What is Tactile Paving?
Tactile paving is a term used to describe paved surfaces – usually paving slabs – that have been treated and configured to become indicators at ground level to help guide blind or partially sighted pedestrians when negotiating pathways. They were developed in 1965 by the engineer and innovator Seiichi Miyake in Japan to help his friend to navigate public spaces.
By creating raised textured surfaces in pre-formed units or slabs, each with a series of directional blisters or ‘bumps’ on the surface, these textured patterns were designed to be detectable by a walking cane or underfoot, providing critical information regarding the changes in the environment, such as road crossings, train platform edges, the presence of stairs or end of a smoother paved surface, such as the terminal of a patio or pathway.
Tactile paving very quickly gained global recognition, and is now commonplace in the developed world, mainly in the wider pedestrian environment, but also, as a design feature, in domestic gardens. In Britain, it is estimated that 340,000 people are either registered blind or partially sighted.
Commonly made from cast concrete or natural stone such as sandstone, basalt or granite, some versions have raised ‘bumps’ where the majority of the surface is flat, with upstanding blisters, 5 – 6mm high, laid in straight parallel lines which may be detected under the sole of a shoe. Some have brass or stainless-steel studs glued to the surface, or polyurethane non-slip pads affixed in a similar manner.
Manufactured in different colours, designed to contrast with the surrounding surfaces, either black, grey, buff or red (Red traditionally used near controlled pedestrian crossings) and buff for uncontrolled (no traffic lights) crossings, they are in common use in towns and cities.
Apart from the ‘standard’ square slabs with parallel rows of bubbles, others, known as Corduroy tactile paving, have a series of parallel bars which are used to warn of changes of gradient such as stairs or ramps. Lozenge shapes slabs may be seen installed at railway stations to indicate the edge of the platform.
All of these configurations are essential in guiding visually impaired pedestrians in moving around in safety. The depth of the tactile area should be 1200mm, and
the width to cover the length of the designated area. It is essential that the lines of the blisters are accurately aligned with the intended destination.
It is important that regular checks are made on the condition of the slabs, including surface blister wear, and replacement slabs are installed as necessary.
Whilst tactile paving may be commonly seen in public arenas, garden designers can use the same logic and systems when working on projects involving blind or partially sighted customers, by including ground level/underfoot guidance either on the surface of any hard paving, or by changing the type of material, to inform the user of various hazards, changes or terminals within the scheme, or simply to advise the blind pedestrian of their whereabouts in a garden.
Tactile paving should never be laid on steeper slopes, as the surface area may not meet slip rating values due to the raised blisters.
Through simple expedients, and using the same logic as Seiichi Miyake, garden designers and installers can make a huge difference to the enjoyment visually impaired users can gain from their property.
