5th Jul 2024
Have you ever lost your way or been disoriented in a public space? Well, a lot of people frequently go through this, especially those with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities. In these situations, tactile solutions for wayfinding can be incredibly helpful.
These tactile wayfinding solutions are designed to make it easier for people to navigate around public spaces. It also benefits organizations to stand out from competitors by making visitors' experiences more accessible. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of tactile solutions for wayfinding:
Tactile solutions for wayfinding provide individuals with a physical path to follow, enabling them to navigate public spaces independently. It refers to the utilization of wayfinding bars in public spaces to help people with navigation.
Tactile solutions with wayfinding bars are employed in areas with no risk but still, a need to provide a safe path for the visually impaired. The code-compliant wayfinding bars are designed in different materials, colors, and sizes to ensure compliance in every situation, including indoors and outdoors, on newly constructed, retrofitted, and existing surfaces. They are available in a variety of colors and can be used in connection with attention domes.
There are several types of tactile solutions available for wayfinding, each with its own features. Some of the best types of tactile solutions for wayfinding include:
Advantage™ Replaceable Cast Iron Tactile Walking Surface Indicator (TWSI) plates are created in strict compliance with ASTM A-48, Class 35B Grey Cast Iron. ASTM, which stands for the American Society for Testing and Materials, is a group that publishes production and testing standards for a variety of industries. These standards cover numerous materials, products & systems to enable consistency and safety among manufacturers.
The Cast in Place System has exceptionally high strength and uses advanced metallurgical Engineering Science and Technology that satisfies and surpasses the highest municipal restrictions.
Lightweight and easy to install
Maintenance-free natural patina
It can be recycled after its lifecycle
10-year manufacturer's warranty
Tactile direction indicators should be installed in spacious and open floor areas to facilitate wayfinding by showing the primary route of travel.
Installation of directional indicators must follow CSA B651-18 4.3.5.4.3.
Eon Tile Rubber Wayfinding Bars are long-lasting and flexible tactile indicators, ideal for designers and contractors who create top-quality commercial, institutional, and public environments.
Eon Tile Wayfinding Bars act as path makers that help guide pedestrians, including those who are visually impaired, for safe guidance around various environments. These bars are designed to comply with all Canadian accessibility codes and are available in four different colors: ivory, vogue black, smoke grey, and yellow.
Created from premium long-lasting polymers
Appropriate for both initial installation and surface retrofit
UV resistant for color stability and ensures optimal visual surface contrast
Conforms to contrast requirements (based on adjacent surfaces)
5-year manufacturer’s warranty
The Advantage One Stainless Steel Wayfinding Individual Bars Tactile System has an integral texture built into the stainless steel that makes it slip-resistant and permanent.
The Individual Wayfinding Bars are proven to be more durable, exceeding any detectable warning product on the market, setting the leading industry standard for detectable warning products. The Advantage One Individual Wayfinding bars are installed by drilling and fastening them directly into the ground, creating a safe pathway and guidance system that is suitable for all indoor accessibility solutions.
5-year manufacturer’s warranty
Resistant to heavy traffic abuse and maintenance machinery
Optimum anti-slip design
Innovative adhesive capture design
316L, Marine grade stainless steel
Access Tile Wayfinding tiles, which combine innovative and creative design elements with tried-and-true engineered polymers, processing, and material technologies, are the ultimate wayfinding solution.
These tiles are the industry leader in terms of durability, weather, and wear resistance. They are available in surface-applied and replaceable cast-in-place options:
Access Tiles Surface Applied Directional Wayfinding bars are specially designed to be embedded into wet concrete to safely direct individuals between spaces and follow the desired path. These bars make it easier for visually impaired individuals to orient themselves and follow their intended route. Access Tile's detectable directional warning pad is a durable, lightweight, and cost-effective solution.
Features:
A cost-effective method of retrofitting existing public spaces
Lightweight and easy to handle
Access Tile's Surface Applied Directional Wayfinding bars are an innovative wayfinding solution designed to assist individuals with navigation between different areas. These bars can be placed onto the existing surfaces to provide clear and visible guidance, making it easier for people to find their way around. They are particularly beneficial for visually impaired individuals, enabling them to orient themselves and follow the desired path more efficiently.
Features:
5- years manufacturer warranty
Comes in six (6) standard colors to allow for mandatory contrast requirements
Elan Tile Porcelain Tactile Indicator Wayfinding Bars are not only aesthetically stylish but also engineered for high performance. These navigation bars are constructed from the best raw materials and adhere to Porcelain Stoneware standards, making them appropriate for use in both interior and exterior applications.
Elan Tile Wayfinding Bars provide durable and versatile walking surface Direction indicators, allowing visually impaired individuals to safely and successfully navigate their surroundings.
