6.2 B.P.

344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW

TOPIC 24: B.P. 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)

Topic Objectives

The topic will discuss the purpose of B.P. 344  its contents as well as its implications on the
Architecture Profession. 

  BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW  

BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW

An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings,
Institutions,

Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices

  PURPOSE

" No group of people shall be deprived of full participation and

enjoyment of the environment or be made unequal with the rest
due to any disability. "
 
 provide for minimum requirements and standards to make building s, facilities and utilities for
public use accessible to disabled persons.

image source: https://medium.com/ image source: marcuscanblog

  SCOPE 
Public and Private buildings and related structures for Public Use
Streets and highways and public utilities
Public Transport terminals 

  APPLICATION
Public and Private buildings and related structures for Public Use

    No Permit for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings and related
structures for public use, whether owned or leased, shall be granted or issued, unless the owner
thereof shall have provided in the places and specifications submitted for approval barrier- free
facilities and accessibility features as provided in these rules and in accordance with the following
criteria

  CATEGORIES OF DISABLED PERSONS

This Dictates the varied measures to be adopted in order to create as accessible environment
for the handicapped. Disabled persons under these rules may be classified into those who
have: 

Confinement to wheelchairs
Requiring the use of braces, crutches, artificial supports
impaired hearing or sight
Condition of ageing 
Acquired congenital mental impairments

The provision of adequate space for wheelchair maneuvering generally insure adequate space for
disabled persons equipped with other technical aids or accompanied by assistants

The following anthropometric data shall serve as guides for design

The length of wheelchairs

varies from 1.10m - 1.30 m 
width of wheelchairs is from
.60m - .75 m 

A circle of 1.50m in Diameter

is a suitable guide in the
planning of wheelchair turning
spaces

The comfortable reach of

persons confined to
wheelchairs is from 0.70 -
1.20m above the floor and not
less than .40m from room
corners

 
 The comfortable clearance for
knee and leg space under
tables for wheelchair users is
.70m.

Counter height shall be

placed at a level comfortable
to disabled persons reach 
 

  BASIC PHYSICAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

No group of people shall be deprived of full participation and enjoyment of the environment or be
made unequal with the rest due to any disability. In order to achieve this goal adopted by the United
Nations, certain basic principles shall be applied:

ACCESSIBILITY - The built environment shall be designed so that it shall be accessible to all
people, This means that no criteria shall impede the use of facilities by either that handicapped or
non-disabled citizens

REACHABILITY -  Provisions shall be adapted and introduced to the physicvall environment so

that as many places or buildings as possible can be reached by all. 

USABILITY  - Built environments shall be designed so that all persons, whether they be disabled
or not, may use and enjoy it. 

ORIENTATION -Finding a person's way outside and inside a building or open space shall be
made easy for everyone. 
 SAFETY - Designing for safety ensures that people shall be able to move about with less
hazards to life and health 

WORKABILITY AND EFFICIENCY  - The built environment shall be designed to allow the
disabled citizens to participate and continue development goals

B.P 344 is a complete guide in designing structures that enable persons with disabilities to use
these environments in a way that does not hamper their movement as well as to lessen hazard in
their safety in using these facilities. 

  *REFERENCES

BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344.pdf (https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?

wrap=1)
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?download_frd=1)

(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)
6.3 B.P. 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW
TOPIC 25:  B.P. 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW
 

Topic Objectives

The topic will discuss the purpose of B.P. 344  its contents as well as its implications on the
Architecture Profession. 

  BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW  

BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW

 

  ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND FACILITIES

Architectural Facilities and Features

Stairs
Walkways
Corridors
Doors and Entrances
Washrooms and Toilets
Lifts/Elevators
 Ramps
Parking Areas
Switches, Controls and Buzzers
Handrails
Thresholds
Floor Finishes 
Drinking Fountains
Public Telephones
Seating Accommodations

  SPECIAL TYPE FACILITIES STANDARDS 

1. AUDITORIUMS, ASSEMBLY HALLS. THEATERS AND RELATED FACILITIES:

a. Seating for the disabled shall be accessible from the main lobby to primary entrances, together
with related toilet facilities.

b. In all assembly places where seating accommodation is provided, there shall be spaces for the
disabled persons as provided.

Seating Capacity Wheelchair Seating Space

4 - 50 2

51 - 300 4

301 - 500 6

c. When the seating capacity exceeds 500, an additional wheelchair seating space shall be provided
for each total seating capacity increase of 100 seats

d. Readily removable seats maybe installed in these spaces when such spaces are not required to
accommodate wheelchair users. 

