As Design Consultant for this project, FFAE Architects provided a comprehensive evaluation to improve handicap accessibility at seven different buildings on the Campus. A portion of the project involved a complete inspection, evaluation, cost analysis and recommendations based on the replacement and/or rehabilitation of existing elevators, direct holed hydraulic elevator and electric geared traction at four buildings: Welles Hall, Sturges Hall, Fraser Hall and Milne Library.
During the combined schematic/design development phase FFAE Architects included additional inspections for four elevators located at Merritt Athletic Center, Lauderdale Health Center and Brodie Fine Arts Hall to maximize the budget. A complete inventory of Lift technology was proposed for both the Orchestra Lift and handicap lift for the two stages at Brodie and Wadsworth.
Special attention was paid when proposing the concepts to mitigate impact in the theater(s) and improve accessibility with the various options explored. Various Assistive Listening Systems were explored to design the most appropriate ALS from Sound Field Amplifi cation System, Induction Loop, FM Systems and Infrared Systems.
At Brodie Fine Arts Center, FFAE Architects designed a new replacement of the existing four stop Orchestra Stage Lift System that included highly technical integration of new state of the art equipment with an existing platform structure. In addition, FFAE Architects provided new handicap accessibility to the stage with careful rehabilitation of the existing stage structure to mitigate impact on site lines and improve access to the stage. At Wadsworth Auditorium, FFAE provided new lift technology to gain access to the stage allowing the integration of a dynamic convertible Stairs/ Lift system that permits both methods of access to the stage simultaneously. At Newton Hall, Infrared Assistive Listening System were integrated with five lecture rooms.