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Building 46 (Physics & Astronomy)

University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO17 1BJ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, Optoelectronics Research Centre and the Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Parking Information

  • Visitors who hold a Blue Badge can park in any parking bay on campus without needing a University parking permit. Staff and students should obtain a University parking permit from the University’s parking team, which is free of charge to Blue Badge holders.
  • There is a map showing disabled parking bays on Highfield Campus: please click here to view.
  • If there is not a designated disabled parking bay near to a particular building, then a standard parking bay can be reserved for use by a disabled visitor by contacting parking services on 023 8059 2416.

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 at the rear of Building 46.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 400cm x 600cm (13ft 1in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the car park entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are dropped kerbs.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Highfield Campus Car Park.
    • The car park is located at the north end of the campus.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Highfield Campus Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the north end of the campus off Broadlands Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Buildings 45 and 16.
    • 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
    • This car park can be used by 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 Building 32 (EEE) and Buildings 45 and 16.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Building 45, 16 or 32.

Outside Access (Front Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up the ramp.
  • 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 5 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There is an additional single automatic door on left side of the entrance.

Outside Access (Car Park Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • 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 or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • 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 5 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There is an additional single, automatic door on the left side of the entrance.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with a central handrail, for access to the self-study area at the far left of the building.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps are shown in photographs 1 and 2.
    • 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 and pictorial 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.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
    • The stairs are located in the entrance foyer.
    • The stairs are approximately 11m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is an additional staircase at the north (right) end of the building which accesses level 1.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are Level 1.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just beyond the entrance foyer staircase, to the right as you enter from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • The lift is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) 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 170cm x 112cm (5ft 7in x 3ft 8in).
  • 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 have a hearing loop 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 medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter, off the main entrance foyer area.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located next to the male standard toilets off the entrance foyer.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • There is a deep step into the shower cubicle.
    • There is a similar shower next to the standard female toilets.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • There are male toilets on levels 1, 2, 4 and 5.
  • There are female toilets on levels 2, 4 and 5.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located off the entrance foyer.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.