L’importanza del design architettonico nelle biblioteche per non vedenti
10.6092/issn.1973-9494/4179
SummarySince the  principal aim of libraries is to provide services to the whole of society in the form of diffusing culture, an accurate management of these structures implies recognizing the needs and characteristics of its users, in order to construct buildings that are able to offer appropriate and efficient services. The blind and visually impaired are potential and actual users of libraries too, so their physical conditions should be considered prior to construction and therefore, in planning the interior design of the library building and space. The most important factors to be considered in library design in order to make them more easily accessible for this kind of user should include: designing an appropriate entrance, defining motion axes to aid movement inside the library, paying attention to library flooring, building reference shelves at an appropriate height, adequately arranging space found between resource shelves, allocating spaces for the blind to study in and facilitating access to adjacent areas inside the library. If all these conditions and requirements are met and applied in the architectural design and building of libraries, their use by this group of users will consequently be optimized. RiassuntoAvendo le biblioteche come scopo primario la diffusione della cultura e l’offerta di servizi a tutta la società, fattore imprescindibile per la progettazione di strutture capaci di fornire servizi appropriati ed efficienti e una buona gestione delle stesse è il pieno riconoscimento delle esigenze dell’utenza. Anche le persone con deficit visivi rappresentano un bacino di utenti effettivi e potenziali, le cui condizioni fisiche andrebbero tenute a mente sia in fase di progettazione che durante la realizzazione del design interno degli spazi delle biblioteche. I fattori più importanti da considerare nel corso di progettazione architettonica comprendono: progettare un’entrata dedicata; pianificare delle assi mobili che agevolino i loro spostamenti all’interno dello spazio; l’utilizzo di pavimenti particolari; il posizionamento degli scaffali ad un’altezza appropriata; la predisposizione dello spazio tra le postazioni di consultazione e un’area dedicata allo studio; una comunicazione efficiente e agevole tra i vari settori della libreria. È in questo modo, infatti, che si può ottimizzare la fruizione anche per questa categoria di utenti. RésuméLe premier objectif des bibliothèques étant la diffusion de la culture et l’offre de services à l’ensemble de la société, le facteur incontournable dans la conception de structures capables de fournir des services appropriés et efficaces, ainsi que leur bonne gestion, est la plus grande reconnaissance des exigences des utilisateurs. Les déficients visuels sont eux aussi des utilisateurs effectifs et potentiels, et leurs conditions physiques devraient être prises en considération tant en phase de conception que pendant la réalisation du design intérieur des espaces des bibliothèques. Les facteurs les plus importants dont il faut tenir compte lors de la conception architecturale sont les suivants : concevoir une entrée réservée ; planifier des axes mobiles facilitant leurs déplacements à l’intérieur de l’espace ; l’utilisation de sols particuliers ; le positionnement des rayonnages à une hauteur appropriée ; l’aménagement de l’espace entre les postes de consultation et une zone consacrée à l’étude ; une communication efficace et aisée entre les différents secteurs de la bibliothèque. En effet, c’est de cette manière que l’on peut optimiser l’accessibilité y compris pour cette catégorie d’utilisateurs. ZusammenfassungDa Bibliotheken vornehmlich den Zweck haben, Kultur zu verbreiten und Leistungen für die gesamte Gesellschaft zu bieten, ist die umfassende Kenntnis der Erfordernisse der Nutzer eine unerlässliche Voraussetzung für die Planung von Strukturen, die in der Lage sind, geeignete und effiziente Leistungen sowie ein einwandfreies Management derselben zu bieten. Auch Sehbehinderte stellen eine Gruppe effektiver und potentieller Nutzer dar, deren körperliche Bedingungen sowohl bei der Planung als auch bei der Realisierung des internen Aufbaus der Bibliotheksräume berücksichtigt werden sollten.  