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Geography (Old Infirmary)

The University of Edinburgh, Central Campus, 1 Drummond Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9XP

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the Institute of Geography, teaching rooms, meeting rooms, quiet spaces, laboratories, postgraduate and staff offices.

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Central Area is located on the south side of the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem, and parking is strictly controlled. Options to driving into the city centre include Park & Ride tram and bus car parks at the edges of the city.
    • A number of University car parks are located in the Central Area. The Transport and Parking Office of the University of Edinburgh manages parking at the University. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only, and are subject to the university’s parking regulations. Permits are available for visitors to the university.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses from all over the city travel to the Central Area of the university. The University also provides a shuttle bus for staff and students between the Central Area and the King's Buildings. The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses. Up to the minute "real time" bus timetable information is now available at the majority of bus stops across the city. Information panels provided next to the majority of bus stops let you know when the next bus services will be arriving, or if there has been a delay.
  • By Train View
    • The Central Area of the university is 0.7 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Station. It should be noted that some of the walking routes may feature paths with steep gradients or steps given the landscape. Edinburgh has rail links throughout the UK. The East Coast mainline, which links Edinburgh and London King’s Cross, is the UK's fastest intercity railway: you can travel between the cities in around 4 hours. A sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week. There are intercity links to other cities including Glasgow (45 minutes), and York, Newcastle or Aberdeen (all 2 hours). All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, although some trains also stop at Haymarket, which is a smaller station in the West End.
  • By Tram View
    • The Edinburgh tram service runs from Edinburgh Airport in the west, to York Place in the east end of the city centre, presently being extended to Leith north east of the city centre. The nearest stop to the Central Campus Area is Princes Street. The nearest stop to the Lauriston Campus and the ECA buildings, or to the Western General site, is West End.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (High School Yards)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at High School Yards off Infirmary Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Old Infirmary Building, ECCI, Old Surgeons Hall, Chisholm House, 9-11 Infirmary Street and 13 Infirmary Street.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 370cm x 610cm (12ft 2in x 20ft).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff permit holders and student permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access to the car park from the Infirmary Street.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Old Infirmary Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the rear entrance.
  • Comments View
    • The designated Blue Badge bays do not need to be booked in advance.
    • Two of the designated Blue Badge bays are located directly outside the entrance to High School Yards Boiler House.
    • The route from the parking bays to the accessible entrance of High School Yards Boiler House is accessible, with assistance, as the surface is cobbled.
    • There is an option to drop off at the door of the following buildings, where ramped level access is available:
    • ECCI
    • High School Yards Boiler House
    • Institute of Geoscience (School of Geography)
    • There is pay and display standard on street parking available along Infirmary Street (as shown in photographs 4 and 5).
    • The standard bays are 190cm wide and 500cm deep.
    • There is a maximum 4 hour stay.

Site/Campus Car Park (Drummond Street)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Drummond Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Old Infirmary Building, Drummond Annexe and 1-7 Roxburgh Street.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 470cm x 470cm (15ft 5in x 15ft 5in).
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff permit holders and student permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the car park from the Drummond Street.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Geography (Old Infirmary) Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Geography (Old Infirmary) Building.

Drummond Street to Drummond Street Car Park Level Change

  • There is sloped or stepped access from Drummond Street into the Drummond Street Car Park.
  • The slope bypasses the steps.
  • The vehicle entrance into the car park is the sloped access point for pedestrian use (as shown in photographs 1 and 2.
  • The slope has an easy gradient.
  • There are a total of 6 medium steps with no handrails leading down from Drummond Street into the Drummond Street Car Park (as shown in photograph 3).
  • There are two gates prior to the steps (as shown in photographs 4 and 5).
  • The first gate is 95cm wide.
  • The second gate is 120cm wide.

Site/Campus Car Park (Robertson Close Lower and Upper Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off High School Wynd (Lower) and Robertson Close (Upper).
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Old Infirmary Building, ECCI, Old Surgeons Hall, Chisholm House, 9-11 Infirmary Street and 13 Infirmary Street.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 200cm (6ft 7in).
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff permit holders and student permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the both High School Wynd and Robertson Close entrances.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the 9-11 Infirmary Street Building.
  • Comments View
    • The vehicle entrances to both car parks (as shown in photographs 1 and 3) are automatic and accessed via key fob
    • There are also coded gates for access on foot.
    • There is a set of 15+ stairs linking the two car parks internally (as shown in photograph 5).
    • There is a 95cm wide gate in front of the stairs within the Robertson Close Lower Car Park (as shown in photograph 6)
    • Pedestrian access to Robertsons Close car park is up steep narrow paths with uneven surfaces.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building on level 2 (ground floor).
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated when exiting.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
    • The width of the ramp is 130cm (4ft 3in).

Outside Access (Rear Entrance - Basement Level 1)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to level 3 having exited the lift .
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is/are 6 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the mail toilet facilities off the main staircase.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There are no doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • This building does not play background music.
  • Comments View
    • Doors to the main stairwell and corridors have automatic doors with contactless button openers. Other doors are held open on magnetic catches. There are some heavy single manual doors to access smaller stairwells.

Other Floors (Foyer Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Level 2 (ground) and Level 3 (first).
    • The stairs are located in the main foyer as you enter via the main entrance on level 2.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • There are contactless pad operated automatic doors on levels 2 and 3 to the main foyer and stairwell to the left, central and right corridors,.

Other Floors (Main Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are levels 1, 2, 3, and 4.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter via the main entrance off the central corridor.
    • The stairs are approximately 25m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a staircase on the left corridor giving access between levels 1 (basement) and 2 (ground floor) (photograph 7 to 9).
      There is a staircase located in the centre of the building on level 3, giving access between levels 3 and 4 (photograph10).
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are rooms on Level 4, Geddes Room, Darwin Room, Barra Suite and staff offices.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg 8 persons.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 139cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.
  • Comments View
    • The levels of the building are labelled as 1-2-3-4.
    • The lift controls are labelled as 0, 1, 2, and 3, which correspond to actual floor levels 1, 2, 3, and 4.
    • Level 0 in the lift is level 1 of the building (basement).
    • Level 1 in the lift is level 2 of the building (ground).
    • Level 2 in the lift is level 3 of the building (first floor).
    • Level 3 in the lift is level 4 of the building (second floor).
    • There are touchless pad operated double doors to access the lift on levels 1, 2 and 3 and manual heavy single doors on level 4.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on level 2 (ground floor) off the rear corridor.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on level 1 (basement).
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located off the main staircase between levels 1 and 2.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located off the left staircase between levels 1 and 2, opposite the Barra Suite.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2 (Ground Floor) - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 2, off the central corridor directly ahead as you enter via the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 238cm x 410cm (7ft 10in x 13ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 70cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 91cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 112cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second wash basin 83cm high with push mixer tap. There are no rails.

Standard Toilet(s) (Female)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on level 1 (basement) off the main corridor to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The female toilet is 10m from the Rear Entrance - Basement level 1, to the left as you enter.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Male and Shared)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the main staircase down steps of the landing between levels 1 and 2.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located on the left staircase, on the landing between levels 1 and 2.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the Rear Entrance - Basement Level 1.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located on level 1 (the basement) of the building next to the female toilet.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.