Table 5.
International airport's physical environment aspects used to improve mobility.
| Physical environment features | Current practices in airports | Scientific literature recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Signage | Large fonts Contrasting colours (e.g, Heathrow) Simple langage Anti-reflective coating (e.g, Paris) |
Abundant use of clear and simple signs (40, 50). Contrasting colours Large fonts Static and dynamic signs Intelligent signs with multiple sensory modes Visual signals at boarding gates (71). Use of static, dynamic and intelligent signs (57) |
| High luminosity day and night (e.g, Toronto) | Lighting should be provided for all times of the day and night (71) | |
| Outdoor | ||
| Meeting points | Placed near the entrance (e.g, Madrid) | |
| Parking | Accessible, reserved, and close to entrance parking spaces (e.g, Atlanta) | Van-accessible spaces (49) |
| Curb | Accessible drop-off areas (e.g, Québec) | |
| Indoor | ||
| Entrance door | Large entrance, Sliding doors (e.g, Winnipeg) Carpeted vestibule to reduce residue, White cane bars (e.g, Calgary) |
No steps (49) |
| Flooring | Hard materials Non-slippery materials Textured paths and lanes (e.g, Beijing airport) |
Hard materials (71) Non-slip material Light-coloured Textured path Braille blocks Use of LED paths, colour coding, tactile information and luminescent materials (57) |
| Ramps | Whenever possible to limit required efforts for PwD and assistants (70) Limited steepness (49) |
|
| Handrails | In main circulation areas, to support mobility and orientation (e.g, Beijing) | |
| Seating | Reserved seating, placed throughout terminals for respite and waiting areas (e.g, Beijing Airport) Raised for people who have trouble getting up (e.g, Paris CDG) |
Regular intervals to reduce walking distance (71) |
| Meeting points and landmarks | Located near recognizable features, highly signposted, often used for kiosks and assistance counters (e.g, Madrid) | Should be placed to minimize walking distances (71) |
| Elevators | Braille buttons Voice assistance (e.g, Canton) Mirrors Tactile signs for directional information Strategically placed near staircases and escalators (e.g, Calgary) |
Should be placed to minimize walking distances (71) |
| Escalators and stairs | Placed in high traffic areas (e.g, Denver) | Should be large: Limited space of escalators can cause issues for large mobility aids and during emergencies (39) Tactile signs at both ends should be present to indicate the direction of movement for people with visual impairments (61). Should be placed to minimize walking distances (71) |
| Vehicles | Wheelchairs rent or free self-service (e.g, Singapore) Electric vehicles Buggies Carts (e.g, Dubai) |
|
| Restroom | Dedicated cubicles in toilets (one or two per general public room) (e.g, Québec) Gender-neutral toilets for personal attendants Increased space for wheelchair circulation Handrails Lowered sink Objects table Coat Hook Lowered hand dryers Lowered water fountain (e.g, Beijing Airport) |
Large spaces for wheelchair circulation. Grab bars. Clean spaces for medical procedures (49) |