Die wichtigsten bei der architektonischen Planung in Betracht zu ziehenden Faktoren umfassen: die Einplanung eines geeigneten Eingangs, Einplanung beweglicher Bahnen, die ihnen die Bewegung innerhalb des Raums erleichtern, Einsatz spezieller Fußbodenbeläge, Aufstellung von Regalen auf geeigneter Höhe, Anlage von Freiräumen zwischen den Leseplätzen und eines für das Studium vorbehaltenen Bereichs, eine effiziente und einfache Kommunikation zwischen den verschiedenen Sektoren der Bücherei. Nur so kann die Nutzung auch für diese Kategorie von Benutzern optimiert werden. ResumenDado que el objetivo primario de las bibliotecas es difundir la cultura y la oferta de servicios a toda la sociedad, un factor imprescindible para proyectar estructuras capaces de brindar servicios apropiados y eficientes y de efectuar una buena gestión de las mismas es el pleno reconocimiento de las exigencias de los usuarios. Las personas con déficit visual también constituyen un grupo de usuarios efectivo y potencial, cuyas condiciones físicas deberían ser tomadas en cuenta tanto en la fase de realización del proyecto como a la hora de efectuar el diseño interior de los espacios de las bibliotecas. Los factores más importantes a tomar en cuenta durante la realización del proyecto arquitectónico incluyen: diseñar una entrada a ellos dedicada, planificar pasarelas móviles para facilitar su desplazamiento dentro del lugar, utilizar superficies particulares en el suelo, colocar los estantes a una altura adecuada, disponer de espacio entre los puestos de consulta y de un área dedicada para estudiar, permitir una comunicación eficiente y fácil entre los diferentes sectores de la biblioteca. Es justamente de esta manera que podemos optimizar su uso para dicha categoría de usuarios también.   РезюмеПоскольку библиотеки ставят первичной целью распространение культуры и предоставление услуг всему обществу, существенным фактором для проектирования структур, способных обеспечить соответствующие и эффективные услуги и правильное управление ими является полное признание нужд пользоватетей. В том числе и люди с ограниченным зрением представляют эффективную и потенциальную часть пользователей, о физическом состоянии которых надо учитывать, как во время проектирования, так и в период осуществления внутреннего дизайна в помещениях библиотек. Самые главные факторы, которые надо принимать во внимание в процессе архитектурного проектирования, включают в себя: проектирование специального входа; планирование мобильных опор, облегчающих передвижение внутри пространства; использование особых половых покрытий; установление полок на соответствующей высоте; предрасположение пространства в местах консультации и зонах, предназначенных для  работы; эффективное и облегченное сообщение между различными секциями библиотеки. Таким образом можно улучшить использование библиотек для этой категории людей. 摘要图书馆的主要作用是传播文化和给全社会提供服务，因此为了认识到用户的需求应该设计可提供合适及高效服务的设施以及应该制定该结构的最佳管理方式。具有视觉障碍的人也可以作为实际和潜在的用户群，在整个图书馆的空间设计过程中应当牢记他们的身体条件。在建筑设计中应当考虑到的重要因素包括:设计一个专用的入口;规划一些以便空间内走动的移动板;特殊地板的使用;合适高度的书架位置;在咨询台和学习专用区之间的空间安排;图书馆不同区域之间高效便捷的通道。这样可以优化这一类用户的享用。 
application/pdf
1973-9494
4179
en
Reza Jalalzadeh
Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage
green space
Importance of architectural design in libraries for the blind
Text.Serial.Journal
https://conservation-science.unibo.it/
13
Articles
2013-12-30
2014-02-06
2013-12-30
2015-11-02
129-138
CSCH
Reza Jalalzadeh
2013/12/30
10.6092/issn.1973-9494/4179
129
1973-9494
green space
en
138
CHING FRANCIS D.K., 200, Architecture: Form, Space, and Order, Wiley, USA
Importance of architectural design in libraries for the blind
https://conservation-science.unibo.it/article/download/4179/3619
13
IMPORTANCE OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IN LIBRARIES
 FOR THE BLIND



