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Lecture Theatre Building

University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; 11 lecture theatres/rooms, including Lecture Theatre 10 which is also used as a cinema, the Teaching Services Unit and the Audio Visual Services office.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on level 6.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on level 3.
      There are also staff only toilets by the Teaching Services Unit on level 4.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on level 3.
      There are also staff only toilets by the Teaching Services Unit on level 4.

Getting Here (Central Campus)

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, off the walkway leading from Square 3 to the Sports Centre and South Court.
    • This entrance gives access to level 4 of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Lecture Theatre Building'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 86cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • There is also a manual, heavy, 84cm wide single door which opens towards you, to the left of the automatic doors, and double manual, heavy doors, 168cm wide opening towards you, to the left of that (shown in photographs 2, 3 and 4).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is tiles, carpet and wood.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • In lecture theatres/rooms 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10.
  • Comments View
    • The corridor off level 6 leading to the accessible toilet and the balcony for lecture theatre 7 is a maximum of 97cm wide.

Reception (Audio Visual Services Helpdesk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on level 4, to the rear level of the foyer area from the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 120cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 72cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Comments View
    • To access the Audio Visual (AV) Helpdesk, there are double doors which open automatically (towards you) with an opening width of 144cm.
    • They have good colour contrast with the surrounding wall.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter, past the lift.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional staircases located off the main foyer on level 4.
    • Photograph 5 shows the stairs to the left as you enter, which access levels 3 - 5.
    • Photograph 6 shows the stairs straight ahead as you enter, which access levels 4-6.

Lift

  • The lift is located on the right hand side of the entrance foyer as you enter, just before the main stairs.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 96cm x 162cm (3ft 2in x 5ft 4in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Lecture Theatre 10)

  • Signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • 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) from the corridor.
  • 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 designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • 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 81cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • The lectern is height adjustable.
  • The lectern can be adjusted between the recommended heights of 80cm and 110cm (lowest part).
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) 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 not even.
  • Comments View
    • This room contains lecture chairs with writing tables.
    • There is a floor plug recess at the front of the lecture theatre leading to the seating and designated seating areas that could be a trip hazard (shown in photograph 8).
    • Lecture Theatre 10 is also used as a cinema.
    • Lecture theatres 6 and 7 are similar to this, except larger, and have balconies that are accessed from level 6 (photograph 9).
    • Lecture theatres 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 are similar to 10, except smaller and have fixed tables 69cm from the floor to the base (photograph 10).
    • Lecture Theatre 8 is identical to these, except without a hearing loop fitted.
    • Lecture theatre 2 is accessed from the rear and has no designated wheelchair spaces (photograph 11).
    • Lecture rooms 4 and B are level throughout and have tables that are not fixed and 67cm from floor to base (photograph 12).

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 6 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 6, to the rear of the lift, between the entrances to the balconies for lecture theatres 6 and 7.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) 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 good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm.
    • 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 150cm x 193cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 4in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type 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 the right.
    • 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) to the right of the toilet 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 female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 119cm and 159cm 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.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 100cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 fair.
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 86cm.
    • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.
  • Comments View
    • The gap leading to the toilet and the balcony for lecture theatre 7 is 97cm wide (shown in photograph 2).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on level 3, to the rear of the lift as you exit.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the 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 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There are also similar staff only toilets located on level 4, next to the Teaching Services Unit (shown in photograph 7).