Abstract:
The purpose of this research was evaluate wheelchair access to heritage buildings
in the Phranakron district of Bangkok and to research on improving access to heritage
buildings.
This was a descriptive study of 14 heritage buildings in the Phranakron district of
Bangkok. Wheelchair accessibility was determined on a point scale based on
specifications provided. Descriptive statistics of simple percentages were used to
determine the level of compliance to the guidelines of the instrument, and wheelchair
access to the surveyed building.
Of the various items surveyed, elevators and parking areas recorded the lowest
average accessibility (0% compliance), while circulation throughout the main level
recorded the highest (72%). The compliance score of ramps was 15%, while the
principal entry was 32% compliant. Wheelchair accessibility to toilets was 21%. The
compliance score of other facilities was 23%, information presentation and
interpretation was 16% compliant, and future policies for building management were
only 2% compliant.
The poor scores for items such as elevators and parking areas are probably
because experts in the area of physical ability management were not consulted and
involved in the design and construction of these heritage building. High compliance of
circulation throughout main level and principal entry are because of the significance of
the Thai heritage buildings. To improve wheelchair access in heritage building, there
should be liaison between the users(the disabled), and various professionals
(occupational therapists, physical therapists, politicians, engineers, architects)and
better use of technology. The solution depends on the purpose of the building and its
anticipated users, bearing in mind that no one should be discriminated against.