    Sara Jalalzadeh•
    Publication Office
    University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

    Reza Jalalzadeh
    Faculty of Architecture
    Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran



    Keywords: architectural design, library for the blind, green space

    1. Introduction

    Libraries can be considered the greatest scientific-cultural centers existing today
and can be traced back through the history of mankind across the world. From early
on the study of library history shows that the main objective of libraries was to provide
a place for collecting and storing human knowledge and to offer services to readers
using these structures. Initially, only certain classes of society (scientists and nobles)
had access to these libraries, but in time, this circle of library users widened together
with the growth of human thought and culture, so that today, anyone can be regarded




                                                                                                   CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
as a potential (public) library user [1].
    Nowadays, libraries are responsible for providing adequate resources and condi-
tions to fulfill the information needs of all members of society without exception. To
achieve these objectives, public libraries should consider users from different perspec-
tives. The physical conditions, (blindness, deafness, physical disabilities, etc.) of po-
tential library users should be evaluated and considered by those involved in planning
libraries, such as architects and librarians, during all phases, including that prior to
construction and during the design of the library building and its interior spaces.
    The blind and visually impaired are actual and potential users of libraries. As users,
the importance of recognizing their particular characteristics and needs must be taken
into account in order to offer appropriate and efficient services.
    Architecture, with its emotions and ideas for improving quality of life, is a physical
process manifested in the construction of buildings possessing different functions. It
satisfies the human need for well-being by providing living spaces, security and com-
fort; this is evident in the similar construction patterns created by different societies
over the centuries. Human perception of this process is totally dependent on how
an individual understands space. In other words, people understand space, volume,
surface and so on, through their sense of sight. But, the blind, regarded as a minority
group in society, lack any of the conventional senses required to understand space

• Corresponding author: sarajalalzadeh62@gmail.com

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                                                                                  and architecture. They therefore require spaces which are different. This means con-
                                                                                  sidering their physical conditions in order to prevent them from developing a sense of
                                                                                  being excluded and isolated from society, especially from libraries which aim to offer
                                                                                  services to everyone.
                                                                                      On the other hand, allocating a project of this dimension to such a low percentage of
                                                                                  the population cannot easily be economically justified [2]. Therefore, a space to be used
                                                                                  by the blind and visually impaired, should be designed bearing in mind their perception
                                                                                  of the architecture and consequently presenting an accurate pattern of the space which
                                                                                  takes into account this perception. By accurately observing the specified criteria, regula-
                                                                                  tions and standards, blind users can be provided with the desired conditions, in addition to
                                                                                  guaranteeing their tranquility and safety in these structures. This article reviews the impor-
                                                                                  tance of architectural design in libraries for the blind and visually impaired as regards site,
                                                                                  green areas, building type, entrances, motion axes, flooring, and book shelves.

                                                                                     2. Library location

                                                                                      Selecting an appropriate site to plan and construct the building is one of the most
                                                                                  important aspects that should be considered at the very beginning of the design pro-
                                                                                  cess. The active context of cities is the best location for libraries. Easy access to the
                                                                                  site, security requirements and indexes used by the blind for navigation are other im-
                                                                                  portant points to be considered. The existence of natural elements on site and their
                                                                                  integration with the desired design is another important and useful factor in selecting
S. Jalalzadeh - Importance of architectural design in libraries for the blind




                                                                                  an appropriate place for library construction [3].
                                                                                      It is advisable that architects consider a number of aspects in selecting the appropri-
                                                                                  ate location:
                                                                                  1) The library building should be visible from a distance, i.e. it should not be located
                                                                                      among tall buildings and not too near adjacent buildings, if possible. This index is
                                                                                      important so that blind users can easily navigate around the library building when
                                                                                      situated among other constructions;
                                                                                  2) The pavements leading to the library should be even and flat and curb cuts avoided.
                                                                                  3) Public transportation routes should also be considered in selecting a place for the
                                                                                      library site [4].
                                                                                      The library site should be located in the vicinity of public transportation (such as bus
                                                                                  and underground stations), in order to facilitate users’ mobility, particularly those with
                                                                                  special needs. This consideration can, therefore, contribute to increasing the number
                                                                                  of library users.