The Porcelain Wayfinding Bars are designed to assist pedestrians in finding their way to their intended destination while also promoting safety, convenience, and adherence to applicable codes and regulations. The bars serve as a guide, helping individuals navigate their way through an area, and ensure that they arrive at their desired location with ease.
Certified porcelain stoneware for maximum durability and surface hardness
Full-body porcelain that gives a highly compact surface with extremely low absorbency characteristics
Not affected by stains, water or chemicals
Versatile and easy installation for interior and exterior environments
Field tiles are available in different sizes
5th Jul 2024
Tactile solutions refer to textured surfaces applied on floors, walls, stairs, and other areas that provide sensory cues for navigation and hazard warnings. Traditionally, tactile solutions have been used in public buildings to assist visually impaired individuals in accessing facilities and amenities in a safe manner. However, innovative designers and contractors have started leveraging tactile solutions in new and unique ways that enhance experiences for all.
In this blog, we explore five innovative uses of tactile solutions that go beyond standard applications. These creative adaptations demonstrate how tactile solutions can be used to make spaces interactive, immersive, and accessible to people of all abilities.
Museums are increasingly using interactive exhibits to provide engaging learning experiences for visitors. Tactile solutions can be integrated into these exhibits to make them accessible and inclusive for visually impaired patrons as well. For example, a science museum may have an interactive display demonstrating the water cycle. By affixing tactile maps, diagrams, and Braille labels on the exhibit, it allows visually impaired children to actively participate by feeling the different textures and reading the Braille to understand the water cycle.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg implemented innovative tactile solutions in their exhibits. Braille and tactile maps were used throughout to provide navigation assistance. Interactive displays also incorporated tactile components, such as a large tactile model of the Canadian landscape. By applying creative tactile adaptations, museums can immerse all visitors in interactive learning, regardless of ability.
Amusement parks are increasingly making rides and attractions accessible to visitors with disabilities. Tactile solutions can be integrated into rides and interactive experiences in creative ways to make them inclusive for the visually impaired. For example, a rollercoaster may have Braille and tactile signage along its path to describe the twists, turns, and drops in the ride. An arcade or carnival game can have tactile targets, obstacles, and maps incorporated so visually impaired players can fully participate.
Some theme parks have introduced innovative ride designs specifically aimed at providing thrilling, immersive experiences for the visually impaired. One example is the Sea Dragon pirate ship ride at Adventure Park USA in Maryland, which was designed to activate senses other than sight, including touch and hearing. The ride incorporates tactile rails, interactive elements like ropes, chains and cannons, as well as audio effects, scents, and vibrations that allow visually impaired riders to experience the thrill of the pirate adventure.
By building tactile interactions and sensory immersion into attractions, amusement parks can create accessible and inclusive experiences that all visitors will enjoy and remember. The creative use of tactile solutions in these recreational settings demonstrates their potential to enhance engagement and quality of life for people of all abilities.
Forward-thinking architects have begun using tactile solutions in innovative ways to make spaces interactive and accentuate designs. For example, a public building may have an artistic, tactile installation in its lobby to provide an engaging sensory experience for visitors. An office tower, like CIBC Square, could use tactile pavers, railings, or walls in a creatively patterned manner to achieve a modern textured aesthetic.
Some architects are also pioneering the use of responsive tactile surfaces that actively change textures and patterns. These dynamic surfaces can transform spaces by altering ambient lighting, temperature, acoustics, and more in response to environmental conditions or user inputs. Such responsive tactile designs can create living, interactive spaces that all individuals can appreciate and intuitively navigate.
The innovative use of tactile solutions in architecture and design enhances accessibility while also pushing creative boundaries. By thoughtfully incorporating tactile elements into spaces, architects can make built environments immersive, artistic, and inclusive for people of all abilities.
Public art installations are an ideal medium for employing tactile solutions in creative ways. Many cities have interactive art fixtures that incorporate tactile components to engage citizens of all abilities. For example, a sculpture garden may have textured art pieces with Braille descriptions, allowing visually impaired visitors to appreciate the works through touch. A waterfront boardwalk could feature an art installation with tactile paths, textures, and interactive elements built in.
Some public art specifically focuses on the creation of immersive sensory experiences. These interactive artworks are designed to be appreciated through touch, hearing, and other senses in addition to sight. For example, Singapore’s Sensory Sculpture Garden has installations with textured walls, tactile models, and audio components. The artworks are meant to be experienced both visually and through touch, providing an inclusive creative space for all visitors.
