Eitz Chayim
Accessibility Feasibility Study
Prepared by Northeastern University
AIAS Freedom by Design
May 2012
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introduction
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LIBRARY
CONGREGATION
SPACE
KITCHEN
RABBI’S
OFFICE
PARKING
PLAYGROUND
scope of study
method
This feasibility study is a
compilation of information
gathered both on site and in
conversations with members
Penina Weinburg, David Salomon,
and David Eisen. It presents
the existing conditions at the
synagogue along side proposed
ramp locations and accessible
entrances. This information should
aid the congregation in selecting
a proper build location for future
accessibility renovations.
Members of the Northeastern
University AIAS Freedom by
Design team gathered at
Eitz Chayim to take pictures,
measurements, and notes. Team
members also reviewed maab/
ada regulations to calculate
dimensions of ramps and
determine code requirements.
results
The following pages illustrate
sketch options for ramps at
the proposed locations. Once a
site have been selected by Eitz
Chayim, FBD will continue design
development at that location.
Interior Circulation
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The primary circulation path winds through the synagogue.
Important community spaces are disbursed throughout the
building, suggesting the entire ground level should be made
accessible.
All doors meet the minimum clearance of 32” for wheelchair
accessibility, with the exception of one doorway at 26” wide. This
doorway is located in the center of the building and will challenge
accessibility from any direction.
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entrance options
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A
B
D
C
After examining existing conditions we have determined four
potential accessible entrances—labeled A, B, C, and D.
Each entrance will allow access to the major public spaces of the
synagogue. All proposed ramps have been drawn with careful
consideration of the surrounding context, and take advantage of
favorable existing conditions.
At each entrance the length of ramp needed has been calculated
following MAAB design guidelines and drawn to scale. Additional
modifications to make a complete accessible entry have been listed
beneath the “Proposal” heading. These modifications include minor
demolition, replacement steps, altered pathways, and new doors.
Details, such as railings and other hardware, are to be drawn with
further design development.
The “Benefits” and “Drawbacks” list for each entrance provides a brief
summary of important considerations for the proposed renovations.
These lists address some of the social and user needs of the proposed
accessible entries.
entrance a
Proposal
drawbacks
benefits
Build 48” wide ramp in yard and over existing paved
sidewalk.
The ramp’s proximity to the
neighbor’s yard could create an
unwanted barrier.
Makes use of existing
circulation path.
A ramp slope of 1:12 will require 40 feet of ramp
to meet the 40 inch high door. An additional 5 foot
landing is needed after 30 inches in rise.
Build a new landing at the top of the ramp over the
existing steps.
Build new steps at the part-way landing.
Widen sidewalk to meet the base of the ramp. A 5 foot
deep landing area is needed.
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The ramp interrupts path to
synagogue’s side entrance.
Maintains majority of yard along
side of synagogue.
Interior vestibule meets
accessibility code, requiring no
additional renovations.
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Plan and Perspective
Sketch of Entrance A option.
entrance b
Proposal
Drawbacks
benefits
Build 48” wide ramp in the yard along the side of the
synagogue.
Interior vestibule does not
accommodate required 60”
turning radius, requiring
additional renovations.
Makes use of a discreet location,
and maintains most of yard area
and existing paths.
A ramp slope of 1:12 will require 36 feet of ramp to meet
the 36 inch high door. An additional 5 foot deep landing is
needed at the ramp midpoint.
Build a new 5 foot deep landing at the top of the ramp
over the existing steps. Build new steps at edge of landing.
Add a new path extending to the base of the ramp.
Install a new automatic-swing accessible door at
entrance.
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Widen interior hall doorway from 26” to 32”.
Basement ventilation pipes may
be blocked by ramp, requiring
rerouting.
Allows easy entry for both step
and ramp users.
Creates direct access to center of
synagogue.
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Plan and Perspective
Sketch of Entrance B option.
entrance c
Proposal
drawbacks
benefits
Build 48” wide ramp along edge of synagogue over
the existing path near parking area.
The path of the ramp must
clear the bay window, creating
an awkward gap between the
ramp and building.
Creates direct access from street
and parking.
A ramp slope of 1:12 will require 42 feet of ramp to meet
42 inch high door. An additional 5 foot landing is needed
halfway up the ramp.
Demolish existing steps. Build a new landing at the top of
the ramp over location of existing steps. Build new steps
off shared landing.
Widen the path to meet the base of the ramp and form 5
foot deep landing areaa.
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Addition of a ramp will narrow
the parking area from 22 to 20
feet wide.
The slope of the sun porch
floor may be a concern for
wheelchair users.
Makes use of current circulation
path with minimal chance.
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Plan and Perspective
Sketch of Entrance C option.
entrance d
Proposal
drawbacks
benefits
Build 48” wide ramp along farthest wall of “Bunker.”
Restricts access to and from
basement.
Retains existing exist and stair
from kitchen.
Far removed from public view
and street.
Provides direct accessible
access to community space.
Cover existing stair to basement with ramp.
A ramp slope of 1:12 will require 42 feet of ramp to
meet door at 42 inches high. An additional 5 foot
landing is needed halfway up the ramp to make turn.
Build a new landing at the top of the ramp over the
existing steps. Remove cinder block division between
doors. Allow kitchen and community space doors to share
landing.
Widen the existing path from 31” to 48”. Lengthen the
path to create landing at the base of the ramp.
Install automatic-swing accessible door to community
space.
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alternate proposal
Removing fire stair will provide enough area to nestle
ramp into nook of “Bunker.”
Creates direct accessible access to community
space, but restricts access to basement mechanical
room.
Further investigation required to pursue this design
option.
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Plan and Perspective
Sketch of Entrance D option.