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Science Center

Swarthmore College, 22 Whittier Place, Swarthmore, PA, 19081

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Access Guide

About

  • The venue has its own parking facilities.
  • The nearest parking lot is located to the North West of the building.
  • There is a curb ramp from the Whittier parking lot and the ramp to entrance SC-9. .
  • The nearest parking lot containing visitor parking spaces is the Whittier LotView information on visitor parking.
  • View information on Swarthmore Parking Lots (opens new tab) .
  • The Science Center is a very large building with 4 main floors. The following academic departments are located in the Science Center: chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, mathematics and statistics, and physics and astronomy.
  • There are 3 elevators and 6 main staircases as well as a separate set of steps between floors L and 1. .
  • The terms floor and level are used interchangeably throughout the building.
  • Levels are signed as 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0.
  • The floor names are signed as L, 1, 2 and 3.

Getting Inside

  • The building has numerous entrances some of which have uneven surfaces on approach.
  • There are 17 entrances. Of these, two are stepped (SC-12 and SC-17) and the rest are step-free.
  • SC-1 has level access and has 2 sets of automatic double doors.
  • SC-2 has level access and has 2 sets of automatic double doors.
  • SC-3 has a slope of 2% on approach. The entrance consists of 2 sets of single manual doors.
  • SC-5 has a slope on approach with a gradient of 4.9%. The entrance consists of 2 sets of single manual doors.
  • SC-6 has level access and an entrance consisting of a single manual door.
  • SC-7 has a slope on approach with a gradient of 7%. The entrance consists of 2 sets of single manual doors.
  • SC-8 has a slope on approach with a gradient of 5.7%. The entrance consists of 2 sets of single manual doors.
  • SC-9 has a ramp on approach with handrails on both sides and a gradient of 10.75%. The entrance consists of a single manual door.
  • SC-12 has a slope in front of the entrance with a gradient of 13.1% and 10 steps with a height of 5in (15cm) with handrails on either side. The entrance consists of 2 sets of double doors.
  • SC-13 has a slope on approach with a gradient of 10.1%. The entrance consists of 2 sets of single manual doors.
  • SC-14 and SC-15 access the building either side of an external bridge connecting different parts of level 1. Both entrances consist of single manual doors. Along the bridge between the two doors is a ramp with a gradient of 6.7%.
  • SC-16 has an uneven slope on approach with a gradient of 11.7%. The entrance consists of 2 sets of single automatic doors beyond which there are 3 steps with handrails on each side.
  • SC-17 has a set of 20 steps in front of the entrance. The entrance consists of an automatic single door.
  • SC-18 has a ramp immediately beyond the entrance with a gradient of 7.25%. The entrance consists of 2 sets of single automatic doors
  • SC-19 has an uneven approach. The entrance consists of 2 sets of double automatic doors
  • SC-21 has a slope on approach with a gradient of 10.1%. The entrance consists of 2 sets of single manual doors.
  • The entrances are signed as SC-1, SC-2, SC-3, SC-5, SC-6, SC-7, SC-8, SC-9, SC-12, SC-13, SC-14, SC-15, SC-16, SC-17, SC-18, SC-19 and SC-21.
  • SC-1 gives level access into floor 1 and leads to an elevator providing step-free access to floors 0, 1, 2 and 3.
  • SC-2 gives level access into 1.0 and provides step-free access to the floors 0.0, 0.2, 1.0, 1.2 and 2.0 elevator.
  • SC-1, SC-2, SC-3, SC-5, SC-6, SC-7, SC-8, SC-9, SC-12, SC-14, SC-15, SC-18, SC-19 and SC-21 access floor 1.
  • SC-13, SC-16 and SC-17 access the building on floor L.

Getting Around

  • It is possible to bypass all steps once inside the building.
  • There is a ramp between the area of floor 1.0 containing rooms 174-179 and the area of floor 1 containing rooms 101 - 173.
  • The ramp has handrails on both sides with a gradient of approximately 7.85%.
  • The ramp bypasses a set of 3 steps with a height of 6.3in and handrails on both sides.
  • There is a ramp with handrails on both sides and a gradient of 9.8% between the floor 1 corridor and Eldridge Commons.
  • There is a set of steps 5 steps with a height of 16cm (6in) and handrails on either side between Eldridge Commons and classrooms 104, 105 and the Cornell Science and Engineering Library.
  • There is a ramp on floor L between L01 to L33 and L34 to L51 with a gradient of approximately 8.5%.
  • There is a ramp on floor L between L34 to L51 and L52 to L67 with a gradient of 8.1%.
  • There is a set of steps with a height of 6in (16cm) and handrails on either side to access male and female restrooms on floor L.
  • The floors 0.0, 0.2, 1.0, 1.2 and 2 elevator bypasses these steps by taking the elevator to floor 0.0.
  • Floor surfaces along the majority of circulation routes are hard and smooth, with some having a shiny finish.
  • There are resting areas in the majority of circulation and lobby areas with a mixture of seating.
  • There is clear wayfinding and directional signage provided in circulation and lobby areas.
  • There are maps provided in some areas of the building.
  • There is an assistive listening system.
  • The assistive listening systems are located in 199 Cuniff Lecture Hall and 101 Chang Hou Lecture Hall.
  • There is not a designated safe or quiet space.