  INDIVIDUALS LIABLE FOR ANY VIOLATION OF THE ACT 

1. FOR BUILDINGS/ESTABLIHSMENTS/STRUCTURE

Owner or operator of the building

Establishment or structure Contractor
Architect
Engineer
 Building Official 
Other public official in charge with issuance of permit 

B.P 344 is a complete guide in designing structures that enable persons with disabilities to use
these environments in a way that does not hamper their movement as well as to lessen hazard in
their safety in using these facilities. 

  *REFERENCES

BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344.pdf (https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?

wrap=1)
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?download_frd=1)

(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)
6.4 B.P. 344: ILLUSTRATIONS Part 1
TOPIC 26:  B.P. 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)

Topic Objectives

The topic will discuss the purpose of B.P. 344  its contents as well as its implications on the
Architecture Profession. 

  BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW  

BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW

 

  ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A. OUTSIDE AND AROUND BUILDINGS

1. DROPPED CURBS

1.1 Changes in level walkways should be by a dropped curb.

1.2 Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian crossings and at the end of walkways of a
private street or access road.

1.3 Dropped curbs at crossings have a width corresponding to the width of the crossing; otherwise,
the minimum width is 0.90 m.

1.4 Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining curbs with a gradient not more than 1:12.

1.5 Dropped curbs shall be sloped towards the road with a maximum cross gradient of 1:20 to
prevent water from collecting at the walkway.

1.6 The lowest point of a dropped curb should not exceed 25 mm from the road or gutter

 
 

2. CURB CUT-OUTS

2.1 Curb cut-outs should only be allowed when it will not obstruct a walkway or in any way lessen the
width of a walkway.

2.2 The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be 0.90 M.

2.3 Curb cut-outs should have a gradient not more than 1:12.
 

3. WALKWAYS AND PASSAGEWAYS

3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided with slip-resistant material.

3.2 Whenever and wherever possible, walkways should have a gradient no more than 1:20 or 5%.

3.3 Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100.

3.4 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.

3.5 If possible, gratings should never be located along walkways. When occurring along walkways,
grating openings should have a maximum dimension of 13 mm x 13 mm and shall not project more
than 6.5 mm above the level of the walkway.

3.6 Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in angle or interruptions by
cracks or breaks creating edges above 6.50 mm.

B.P 344 is a complete guide in designing structures that enable persons with disabilities to use
these environments in a way that does not hamper their movement as well as to lessen hazard in
their safety in using these facilities. 

  *REFERENCES

BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344.pdf (https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?

wrap=1)
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?download_frd=1)

(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)
6.5 B.P. 344: ILLUSTRATIONS Part 2
TOPIC 27:  B.P. 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)

Topic Objectives

The topic will discuss the purpose of B.P. 344  its contents as well as its implications on the
Architecture Profession. 

  BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW  

BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW

 

  ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

3. WALKWAYS AND PASSAGEWAYS

3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided with slip-resistant material.

3.2 Whenever and wherever possible, walkways should have a gradient no more than 1:20 or 5%.

3.3 Walkways should have a maximum cross gradient of 1:100.

3.4 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.

3.5 If possible, gratings should never be located along walkways. When occurring along walkways,
grating openings should have a maximum dimension of 13 mm x 13 mm and shall not project more
than 6.5 mm above the level of the walkway.

3.6 Walkways should have a continuing surface without abrupt pitches in angle or interruptions by
cracks or breaks creating edges above 6.50 mm.

3.7 In lengthy or busy walkways, spaces should be provided at some point along the route so that a
wheelchair may pass another or turn around. These spaces should have a minimum dimension of
1.50 m and should be spaced at a maximum distance of 12:00 m between stops.

3.8 To guide the blind, walkways should as much as possible follow straightforward routes with right
angle turns.

 
3.9 Where planting is provided adjacent to the walkway, regular maintenance is essential to ensure
branches of trees or shrubs do not overhang walkways or paths, as not only do these present a
particular danger to the blind, but they also reduce the effective footways width available to
pedestrians generally.

3.10 Walkway headroom should not be less than 2.0 m and preferably higher.

3.11 Passageways for the disabled should not be obstructed by street furniture, bollards, sign posts
or columns along the defined route, as they can be hazardous.

4. HANDRAILS
4.1 Handrails should be installed at both sides of ramps and stairs and at the outer edges of dropped
curbs. Handrails at dropped curbs should not be installed beyond the width of any crossing so as not
to obstruct pedestrian flow.

4.2 Handrails shall be installed at 0.90 m and 0.70 m above steps or ramps. Handrails for protection
at great heights may be installed at 1.0 m to 1.06 m.

4.3 A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be provided at the start and end of ramps and
stairs.

4.4 Handrails that require full grip should have a dimension of 30 mm to 50 mm.

4.5 Handrails attached to walls should have a clearance no less than 50 mm from the wall. Handrails
on ledges should have a clearance not less than 40 mm.

