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Department of Plant Sciences (Botany Building)

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

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Ground Floor - Main Reception, Library, Teaching Laboratory, Large Lecture Theatre
    Mezzanine Floor - Office
    First Floor - Laboratories, Office
    Second Floor - Laboratories, Office
    Third Floor - Laboratories, Office.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • 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 around the Downing Site with a Blue Badge bay to 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 Grand Arcade Car Park.
    • The car park is located within the Grand Arcade.
  • 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 (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 63cm (2ft 1in).
  • 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 does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • 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 6 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.

Outside Access (Large Lecture Theatre 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 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 61cm (2ft).
  • 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 heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm (5ft 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 7 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.
  • Comments View
    • Most people access this lecture theatre via reception where there is a ramp.

Outside Access (Rear Staff Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear right 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 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • 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.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm (5ft 6in).
  • 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) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm (5ft 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 not have handrails.

Outside Access (Middle and East End Back Door)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • 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) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm (3ft).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of and immediately beyond the entrance.
    • There is / are 5 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.

Reception (Main)

  • The main reception is located to your right on entrance.
  • The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) 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 bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to G.1 Epidemiology and Modelling.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 2 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to G10 Office.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There is/are 10+ clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to Rooms 101 to 104.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 3.
    • 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 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • To access rooms 2.01 - 2.07 on the second floor, there are six medium height clearly marked steps with handrails on the right. These can be seen in photograph 4.
    • Within the ground floor teaching laboratory there is a height adjustable desk.
    • The laboratory can be seen in photographs 5 and 6.
    • There is also a storage area accessed by 13 deep steps with a handrail to the left. This can be seen in photographs 7 and 8.

Counter (Purchasing Office)

  • The desk is 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
  • Purchasing Office is located to the mid rear.
  • Clear signage for the counter is not 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 clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Entrance (Library)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the main reception foyer.
    • There is step free 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).

Reception (Library)

  • The library reception is located to your right on entrance to the library.
  • The desk is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • 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 bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.

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.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.

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).
  • 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 speakers area has step free access via the basement floor.
  • The speaker's desk/table is 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 fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is 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.
  • The main entrance to the lecture theatre is located in the main entrance foyer.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • The stairs are located to the rear of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 14m 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar set of stairs located to the left of the building which can be seen in photograph 3.
      There is also a similar set of stairs to the right of the building which can also access the mezzanine floor. The mezzanine floor contains laboratories 1 and 2. The staircase also accesses the distinct area of the basement which cannot be accessed by lift which contains storage areas. This staircase can be seen in photograph 4.
      The library has a first floor area accessed by 13 medium clearly marked stairs with handrails on both sides. This can be seen in photograph 5.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are Mezzanine Laboratories 1 and 2, and Library Upper Floor.

Lift (Main)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on the second floor.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 300 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 84cm x 92cm (2ft 9in x 3ft).
  • There are not 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 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.

Lift (G1 Epidemiology and Modelling Level Change)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the library providing level access to G1 Epidemiology and Modelling.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 128cm (2ft 7in x 4ft 2in).
  • 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 not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located to the rear of the building on the ground floor.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located between ground and first mezzanine floors on the steps to the right of the building. .
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located between the ground and first floor on the middle staircase..
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located between the ground and first floor on the left staircase..

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located towards the rear of the building on the ground floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main 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.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 153cm x 250cm (5ft x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 154cm and 165cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • 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 placed higher than 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 poor.
    • 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 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 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • 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 90cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the right staircase between the ground and Mezzanine floors.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • 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 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There is a shower accessed via a deep step accessed in the toilet area. This can be seen in photographs 3 and 4.