Restrooms and Changing Facilities Available

  • Single-occupant Restrooms with Accessibility Features View
    • There are 4 single-occupant restrooms with accessibility features.
    • The single-occupant restrooms with accessibility features are located on floor L in the area between L34 and L51, near stairway B on floor 2 and on floor 3 near stairway E.
    • The transfer space within the single-occupant restrooms with accessibility features varies between left hand transfer and right hand transfer.
    • All restrooms in the Science Center are accessible.
  • Multiple-stall Restrooms with Accessibility Features View
    • The multiple-stall restrooms with accessibility features are located on floors L, 1.0 and 2.0.
    • The transfer space within the multiple-stall restrooms with accessibility features varies between left hand transfer and right hand transfer.
  • Standard Restrooms View
    • Step-free male and female restrooms are located on floors L, 1.0 and 2.0.
    • Step-free gender inclusive restrooms are located on lower level in physics wing with showers (accessible); 1 on 2nd floor in computer science wing 237; 1 on 3rd floor near telescope 302 (accessible).
  • Shower Facilities View
    • The shower facilities with accessibility features are located in the single occupant restrooms on floor L.

Rooms and Services Available

Parking (Whittier Parking Lot)

  • Parking View
    • The parking lot is located to the North of the building near entrance SC-9.
    • The parking lot is open air/surface.
    • The surface consists of asphalt.
  • Accessible Parking Spaces View
    • There are 10 designated accessible parking spaces available.
    • The accessible parking spaces are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The accessible parking space width is 7ft 9in (235cm).
    • There is an adjacent marked access aisle to one side.
    • The width of the adjacent marked access aisle is 3ft 10in (116cm).
    • The adjacent marked access aisle extends the full length of the parking space.
    • The nearest designated accessible parking space is 10yd 2ft (10m) from SC-9.
    • The most accessible route from the designated accessible parking has ramps/slopes.
    • The ramp has a gradient of 1:9.
    • There is not a step-free level resting area.
    • Whittier parking lot has two sections, one of which is closer to the Science Center.
  • Van Accessible Parking Spaces View
    • There is 1 designated van accessible parking space available.
    • The van accessible parking space is clearly marked and signposted.
    • The van accessible parking space width is 7ft 7in (232cm).
    • There is an adjacent marked access aisle to one side.
    • The width of the adjacent marked access aisle is 5ft 4in (162cm).
    • The most accessible route from the designated van accessible parking has step-free level access.
  • Passenger Loading Zone View
    • There is a designated passenger loading zone available.
    • The designated passenger loading zone is located at the circle next to Singer Hall.

Entrance (SC-1)

  • This entrance is located towards the south of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess that provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors opens towards you.
  • There is a push plate/sensor at a height of 3ft 1in (95cm).
  • The doors have pull handles.
  • The width of the opening is 4ft 7in (140cm).
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors opens towards you.
  • There is a push plate/sensor at a height of 3ft 5in (105cm).
  • The doors have a pull handle.
  • The width of the opening is 4ft 7in (140cm).
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter the entrance.

Entrance (SC-2)

  • This entrance is located opposite SC-1.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess that provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push plate/sensor at a height of 3ft 5in (105cm).
  • The doors require effort to open.
  • The doors have pull handles.
  • The width of the opening is 5ft 7in (170cm).
  • There is a squared threshold (more than 1/2in) at the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors.
  • The second set of doors opens towards you.
  • There is a push plate/sensor at a height of 3ft 5in (105cm).
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The doors have a pull handle.
  • The width of the opening is 5ft 7in (170cm).
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter the entrance.

Entrance (SC-9)

  • This entrance is located near the Whittier parking lot.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a gradient of 1:9.
  • There is not a step-free level resting area.
  • The width of the ramp is 6ft 2in (188cm).
  • The ramp has handrails on both sides.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess that provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 3ft 7in (110cm).
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The door has a pull handle.
  • The width of the opening is 3ft 3in (98cm).
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter the entrance.

Entrance (SC-18)

  • This entrance is located opposite the entrance to Martin Hall.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free access via a slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a gradient easier than 1:20.
  • This entrance should be used for Cornell Science and Engineering Library.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess that provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • There is a push plate/sensor at a height of 3ft 1in (95cm).
  • The door has a pull handle.
  • The width of the opening is 3ft 1in (95cm).
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second single automatic door.
  • The second door opens towards you.
  • There is a push plate/sensor at a height of 4ft (122cm).
  • The door has a pull handle.
  • The width of the opening is 3ft 3in (99cm).
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free access via ramp as you enter the entrance.
  • The ramp has a gradient of 1:14.
  • There is not a step-free level resting area.
  • The width of the ramp is 9ft 7in (292cm).
  • The ramp has handrails on both sides.

