Environmental Control Mechanisms
Environmental control mechanisms, like switches and sockets, are essential for creating accessible spaces. Proper placement and easy usability ensure that all individuals, including those with motor, sensory, or cognitive impairments, can navigate and use these features independently and safely. By designing with accessibility in mind, we improve comfort, safety, and overall autonomy for all users, fostering an inclusive environment.
- Control mechanisms should be easily operable, using large surface push buttons, avoiding rotary or lever switches.
- Mechanisms should be color-differentiated from the surface they are mounted on, ensuring they are easily visible and accessible.
- Sockets should facilitate secure connections and prevent indirect contact, ensuring safety during use.
- When using timed mechanisms, the duration of action should be sufficient for individuals with motor or sensory difficulties to complete the intended task without issues.
- Control mechanisms should be positioned following a consistent approach throughout the building to ease use. The recommended height for installation is between 70 cm and 120 cm, with 100 cm being optimal for most cases. Sockets can be placed at a height starting from 50 cm.
Sources
- https://accessible-eu-centre.ec.europa.eu/content-corner/digital-library/en-172102021-accessibility-and-usability-built-environment-functional-requirements_en
- https://breeam.es/
- https://www.usgbc.org/leed
- https://evalore.es/servicio/certificaciones-medioambientales/
- https://www.codigotecnico.org/pdf/Documentos/SUA/DccSUA.pdf
- https://universaldesign.ie/built-environment/building-for-everyone/building-for-everyone-full-series
- Carers
- Children
- Cognitive
- Cognitive abilities
- Decolonial perspective
- Digital
- Digital barrier
- Enviroment
- Environmental
- Gender and generations
- Gender perspective
- Hearing impairment
- Low-education
- Low-income
- Older people
- Other
- Physical abilities and features
- Sensory and Physical
- Socioeconomic
- Visual impairment