You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

Collapse all Expand all

• About View
  • The Arts Tower is a very large building with 22 floors.
  • There are two main lifts, one paternoster lift, one platform lift and four staircases within the building.
  • Floors are signed as basement, lower ground, ground, mezzanine and floors 1 to 18.
  • There is internal step-free level access between the Arts Tower and the Western Bank Library.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • There is a campus car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest step-free train station is Sheffield.
  • The nearest tram stop is Sheffield University.
  • The nearest bus station is Sheffield Interchange.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on Western Bank Library (opens new tab) .

You are on Getting Inside. Skip to the next section.

Getting Inside

• The approach to the building is step-free via a very easy ramp.
• The Arts Tower has one step-free entrance that provides level access to the ground floor.
• The entrance is signed as The Arts Tower.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors.
• Floor surfaces in all areas are hard and smooth with a shiny finish.
• There is a mixture of seating in some lift lobbies and circulation areas.
• Wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
• There are manual doors to exit the lift lobbies on most floors and in most circulation areas on upper floors.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

Collapse all Expand all

• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 10+ toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located on floors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 16.
  • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located on floors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor and floors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18.
• Washroom and Shower Facilities View
  • The washroom facilities which have adaptations are located on the lower ground floor.
  • Standard shower facilities are located on the lower ground floor.

You are on Rooms and Services in the Building. Skip to the next section.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Collapse all Expand all

• Lecture Theatres View
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 1 - Ba.3a (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 2 - Ba.2a (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 3 - Ba.1b (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 4 - LG33 (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 5 - LG45b (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 6 - LG46a (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 7 - LG04a (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 8 - LG4a (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 9 - LG5a (opens new tab) .
  • View information on 16.03 (opens new tab) .
• Teaching Rooms View
  • View information on ARC/LSC Shared Flexible Space -1317 (opens new tab) .
  • View information on ARC/LSC Shared Flexible Space -1318 (opens new tab) .
  • View information on ARC/LSC Shared Flexible Space -1319 (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Floor 11 Studio F (opens new tab) .
• Seminar Rooms View
  • View information on Floor 11 Seminar Room (opens new tab) .
• Computer Rooms View
  • View information on CICS Digital Suite 10.12 (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Sheffield School of Architecture Computer Room 18.10 (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Architecture Digital Laboratory 19.01 - 19.09 (opens new tab) .
• Eating and Drinking View
  • View information on The Arts Tower Café (opens new tab) .

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

Collapse all Expand all

• Car Park View
  • The car park is located in front and to the side of the Arts Tower.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 7 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 345cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
  • There are no hatched/marked zones.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy ramp or slope.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for Blue Badge holders and permit holders only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Entrance (Accessible Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Accessible Entrance)

• This entrance is located at the front of the building.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via a very easy ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• There are 6 steps with handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The step markings are not clearly visible.
• The steps have tactile markings at the top and bottom.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 15cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 105cm.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 139cm.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 100cm.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The second set of doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 133cm.
• The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Reception (Information Desk). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Information Desk)

• The reception is located to the left as you enter the building.
• The distance from accessible entrance is 9m.
• The most accessible route to reception has doors permanently held open.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 75cm.
• The reception has glazed screens.
• There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• There is background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (Main Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Main Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located ahead and to the right as you enter.
• The distance from the accessible entrance is 7m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• The lower ground floor, ground floor and floors 1 to 18 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The weight limit for the lift is 1275kg.
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 99cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 182cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

You are on Stairs (Ground, Lower Ground and Basement). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Ground, Lower Ground and Basement)

• The stairs surveyed are located along the corridor to the right after entering the building.
• The ground, lower ground and basement floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are not easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps have open risers.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (Lower Ground, Ground and Mezzanine). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Lower Ground, Ground and Mezzanine)

• The stairs surveyed are located on the left as you enter past the information desk.
• The lower ground, ground and mezzanine floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 17 steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps have open risers.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (All Floors). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (All Floors)

• The stairs surveyed are located next to the main lift.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• The basement, lower ground floor, ground floor and floors 1 to 18 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps have faded markings and have a handrail on the left going up.
• The handrail is not easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 19cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (Accessible Lift - Lower Ground Floor and Basement). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Accessible Lift - Lower Ground Floor and Basement)

• The lift surveyed is located round to the left as you face the Arts Tower Café.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from main lift is 25m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
• The basement and lower ground floors are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 101cm.
• 101
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
• Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
• There is a steep ramp at the basement entrance to the lift.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Within Lower Ground Floor Toilets - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Within Lower Ground Floor Toilets - Left Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located within the toilets on the lower ground floor.
  • The distance from main lifts is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, a lift, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 193cm (width) x 216cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 126cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the non-transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 117cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 97cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer which requires hands to be inserted into the top.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 80cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is no mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has no disposal facilities.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 181cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Shower with Adaptations (Within Lower Ground Floor Toilets). Skip to the next section.

Shower with Adaptations (Within Lower Ground Floor Toilets)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The shower surveyed is located Within the toilet with adaptation on the lower ground floor.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
  • The shower controls are lever mixer.
  • There is a flip-down shower seat.
  • The shower seat is 52cm from the floor.
  • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
  • The grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is no emergency alarm for the shower.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Entrance (Internal from Western Bank Library to Mezzanine Level). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Internal from Western Bank Library to Mezzanine Level)

• This entrance is located on the mezzanine level.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 94cm.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance.
• The doors open away from you.
• The width of the opening is 156cm.
• The doors have a high visual contrast.
• There is a second single manual door.
• The second door opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 77cm.
• The second door has a low visual contrast.

You are on Reception (Estates and Facilities Management Reception). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Estates and Facilities Management Reception)

• The reception is located on the right as you exit the lift on level 1.
• The distance from main lifts is 14m.
• The most accessible route to reception has manual doors.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 94cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
• The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
• Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

You are on Kitchen/Dining (First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Kitchen/Dining (First Floor)

• The kitchen/dining area is located on the first floor to the left after exiting the lift.
• There is step-free level access into the kitchen/dining area.
• There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
• The doors open inwards.
• The width of the opening is 184cm.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• The work surface is 90cm from the floor.
• Overhead and under counter cupboards are available.
• The sink is 91cm from the floor.
• The sink has a lever tap.
• Facilities within the kitchen include a fridge, a dishwasher, a microwave, a kettle and a toaster.
• Seating available in the kitchen includes: chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in the kitchen includes: tables.
• The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Floor 1 - Gender Neutral - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Floor 1 - Gender Neutral - Right Hand Transfer)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor corridor.
  • The distance from main lifts is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, a lift and manual doors.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 145cm (width) x 238cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 78cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 96cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 96cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 91cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.