                                                                                     3. Green spaces

                                                                                      One of the main factors affecting the design of all library areas, is the difference in
                                                                                  a blind person’s perception of space. This factor should be considered in designing
                                                                                  green spaces. A blind person’s disinclination to frequent crowded places may be at-
                                                                                  tributed to unclear noises and their difficulty in recognizing them. Trees are extremely
                                                                                  effective in controlling and reflecting noise, especially peripheral noise, if several types
                                                                                  of trees are used simultaneously. The presence of trees can minimize environmental
                                                                                  acoustic confusion and improve peripheral acoustic quality [5]. As well as reducing
                                                                                  acoustic confusion, when designing libraries architects should also take into consid-
                                                                                  eration that trees planted in interior and exterior areas of libraries should enable users
                                                                                  to fee land enjoy similar delights to those experienced at parks [4,6].

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    Plants should be given even more careful consideration in designing green spaces
surrounding libraries for the blind. Obtrusive plants whose foliage is at the same height
as the blind person’s face and head should not be used. In selecting trees and plant
coverage, the use of trees with small fruits (berries, etc.) and those with heavy leaf fall
should be avoided to prevent coverage of the travel paths and consequent skidding/
slipping while in movement. Additionally, planting thorny bushes or similar greenery,
(e.g. roses) and trees and bushes that produce a great deal of waste, which is subse-
quently deposited into the surroundings (e.g. pines) should be avoided around motion
axes and seating provided for the blind [5].

   4. Building

   Library buildings are designed to be used, which means that in order to deal ap-
propriately with heavy user traffic, they must possess the necessary structures. To
cope with the ever-increasing number of people, considerable space is needed, con-
sequently, public libraries are constructed in large spacious buildings often consisting
of several floors. Accessibility to all parts of the building is regarded as one of the main
features in using this construction and should be facilitated by reducing any effort, dis-
turbance or discomfort involved, to a minimum. Therefore, factors such as the library
complex, its growth rate, number of potential and actual users, library sections (cata-
logue, reference, borrowing, study, etc.), furniture and equipment, the way services
are offered, physical conditions (climate, user comfort, consideration of their physical
and cultural conditions, maintenance of the library complex, humidity, heating-cooling
systems, light, noise, etc.) and other elements should be considered in library building
design [6].

   5. Entrance




                                                                                                     CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
    The building entrance is one of the most important architectural issues to be consid-
ered. The entrance design of any building depends on site features, building accessi-
bility, building application and number of uses [7-8]. In addition to the above-mentioned
cases, when designing library entrances for the blind, architects should consider their
particular conditions (physical and motor) as well as their perception of space and
environment.
    As far as possible, stairs should be avoided in designing these entrances. They
should be located on the ground floor and main travel paths leading to them easily
identified. If stairs are unavoidable, they should be built using even tread and height in
riser. It should be noted that whether there is one single step or a flight of more than
10 steps, there must be a landing. It is necessary to install a handrail and nosing in
designing the building entrance stairs. To aid accessibility of the library entrance fur-
ther, in addition to stairs, a ramp may be incorporated (with a maximum slope of 6%),
if required. To enable the coming and going of blind users, the library entrance should
be 2 meters wide.
    Entrance location is also highly important, since the relationship between this and
the area of space where the person enters determines the path to be taken and the
type of activity to be performed inside the building [9] (Figure 1).




