 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).
  • There is/are 3 medium height (11cm - 17cm) step(s) for access to the lecture theatre(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked and has/have handrails on both sides.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There are no designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 92cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered 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 sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Lift (Large Lecture Theatre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the lower ground floor leading to the lecture theatre.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the entrance lift.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 114cm (3ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 114cm x 138cm (3ft 9in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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.

Opening Times (Department of Geography Library (Term Time))

  • Monday 08:45 - 17:45.
  • Tuesday 08:45 - 17:45.
  • Wednesday 08:45 - 17:45.
  • Thursday 08:45 - 17:45.
  • Friday 08:45 - 17:45.
  • Saturday 08:45 - 12:45.
  • Sunday Closed.

Opening Times (Department of Geography Library (Outside Term Time))

  • Monday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Monday 14:00 - 16:30.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Tuesday 14:00 - 16:30.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 16:30.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 16:30.
  • Friday 09:00 - 13:00.
  • Friday 14:00 - 15:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (Department of Geography Library)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the building to which there is no step free access.
    • 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 double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 112cm (3ft 8in).
  • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).

Reception (Department of Geography Library)

  • The Department of Geography Library reception is located just inside the library on the first floor.
  • The desk is 14m (15yd 11in) from the main staircase.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is stepped access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is not staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Library (Department of Geography 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 available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • The library is located on the first floor to which there is no step free access.
    • There are some shelves which require step ladders to access.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor and the third floor..

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on exiting the lift on the lower ground floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 poor.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 255cm (4ft 10in x 8ft 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 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 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 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 a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 183cm and 190cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a wall which acts as 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 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 92cm.
    • 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located to your right on exiting the lift on the lower ground floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the entrance lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • 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 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.