Interactive public art that leverages tactile solutions in innovative ways can transform a city into an accessible open-air gallery for everyone. By giving the visually impaired opportunities to experience art through the senses beyond sight, these installations demonstrate how creative uses of tactile design promote inclusion and enhance engagement with built environments. In a nutshell, public art that thoughtfully incorporates tactile interactions serves as an inspiration for future accessible and multi-sensory design.
In summary, we have explored several highly innovative uses of tactile solutions in diverse settings, from museums and amusement parks to architectural installations and public art. By creatively employing tactile design, these spaces have been made immersive, interactive, and inclusive for people of all abilities. The examples discussed demonstrate how tactile solutions can be used in new and unique ways to transform experiences when implemented with imagination and accessibility in mind.
5th Jul 2024
Creating an inclusive environment that caters to people of all abilities is crucial in architecture and code-compliant tactile solutions prove to be of big help. However, the commonly held notion of accessibility is limited to physical disabilities like wheelchair users. Architects often envision accessibility as incorporating ramps, wide corridors, and elevators. But disability comes in many different forms, some of which may not be visible.
Therefore, accessibility in our surroundings involves much more than just accommodating wheelchair users. For instance, incorporating tactile elements in architecture and urban design can significantly improve the navigability of space for visually impaired people. In this blog, we dive into the world of tactile paving, discussing its various forms, historical significance, and how it can be implemented to create an inclusive environment.
Tactile paving refers to textured ground surface indicators that provide cues for navigation to the visually impaired. As per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act or AODA guidelines, tactile paving is required at pedestrian walkways, transit platforms, parking lots, interiors of apartment buildings, office buildings, malls, any public interior spaces, and other public spaces. The raised bumps and grooves in tactile pavers allow visually impaired persons to detect important navigational signals through their canes or underfoot.
Back in 1965, a Japanese engineer named Seiichi Miyake invented tactile bricks to support his visually impaired friend. Little did he know that his invention would revolutionize the way we navigate our cities. Two years after its inception, Okayama City in western Japan became the first city to install tactile paving around the city.
Over time, it gained popularity and was widely adopted by the Japan National Railway within a decade. By 1985, it became mandatory for cities across Japan to install tactile paving. Today, the use of tactile bricks has spread beyond Japan, and they are now a common sight in cities all over the world. From Australia to the UK, the US, and Canada to many other countries, tactile paving has become an essential tool for the visually impaired to navigate their surroundings with greater ease and independence.
Tactile paving comes in a diverse range of types, each with its unique colors and markings that convey distinct meanings. Generally, these tiles are painted in bright hues to enhance visibility for partially sighted pedestrians. This is especially important as per the Americans with Disabilities Act, which mandates a color contrast of at least 70% between the tactile bricks and the surrounding pavement. In several countries, a bright yellow color is commonly used to serve this purpose.
Tactile surfaces are an absolute game-changer for architecture and urban design. They are a lifeline for visually impaired individuals, allowing them to navigate the built environment with greater ease. It's important to note that the disability is not in the person but in the barriers present in the physical space.
Incorporating tactile surfaces into architectural design is crucial for improving accessibility. Architects should actively consult the accessibility guidelines of their own country or district to ensure these surfaces are integrated effectively. By following these guidelines, architects can transform functional products into added value for architectural design.
The best part? These inclusive projects, with their attention to detail, can significantly enhance the lives of all occupants. So, if you're designing a commercial building, incorporating tactile surfaces is a small yet impactful step toward creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
In Canada, tactile pavers address the serious issue of limited navigability and accessibility in many city public spaces for the visually impaired. These pavers guide blind or low-vision pedestrians to detect obstacles, wayfinding paths, transit platforms, crosswalks, interiors of apartment buildings, office buildings, malls, any public interior spaces, etc. For example, tactile pavers with uniform grooved bars indicate the path to the destination, raised bumps signal a stop like an intersection, and stair landings and staggered bumps indicate the edge. This helps solve the key problems of mobility and access in Canadian cities for persons with visual disabilities.
Canada has an aging population and the number of people with age-related visual impairments is growing. At the same time, Canadian cities are encouraging active, outdoor lifestyles with more pedestrian avenues, cycling infrastructure, and public transit, interiors of apartment buildings, office buildings, malls, any public interior spaces. Tactile paving is crucial to make these active transportation routes and public spaces accessible to visually impaired residents so they can maintain active lifestyles. With increasing awareness, many Canadian cities are now retrofitting public areas with tactile paving to enable visually impaired pedestrians.
With the right solutions and standards in place, tactile paving can help Canadian cities achieve goals of inclusion, accessibility, and active living for all. Companies like Tactile Solutions are key partners in paving the way. For more information on tactile paving solutions for your city or business, contact Tactile Solutions at https://www.tactilesolution.ca/solutions. Let's make infrastructure accessible and inclusive one step at a time.