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                                                                                                                 Figure 1. Building entrance [9]

                                                                                      One of the aims an architect designing libraries for the blind and visually impaired
                                                                                  has, is to try to define a main entrance and exit, through making accessibility to all
                                                                                  library facilities as effortless as possible. This may involve simplification of the traffic
                                                                                  pattern of the library and also lead to a reduction in building costs and use of multiple
                                                                                  entrances and exits (watchman, maintenance). It is, however, important to allocate a
                                                                                  separate entrance for delivery of postal consignments and transport of library resourc-
                                                                                  es and equipment, to avoid the possibility of users who are blind or visually impaired
                                                                                  being faced with problems of movement while entering and leaving the library. Putting
                                                                                  this into practice means increasing accessibility of the blind and visually impaired to
S. Jalalzadeh - Importance of architectural design in libraries for the blind




                                                                                  libraries.

                                                                                     6. Motion axes

                                                                                     Creating axes is one of the main principles in organizing a building. Historically, it can
                                                                                  be traced back to the development of our spatial perception across the centuries. An
                                                                                  axis is a line between two points and spaces that can be arranged around it (Figure 2).




                                                                                                                    Figure 2. Motion axes [9]


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                           Figure 3. Main motion axes of library [7]

   There should be no more than two main axes in a library, as it can create confusion
in the blind user. The axes should preferably be perpendicular. In addition, it is sug-
gested that developing secondary axes, parallel to these two axes would further help
the user. Central or radial design methods should be avoided as far as possible (Figure
3). If moving from one floor to another is inevitable, the integration of stairs or ramps in
compliance with regulatory standards are recommended [9].




                                                                                                      CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
   7. Flooring

    The best floor covering to use in libraries is matting, which must be installed correct-
ly following particular specifications. For example, it should be light-colored, attractive,
well-designed, soft and elastic. It should render the movement of chairs, tables and
other library equipment as easy, smooth and unobtrusive as possible. The equipment
should not deface the matting. Although the use of moquette to cover library floors has
been widely employed, there are disadvantages related to hygiene and health, as well
as other factors such as staining and dust absorption that should be considered. Mat-
ting used at the library entrance should certainly be washable, but should not change
or deteriorate as a result [4].
    Library floor surface and design for the blind and visually impaired is highly impor-
tant for the majority of this group of users, as perception of paths and spaces must be
realized through identifying marks found on its surface. Therefore, architects should
consider the type of path covering, potential contact angles and conditions and other
means of perception received through the flooring [2].
    Employing a variety of materials with different qualities, considering dimension,
roughness, elasticity and flexibility, together with reverberation are additionally invalu-
able in facilitating mobility of the blind when used in relation to their spatial perception.
This would help them to be guided along pre-determined paths and move more easily


                                                                                                133
                                                                                  around the library by means of their sense of touch; these elements should be planned
                                                                                  in an orderly and objective way in the initial design project of the library [2-3].
                                                                                      Matting with tight slippery naps should evidently be avoided in flooring. Variation
                                                                                  in the floor level of travel paths makes it easier for the blind and visually impaired to
                                                                                  detect, identify and locate the various library spaces. A number of factors including
                                                                                  washable matting and their appropriateness and taking into consideration indoor cli-
                                                                                  matic conditions (heating and cooling),should also be considered in selecting flooring
                                                                                  material and diversifying the library floor in a methodical way. It is therefore advisable
                                                                                  that a well-planned objective design should be followed when planning a library floor
                                                                                  layout for the blind and visually impaired.

                                                                                    8. Space between reference shelves

                                                                                      Spaces between reference shelves are called “shelf passageways”. In designing
                                                                                  shelf passageways, the passageway width should be considered for easy traffic and
                                                                                  movement of the users [6]. The desired width is 90cm (min) and 120cm (max) for the
                                                                                  blind using canes.
                                                                                      The width and number of passageways depend on the rate and frequency of traffic
                                                                                  and use of the complex. A 2.30-meter width is recommended for heavy traffic between
                                                                                  two rows of shelves. For smaller libraries, a width of 1-1.30 meters is sufficient [7]
                                                                                  (Figure 4). The width of the passageway should be designed so that users can easily
                                                                                  pass through without disturbing those already present in the space. In other words, in
S. Jalalzadeh - Importance of architectural design in libraries for the blind




                                                                                  libraries for the blind and visually impaired, the width of shelf passageways depends
                                                                                  on the size of the complex, user frequency and the width required for the blind to use
                                                                                  their canes without hindrance.




