Appropriate public-realm design for the blind and partially sighted

Abstract

Highway and public-realm designers are introducing shared-space concepts to many urban centres, without the usual segregation of a kerb between the footway and carriageway. With approximately two million of the UK population being visually impaired or blind, designers must take into account the needs of such vulnerable road users. This paper evaluates current design guidance and the approaches used to accommodate blind and partially sighted people. A study was carried out, the results of which show blind and partially sighted people’s interpretations of surfacing types, such as tactile paving, and how these are used to navigate. Results of the research were then implemented in public-realm design within Bolton town centre. Research results showed that blind and partially sighted participants are able to identify many surface types, not just a kerb face, and use these as the means to identify their location. There was evidence of differences in the interpretation between the research results and guidance about the use and value of tactile paving. Results from this investigation were implemented in urban design by the use of colour-contrasting materials, constant levels that also aid the mobility impaired, and the use of tactile paving.