Elevator (Floors 1, 2 and 3)

  • The elevator is located to your left after entering.
  • The elevator surveyed is approximately 16yd 1ft (15m) from the SC-1 entrance.
  • The most accessible route to the elevator has step-free level access.
  • The floors which are accessible by this elevator are floors 1, 2 and 3.
  • The elevator has a turning space of 30in x 48in (760mm x 1220mm) in front of it.
  • The external elevator control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external elevator controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user (between 15in - 48in (380mm - 1220mm)).
  • The weight limit for the elevator is 3000lbs.
  • The elevator door has a high visual contrast.
  • The elevator door opening width is 3ft 6in (107cm).
  • The internal dimensions of the elevator are 6ft 9in width x 4ft 9in depth (205cm x 145cm).
  • The internal elevator control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal elevator controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user (between 15in - 48in (380mm - 1220mm)).
  • Internally the elevator has: a visual floor indicator and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Elevator (Floors 0.0, 0.2, 1.0, 1.2 and 2.0)

  • The elevator is located next to Eldridge Commons.
  • The elevator surveyed is approximately 54yd 2ft (50m) from the SC-2 entrance.
  • The most accessible route to the elevator has step-free level access.
  • The floors which are accessible by this elevator are 0.0 (Floor L standard restrooms), 0.2 (Floor L), 1.0 (Floor 1 Cornell Library area), 1.2 (Floor 1) and 2.0 (Floor 2).
  • The elevator has a turning space of 30in x 48in (760mm x 1220mm) in front of it.
  • The external elevator control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external elevator controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user (between 15in - 48in (380mm - 1220mm)).
  • The weight limit for the elevator is 3500lbs.
  • The elevator door has a high visual contrast.
  • The elevator door opening width is 3ft (92cm).
  • The internal dimensions of the elevator are 4ft 5in width x 5ft 9in depth (134cm x 174cm).
  • The internal elevator control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal elevator controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user (between 15in - 48in (380mm - 1220mm)).
  • Internally the elevator has: a separate door to exit and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • Signage within and outside the elevator describes facilities on levels 0.0, 0.2, 1.0, 1.2 and 2.0.

Stairway (E)

  • The stairway surveyed is located to your left on entering the building via SC-1 entrance.
  • There is a permanently held open door to access the stairwell.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairway are floors 1, 2 and 3.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The height of the handrails is 2ft 11in (88cm).
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the highest step is 7in (18cm).
  • The minimum tread depth is 12in (30cm).
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Bathroom with Accessibility Features (Level 0.2 - Gender Inclusive - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There are 2 bathrooms with accessibility features.
  • There are 2 bathrooms with accessibility features that have a shower.
  • All restrooms in the Science Center are accessible.
  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located along the corridor on level 0.2.
    • The bathroom surveyed is approximately 82yd 1in (75m) from the Floors 0.0, 0.2, 1.0, 1.2 and 2.0 elevator.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the bathroom door.
    • The door into the bathroom opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The door has a lever handle.
    • The width of the door opening is 2ft 8in (82cm).
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The overall dimensions are 6ft 7in x 8ft 10in (200cm x 270cm).
    • The turning space dimensions are 6ft 7in x 6ft 9in (200cm x 205cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the toilet as you look at it.
    • The lateral transfer space is 3ft 1in (95cm) (from the side of the toilet bowl to the wall).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab bar on the rear wall and on the side wall.
    • The toilet seat is 1ft 8in (50cm) from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall-mounted toilet paper dispenser that can be easily reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet paper dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet paper dispenser is 1ft 8in (50cm) from the floor.
    • The sink is 2ft 10in (86cm) from the floor.
    • The area underneath the sink is unobstructed .
    • The sink faucet type is lever-style mixer.
    • There is a wall-mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 3ft 9in (115cm) from the floor.
    • There is a wall-mounted paper towel dispenser.
    • The paper towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The paper towel dispenser is 3ft 9in (115cm) from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Vanity counter top space is not provided.
    • There is a mirror above the sink/counter top with its bottom edge within 40in (1000mm) maximum from the finish floor.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The bathroom has a wastebasket and a sanitary products receptacle.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 3ft 10in and 5ft 9in (116cm and 174cm) from the floor.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • The bathroom has a shower stall.
    • The width of the shower opening is 2ft 11in (90cm).
    • The shower has a threshold/curb between ½in (13mm) - 2in (51mm) high.
    • The shower is a roll-in shower and has a turning space of at least 30in x 60in (760mm x 1525mm).
    • There is a height adjustable shower spray.
    • The shower faucet type is lever-style mixer.
    • There is a fold-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 1ft 6in (46cm) from the floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the shower seat as you look at it.
    • The lateral transfer space is 1ft 8in (50cm) (from the side of the shower seat to the wall).
    • The shower has a horizontal grab bar and a vertical grab bar.
    • The horizontal grab bar has a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
    • The vertical grab bar has a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.