Ramp

A ramp joins two different levels with a continuous sloping surface instead of steps. It does what a stair cannot for wheelchair users, people with pushchairs, anyone moving goods and those who find steps difficult. Vehicle ramps in car parks, loading ramps at warehouses and pedestrian ramps at building entrances are the most common types.

What matters in practice

Gradient is what decides whether a ramp is usable. For pedestrian ramps, the maximum slope, the longest uninterrupted run, rest landings, width and handrail requirements are set by accessibility regulations and standards; vehicle ramps follow car park rules. A non-slip surface, handrails on both sides and a level area at the top and bottom are the basics. A gentle ramp takes up a lot of length, so the level difference at the entrance should be considered at the very start of design. Sometimes lowering the building’s ground floor level slightly is a far better answer than a long, winding ramp.

Ramps in design

A well-designed ramp does not look like a separate accessible entrance; it reads as part of the main route that everyone uses. In some buildings, ramps sit at the heart of the concept, linking floors and letting people experience the space by walking through it. In visualizations, presenting a ramp together with the landscape, as a natural path, also shows the value of inclusive design.