Event venues

In the case of publicly accessible buildings, such as most event venues, it can be assumed that the basic requirements for structural accessibility are in place. Nevertheless, a joint inspection of the location is recommended at the beginning of the event planning process.

When performing an assessment, consider the spaces that are actually used by the participants as publicly accessible areas within the time frame of the event. Rooms that are not used, or backstage areas, are generally excluded from the inspection (exception: the needs of artists, actors, etc.).

The following checklist helps decide whether the various areas meet the requirements:

• Clear and intuitive routing to the main entrance
• No displays or decorative objects that restrict the entrance area
• Level, step-free and threshold-free accessibility with sufficient passage widths and movement areas:
  • Movement areas: 1.5 m x 1.5 m
  • Passage width: 0.9 m
  • Corridor width: 1.2 m (short corridors without changes of direction)
  • Internal lift dimensions: 1.1 m x 1.4 m
  • Ramp width: 1.2 m (max. 6% gradient)
  • Height of operating elements: 0.85 m – 1.05 m
• For manually opened doors, ease of movement should be checked.

A systematically organised orientation system is helpful for all arrivals. Clearly recognisable signage that is easy to read and contrasts well with the surrounding interior design is particularly important for visually impaired people to find their way around.

For temporary orientation points, floor marking tape can be used. Although these can be removed without leaving any residue, they should be agreed with the operator in advance.

• General map of the event location according to the two-sense principle* 
• Info counters at different heights and reachable by wheelchair
• Cloakrooms in close proximity to info counters with wheelchair-accessible storage
• Cloakrooms without service personnel should have coat hooks, shelves and hangers at different heights.
• Parking spaces for walking frames in the foyer

* The two-senses principle stipulates that information must be perceptible for more than one sensory channel; something perceptible to the eye should also be available to either the sense of hearing or the sense of touch. Two of these three sensory channels must be addressed in order to fulfil the principle.

In rooms with row seating, areas must be kept free that can be used by wheelchair users; 1% of total visitor seats, but at least two seats on a level stand area, must be available for participants with wheelchairs.

It is helpful to provide seating in various places for any people who cannot stand for long periods of time.

The seating arrangements should always be considered in the context of the spatial conditions and possibilities. Different formats require different seating options. There are some parameters that apply to all variants:

• Sufficient movement areas (1.5 m x 1.5 m) 
• Sufficient passage width (min. 1.2 m) 
• Tables that are no higher than 0.8 m and wheelchair-accessible
• Parking areas for rollators or pushchairs

• Doors which open to the outside
• Sufficient (unobstructed) space to move around easily with a wheelchair or rollator
• Aids such as folding support handles
• Washbasins with wheelchair access
• Mirrors that can be used from a seated position
• Operating elements should be easily accessible
• Is the emergency call button forwarded to a manned point in the building or to an emergency call centre throughout the duration of an event?

Of course, event planners cannot intervene in the spatial conditions. Rather, it is about recognising the barriers and finding alternative solutions together with the person responsible for the location. These can also be temporary.