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Accessible Office Design

Framework Accessibility Criteria

Arriving and leaving
Accessible Journey Framework

Arriving and Leaving

Performance LevelBronze iconSilver iconGold icon
A1 Proximity to Public Transport & Amenities Public transport stop with an accessible service is less than 400 m away Food retail area is less than 400 m away Public transport stop is less than 200 m away
A2 Pathway Links Accessible pathway links to accessible parking, passenger drop off, and transport stops Accessible pathway links to a food retail area Accessible pathway links have a maximum grade of 1:20
A3 Accessible Path of Travel Step free accessible pathway with provision of kerb ramps, wide enough for one wheelchair user Accessible pathway wide enough for a person walking and wheelchair user to pass; includes resting points and safety features Accessible pathway allows two wheelchair users to pass and has signalised pedestrian crossings at all road crossings
A4 Walking Surfaces Walking surfaces are firm, even, slip-resistant and free of trip hazards Walking surfaces are designed so that water doesn’t accumulate Walking surface textures and pathway edges assist with wayfinding
A5 Drop off Points Accessible passenger drop-off point is directly linked to an accessible entrance Waiting area with seating is provided at drop-off point directly linked to an accessible entrance Weather protection is provided at drop-off point linked to an accessible entrance
A6 Parking Accessible parking space with an accessible pathway link to a building entrance Additional designated accessible parking space with weather protection A range of undercover accessible and after-hours parking spaces that provide an undercover pathway link to the building and can be pre-booked and available to visitors
A7 Wayfinding Wayfinding information that provides details on directions from vehicle set down areas and public transport to accessible building entrances Directional and tactile signage from accessible building entrances to vehicle set down areas, public transport and food retail areas Beacons or similar technology to locate accessible building entrances from the property boundary

Approaching and Leaving

Performance LevelBronze iconSilver iconGold icon
B1 Building Signage Site arrival points have lighting and building identification signs that incorporate large characters with luminance contrast and sans serif fonts Directional and information signs at the property boundary indicate the location and operating hours of accessible building entrances Beacons or similar technology to personalise wayfinding and assist orientation and navigation
B2 Approach to Principal Building Entrances Principal building entrances can be reached along an accessible path of travel Principal building entrances are reached on a universal accessible primary path of travel and is wide enough for a person walking and a wheelchair user to pass Principal building entrances are reached on a universal accessible primary path of travel and allows two wheelchair users to pass and includes rest points and textured surfaces or pathway edges
B3 Pathways within Property Boundary All level changes on a pathway provide a step free alternative Accessible ramps are integrated into pathways Pathways have gradients no steeper than 1:20
B4 Entrances Principal building entries are accessible with automated doors, manoeuvring clearances, good contrast and weather protection Principal building entries are used by all to enter the building; have automatic sliding doors and 75% of all building entries are accessible All accessible entries have automated sliding doors and allow a wheelchair user to turn 360° at the door landing
B5 Entry Controls and Security Access All entry/exit controls and security systems are consistently positioned in an accessible location within required reach, have wheelchair clearance and keyless access Security access controls can be operated by multiple methods including via a personal device and provide 24hour access Fully personalised programming of electronic access control systems integrated into a single user control interface
B6 Entry Foyer/Lobby Accessible path of travel to reception and lift lobby incorporates slip resistant, non-reflective and sound dampening elements Entry foyer has transitional lighting, seating and well-defined edges and floor textures around doorways and seating areas Direct access and line of sight to reception area and lift lobby from entry foyer with adjacent seating areas
B7 Reception Areas Reception desk has accessible counter section, hearing augmentation, even lighting levels, good contrast and controls mounted within accessible reach ranges Accessible amenities are located close by and include waiting areas, captioning services and toilet facilities A range of amenities located adjacent reception area include a variety of seating, scooter and luggage storage and battery-operated device charging stations

Moving Through Building

Performance LevelBronze iconSilver iconGold icon
C1 Doors and Doorways Doorways on accessible routes include door circulation, manoeuvring clearances, required opening force and luminance contrast Automatic sliding doors are provided on accessways to and at tenancy entrances, lift lobbies and accessible toilets Technology enables hands free movement through doors
C2 Corridors All corridors are obstruction free and wide enough for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre, turn around and pass people Enhanced width and recessed wall fixtures to allow a wheelchair user and person walking to move through the corridor side by side Enhanced corridor width allows two wheelchair users to pass each other
C3 Flooring and Walls Flooring is non-reflective, sound absorbent, pattern free and easily traversed with wheeled mobility Colour contrast is used on floor to delineate areas, luminance contrast is provided between walls and floors Floor and wall surfaces facilitate and enhance wayfinding
C4 Vertical Circulation Accessible vertical circulation is located in common areas and readily available during and after business hours Accessible vertical circulation is visible, safe, secure and convenient as stairs A multi-story office building has 2 or more lifts in a building, connecting all floors
C5 Ramps Ramps include a constant gradient of maximum 1:14, landings at suitable intervals, handrails, kerbs and tactile ground surface indicators Enhanced width for a person walking and wheelchair user to pass Allows two wheelchair users to pass and maximum gradient 1:20
C6 Lifts Visual, audible and tactile cues are included in lift cars, at lift landings and in destination control systems Larger lift size and lift controls can be operated by multiple methods Fully personalised programming of destination control systems
C7 Stairways (general use) Stairs have clear directional signage to the alternative accessible path, nosings are clearly defined with visual contrast Stairs and handrails are set back from access ways Additional visual information to aid orientation of floor level is provided at stair landings
C8 Emergency Alerts and Egress Multi-sensory alarms and evacuation equipment is provided Emergency positioning system or similar technology to track and personalise communication with employees in an emergency Fire stairs are equipped with handrails on both sides and refuges for wheelchair users