                                                                                                         Figure 4. Space between reference shelves [7]




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      9. Shelf height

   The appropriate shelf height is between 110cm (min) and 120cm (max) in order to
facilitate the blind user’s actions by means of tactile signs and guides positioned on the
shelves themselves [7] (Figure 5).




                                 Figure 5. Shelf height [7]

      10. Conclusion

    The mission of libraries, together with their objectives, is based on culture, educa-
tion and the enhancement of the level of knowledge and science of society through




                                                                                                    CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN CULTURAL HERITAGE
fulfilling the informational needs of their users. Included in this, is also the considera-
tion of the 5th principle of Ranganathan library science (the library is a living dynamic
organism), where growth of the complex, readers and library staff are introduced as
effective factors in their growth and clearly refers to the importance of providing the
necessary library conditions and facilities to offer services to all users. Libraries are
regarded as the most exclusive scientific and cultural centers throughout the world and
should offer services to everyone. The minority group of the blind and visually impaired
are regarded as potential and actual users of libraries, especially public ones. Evaluat-
ing their physical conditions and understanding their problems with regard to their per-
ception of space, can play a significant role in designing an appropriate and effective
space to offer quality services to the blind, increase number of library users, improve
their accessibility to references and strengthen their self-confidence. Undoubtedly, co-
operation between librarians and architects in designing an efficient, appropriate, com-
fortable and safe space for the blind play an undeniably important role in realizing this
mission and achieving these objectives, in accordance with library science standards,
regulations and architectural design.

      References

[1]     MANZANI A., 2001, Libraries and Librarianship, Samt, Tehran (In Persian)
[2]     FARZIN A. A., SHEIBANI A., 2010, Blind perception of architecture and criteria


                                                                                              135
                                                                                          and designing patterns for them, Bagh – I Nazar , 7(13), pp. 61-72 (In Persian)
                                                                                  [3]     KHOJASTEH–GHAMARI M. A., 2011, Desired educational environment for the
                                                                                          blind, Journal of Construction Engineering Organization of East Azerbaijan Prov-
                                                                                          ince, 8(29), pp. 30-34 (In Persian)
                                                                                  [4]     SADEGHI B., 2009, Public Library and Cultural Complex of Amir Abad in Abadan
                                                                                          City [Msc. Thesis], Faculty of Architecture, Tabriz Islamic Art University
                                                                                  [5]     SORENSEN R. J., 1979, Design for Accessibility, McGraw-Hill, USA
                                                                                  [6]     PARTOU B., 2007, Library Buildings and Equipment, Chapar, Tehran (In Per-
                                                                                          sian)
                                                                                  [7]     NEUFERT E., 2012, Architects’ Data, Willy - Blackwell, UK
                                                                                  [8]     DOUSTI–MOTLAGH P., 2009, The study of entrance history, Armanshahr, 2(2),
                                                                                          pp. 91-104 (In Persian)
                                                                                  [9]     CHING FRANCIS D.K., 200, Architecture: Form, Space, and Order, Wiley, USA

                                                                                        Biographical notes

                                                                                    Sara Jalalzadeh was born in Tehran in 1983. She studied Library and Information
                                                                                  Science from 2001-2005, a Bachelor degree, and from 2007-2010, a Master degree in
                                                                                  Tabriz University of Medical Science. She is now working in the Publication Office of
                                                                                  Tabriz University of Medical Science.

                                                                                     Reza Jalalzadeh was born in Tehran in 1990. He is studying a course in architec-
S. Jalalzadeh - Importance of architectural design in libraries for the blind




                                                                                  ture at the Faculty of Architecture, Tabriz Islamic Art University.




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