5. OPEN SPACES

5.1 Where open spaces are provided, the blind can become particularly disoriented. Therefore, it is
extremely helpful if any walkway or paths can be given defined edges either by the use of planters
with dwarf walls, or a grass verge, or similar, which provides a texture different from the path.

 
6. SIGNAGES

6.1 Directional and informational sign should be located at points conveniently seen even by a
person on a wheelchair and those with visual impairments;

6.2 Signs should be kept simple and easy to understand; signages should be made of contrasting
colors and contrasting gray matter to make detection and reading easy;

7. CROSSINGS

7.1 In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all at grade crossing should

7.1.1 Be as near perpendicular to the carriageway as possible.

7.1.2 Be located at the narrowest, most convenient part of the carriageway.

7.1.3 Have central refuges of at least 1.5 m in depth and preferably 2 m, provided as a midcrossing
shelter, where the width of carriageway to be crossed exceeds 10 m.

7.2 All crossings should be located close if not contiguous with the normal pedestrian desire line.

7.3 Provide tactile blocks in the immediate vicinity of crossings as an aid to the blind. The tactile
surface has to be sufficiently high enough to be felt through the sole of the shoe but low enough not
to cause pedestrian to trip, or to effect the mobility of wheelchair users. See details of recommended
pairing slabs below.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF TACTILE PAVINGS

Tiles with Parallel Blister Lines

Tiles with embossed flat-topped

blisters in a square pattern are
used to indicate that there is a
road crossing.
Titles with Offset Blisters

These tiles indicate that there is a

train platform ahead. If one is not
careful, she might fall into the
ditch. Such tiles can be used to
indicate a sudden level change.

Titles with Across Stripes

Placement of these tiles show that

there are stairs or some other
hurdle ahead. Be careful. These
tiles are also called corduroy
hazard warning tiles.
Tiles with Along Stripes

These tiles indicate that it is safe

to keep going ahead. The path
has no hurdles and it’s safe.

A combination of both across

and along

stripes is often use when there

are two types of path laid
together. One of these paths
would be for pedestrians whereas
the other side would be, for
example, bikes. In such cases,
tiles are laid along the bike path
and across the pedestrian path.

Lozenge-shaped Tactile Tiles

These tiles warn the blind people

that they are approaching the
edge of an on-street transit line
(e.g. a tram line).

B.P 344 is a complete guide in designing structures that enable persons with disabilities to use
these environments in a way that does not hamper their movement as well as to lessen hazard in
their safety in using these facilities. 

 
  *REFERENCES

BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344.pdf (https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?

wrap=1)
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?download_frd=1)

(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)
6.6 B.P. 344: ILLUSTRATIONS Part 3
TOPIC 28:  B.P. 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)

Topic Objectives

The topic will discuss the purpose of B.P. 344  its contents as well as its implications on the
Architecture Profession. 

  BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW  

BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW

 

  ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

B. PARKING

1. PARKING AREAS

1.1 Parking spaces for the disabled should allow enough space for a person to transfer to a
wheelchair from a vehicle;
1.2 Accessible parking spaces should be located as close as possible to building entrances or to
accessible entrances;

1.3 Whenever and wherever possible, accessible parking spaces should be perpendicular or to an
angle to the road or circulation aisles;

1.4 Accessible parking slots should have a minimum width of 3.70 m.;

1.5 A walkway from accessible spaces of 1.20 m. clear width shall be provided between the front
ends of parked cars;

1.6 Provide dropped curbs or curb cut-outs to the parking level where access walkways are raised;

1.7 Pavement markings, signs or other means shall be provided to delineate parking spaces for the
handicapped;

1.8 Parking spaces for the disabled should never be located at ramped or sloping areas

C. INSIDE BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

1. ENTRANCES

1.1 Entrances should be accessible from arrival and departure points to the interior lobby
 

1.2 One (1) entrance level should be provided where elevators are accessible;

1.3 In case entrances are not on the same level of the site arrival grade, ramps should be provided
as access to the entrance level;
1.4 Entrances with vestibules shall be provided a level area with at least a 1.80 m. depth and a 1.50
m. width;

2. RAMPS

2.2 Changes in level require a ramp except when served by a dropped curb, an elevator or other
mechanical device;

2.2 Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 1.20 m;

2.3 The maximum gradient shall be 1:12;

2.4 The length of a ramp should not exceed 6:00 m. if the gradient is 1:12; longer ramps whose
gradient is 1:12 shall be provided with landings not less than 1.50 m.;

2.5 A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be provided at the top and bottom of any ramp
2.6 Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at 0.70 m. and 0.90 m. from the ramp level;

2.7 Ramps shall be equipped with curbs on both sides with a minimum height of 0.10 m.;
 

2.8 Any ramp with a rise greater than 0.20 m. and leads down towards an area where vehicular traffic
is possible, should have a railing across the full width of its lower end, not less than 1.80 meters from
the foot of the ramp;