Using Work Areas

Performance LevelBronze iconSilver iconGold icon
D1 Work Points 50% adjustable height furniture at work points, accessible height controls and circulation space between work points 75% adjustable height furniture at work points, with a variety of workstation layouts and desk configurations including designated desks with enhanced environmental control and technology capabilities 100% adjustable height furniture and fully personalised programming of work points integrated into a single user control interface
D2 Acoustics Designated quiet zones are provided in open plan areas Sound proof spaces are provided and use of sound absorbing flooring and furniture Designated sensory zones and enhanced sound absorbing elements are provided in all work areas
D3 Lighting Adequate natural light is provided, glare is minimised and task lighting is used at work points Adequate natural light is provided, glare and shadowing is minimised in meeting rooms Adequate natural light is provided, glare is minimised and task lighting is used in utility rooms
D4 Switches and Controls Accessible circulation in front of switches, located at an accessible height Hands free / remote control enabled Capability for operation through a personal device or integrated user interface
D5 Meeting Rooms Accessible circulation to and within rooms, hearing loops in all large meeting rooms, adjustable lighting and glare control systems Hearing loops in one of each type of medium sized meeting rooms with AV / VC Hearing loops in one of each type of meeting room with AV / VC and storage cupboard for furniture
D6 Collaboration Areas Collaboration areas have a variety of furniture and easy to use technology Enhanced circulation to and within the collaboration area Adjustable height furniture in collaboration areas
D7 Utility Areas Accessible circulation to and within utility spaces and equipment and storage in accessible reach ranges Underside bench clearance at an accessible height, contrast of bench with floor, Braille and tactile labels on key items Adjustable height benches recessed to enhance circulation spaces

Using Amenities

Performance LevelBronze iconSilver iconGold icon
E1 Lockers Lockers positioned within accessible reach ranges with circulation space, easy to operate controls and integrated coat hanging facilities Accessible signage with Braille, tactile numeric key pad and colour contrast Integrated digital locking mechanism operable with a personal device
E2 Kitchens Accessible circulation to and within all kitchens with appliances in accessible reach ranges and easy to operate controls Enhanced manoeuvring space and visual contrast within kitchens and provision of accessible drinking station/s outside the kitchen Access to a second bench, sink and appliances in the kitchen at adjustable heights
E3 Toilet Facilities Accessible toilet facilities provided on all floors where there are toilets, easily identified with well-placed, clear signage and a separate gender-neutral toilet is provided in the tenancy Accessible toilet in close proximity to reception areas, waiting areas and other key facilities, separate gender neutral toilet provided in the tenancy Accessible toilets are provided at the entrance level of the building and at all banks of toilets, separate gender neutral toilet on all levels
E4 Unisex Accessible Toilet Wheelchair circulation to and within accessible toilet, accessible fittings and fixtures and duress button Automatic sliding door entry to accessible toilets and enhanced operable components Operable components are sensor controlled
E5 Ambulant Cubicles Ambulant cubicles with ambulant circulation spaces and fittings are provided within male and female toilets when refurbished Ambulant cubicles with ambulant circulation spaces and fittings are provided within male and female toilets Ambulant cubicles are provided as per silver level
E6 Quiet Rooms Minimum of 1 dedicated quiet room per tenancy with adjustable lighting, soft furnishings and good acoustic properties Incorporate additional quiet space facilities into multipurpose wellness rooms Provide 1 dedicated quiet room per level
E7 Assistance Animal Facilities Access to an animal toileting area Provide animal tethering point at some work points Provide an assistance animal facility onsite

Using Communication Systems

Performance LevelBronze iconSilver iconGold icon
F1 Identification & Directional Signage Internal building and room signage can be viewed from a variety of distances with directional cues, is easily identified through touch, and provides contrast, sans serif font and consistent iconography Consistent naming convention applied and signage is illuminated Beacons or similar technology to locate and identify the building or room at decision making points
ICT Hardware and Controls ICT hardware and controls are consistently positioned in an accessible location within required reach, have wheelchair clearance and support a diverse range of access methods to operate controls ICT hardware has remote controlled and wireless capability which are compatible with a variety of personal devices Personalised programming of ICT software integrated into a single user control interface
F3 Sign-In Systems Digital visitor management system is provided and positioned in a location that can be operated from a standing or seated position Sign-in system capabilities include large, contrasting controls with the ability to resize text, screen reader support and accompanied by high contrast keyboard Smart system that personalises sign-in with hands free, voice activated or remote control capabilities
F4 Destination Control System Lift access controls systems are accessible to all users and provide highly contrasted controls, Braille and tactile elements and floor selection feedback delivered in both visual and audible formats Use programmable electronic access control systems with in-built accessibility features that are integrated into a user control interface Fully personalised programming to include longer response and dwell times, consistent lift allocation, audible passenger guidance and customised assistance contact
F5 Mobile Enabled Services Mobile and wi-fi services and speeds for accessibility apps and assistive technology enabled environment 100% mobile and wi-fi coverage at fastest speed in all areas of building Aira enabled environment or similar service

Accessible Office Design

Accessible Office Design is a performance framework for making office design and fitout more accessible in both new and existing buildings.

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Framework Guide

Explains why accessibility is important and what decision-makers should consider when creating accessible and inclusive office spaces.

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Framework Design Requirements

The Design Requirements provide detailed technical specifications required to achieve the gold, silver or bronze levels of design