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A reason this is so cool is that in a lot of retrofit situations it's not possible to build a ramp that is up to code.
Depending on other design features, you need a minimum of 12' of ramp for each 1' of rise. So if a door is ~18" off the ground that's a minimum 18' of ramp. https://twitter.com/akkitwts/status/1300766769145995264
Depending on other design features, you need a minimum of 12' of ramp for each 1' of rise. So if a door is ~18" off the ground that's a minimum 18' of ramp. https://twitter.com/akkitwts/status/1300766769145995264
(yes my formal education is in architecture, thanks for noticing 
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And I couldn't fit it in the first tweet but the truth about ramps is that they also have to have a lot of landings.
Like in my example, there would need to be flat landings on either end in addition to the ramp length.
Anyway, ramp design is not simple and that matters.
Like in my example, there would need to be flat landings on either end in addition to the ramp length.
Anyway, ramp design is not simple and that matters.
I 
understand that a problem with lifts is that they are often poorly maintained or gatekept so that they don't offer true access.
But I also want to scream a little every time somebody says "just build a ramp" because that is often literally impossible.
understand that a problem with lifts is that they are often poorly maintained or gatekept so that they don't offer true access.But I also want to scream a little every time somebody says "just build a ramp" because that is often literally impossible.
Anyway, universal design is important, and it also needs to be a foundational principle of building design because it is incredibly difficult to retrofit.
Right now, in architectural education, you will not be surprised to hear that access is often an afterthought.
Right now, in architectural education, you will not be surprised to hear that access is often an afterthought.
Also here is some related architectural nerdery about WHY so many buildings have their ground floors a few feet above the actual ground. https://twitter.com/bennessb/status/1301166629972213762?s=19
Just said this in a reply:
The specific case where this has advantages over a regular lift is if there is not space for stairs + a lift, but the stairs are required for egress (emergency exit).
Obviously, accessible emergency exits are still extremely necessary.
The specific case where this has advantages over a regular lift is if there is not space for stairs + a lift, but the stairs are required for egress (emergency exit).
Obviously, accessible emergency exits are still extremely necessary.