3. DOORS

3.1 All doors shall have a minimum clear width of 0.80 m;

3.2 Clear openings shall be measured between the surface of the fully open door at the hinge and
the door jamb at the stop;

3.3 Doors should be operable by a pressure or force not more than 4.0 kg; the closing device
pressure an interior door shall not exceed 1 kg.;

3.4 A minimum clear level space of 1.50 m x 1.50 m shall be provided before and extending beyond
a door;

EXCEPTION: where a door shall open onto but not into a corridor, the required clear, level space on
the corridor side of the door may be a minimum of 1.20 m. corridor width;

3.5 Protection should be provided from doors that swing into corridors;
3.6 Outswinging doors should be provided at storage rooms, closets and accessible restroom stalls;

3.7 Latching or non-latching hardware should not require wrist action or fine finger manipulation;

3.8 Doorknobs and other hardware should be located between 0.82 m. and 1.06 m. above then floor;
0.90 is preferred;

3.9 Vertical pull handles, centered at 1.06 m. above the floor, are preferred to horizontal pull bars for
swing doors or doors with locking devices;

3.10 Doors along major circulation routes should be provided with kick plates made of durable
materials at a height of 0.30 m. to 0.40 m;
4. THRESHOLDS

4.1 Thresholds shall be kept to a minimum; whenever necessary, thresholds and sliding door tracks
shall have a maximum height of 25 mm and preferably ramped;

B.P 344 is a complete guide in designing structures that enable persons with disabilities to use
these environments in a way that does not hamper their movement as well as to lessen hazard in
their safety in using these facilities. 

 
  *REFERENCES

BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344.pdf (https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?

wrap=1)
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?download_frd=1)

(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)
6.7 B.P. 344: ILLUSTRATIONS Part 4
TOPIC 28:  B.P. 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)

Topic Objectives

The topic will discuss the purpose of B.P. 344  its contents as well as its implications on the
Architecture Profession. 

  BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW  

BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344: ACCESSIBILITY LAW

 

  ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

7. CORRIDORS

7.1 Corridors shall have minimum clear width of 1.20 m.; waiting areas and other facilities or spaces
shall not obstruct the minimum clearance requirement;

7.2 Recesses or turnabout spaces should be provided for wheelchairs to turn around or to enable
another wheelchair to pass; these spaces shall have a minimum area of 1.50 m x 1.50 m. and shall
be spaced at a maximum of 12.00 m.;

7.3 Turnabout spaces should also be provided at or within 3.50 m. of every dead end;

8. WASHROOMS & TOILETS

8.1. Accessible public washrooms and toilets shall permit easy passage of a wheelchair and allow
the occupant to enter a stall, close the door and transfer to the water closet from either a frontal or
lateral position;

8.2 Accessible water closet stalls shall have a minimum area of 1.70 x 1.80 mts. One movable grab
bar and one fixed to the adjacent wall shall be installed at the accessible water closet stall for lateral
mounting; fixed grab bars on both sides of the wall shall be installed for stalls for frontal mounting;

8.3 A turning space of 2.25 sq.m. with a minimum dimension of 1.50 m. for wheelchair shall be
provided for water closet stalls for lateral mounting;
 

9. STAIRS

9.1 Tread surfaces should be a slip-resistant material; nosings may be provided with slip-resistant
strips to further minimize slipping:

9.2 Slanted nosings are preferred to projecting nosings so as not to pose difficulty for people using
crutches or braces whose feet have a tendency to get caught in the recessed space or projecting
nosings. For the same reason, open stringers should be avoided.

9.3 The leading edge of each step on both runner and riser should be marked with a paint or non-
skid material that has a color and gray value which is in high contrast to the gray value of the rest of
the stairs; markings of this sort would be helpful to the visually impaired as well as to the fully sighted
person;
 

10. ELEVATORS

10.1 Accessible elevators should be located not more than 30.00 m. from the entrance and should be
easy to locate with the aid of signs;

 
10.2 Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of 1.10 m. x 1.40 m.;

10.3 Control panels and emergency system of accessible elevators shall be within reach of a seated
person; centerline heights for the topmost buttons shall be between 0.90 m to 1.20 m from the floor;

10.4 Button controls shall be provided with braille signs to indicate floor level; at each floor, at the
door frames of elevator doors, braille-type signs shall be placed so that blind persons can be able to
discern what floor the elevator car has stopped and from what level they are embarking from; for
installation heights, see Section 6.6, Signages;
 B.P 344 is a complete guide in designing structures that enable persons with disabilities to use
these environments in a way that does not hamper their movement as well as to lessen hazard in
their safety in using these facilities. 

  *REFERENCES

BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344.pdf (https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?

wrap=1)
(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/files/7920543/download?download_frd=1)

(https://tip.instructure.com/courses/22813/pages/ar-341-professional-practice)