Since December 2005 Disabled Peoples’ International Asia Pacific Region has been reporting deficits in the design and construction of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport. At no time during that period were the five safety hazards reported by DPI reacted to by the public or the authorities.
Perhaps coverage by the Bangkok post will lead to retrofit solutions to a poorly conceived project that can stand as an international warning to those who neglect Universal Design in airport constrcution.
The modern look and beautiful design of Suvarnabhumi airport are harbouring potential dangers for unaware passengers and the airport authority is doing its best to get rid of the problems. A survey by the Bangkok Post found at least five spots where danger loomed and could stop air passengers from boarding the planes in time.
The potential danger spots include the car park building and its walkway leading to the terminal's third floor, revolving doors, sharp-edged air-conditioners fixed on the floor, escalators, and the slippery marble floor at the departure area for out-bound passengers.
Airport director Somchai Sawasdipol admitted yesterday that a design flaw was to blame for threatening passenger safety.
At the car park building, there are no long cement walls around each floor to prevent cars from plummeting to the ground. The building was just fenced by an aluminium structure and lines of iron at its sides.
Although the lines are beautiful and make it look like a ''see-through'' building, the safety of drivers has been brought into question because if they reverse their cars carelessly they could plunge to the ground. Mr Somchai said there might be a need to build cement walls around each floor to prevent accidents.
An unusually ''large space'' was also seen at the corner of the walkway, which is again fenced by an aluminium structure and slings. It connects the car park building and the terminal's third floor. The space is too wide and would put the life of small children in danger if they were around as they could accidentally fall through it.
To solve the problem, Mr Somchai said a strong plastic fence would be built along the walkway.
The 10 revolving doors at the terminal may cause problems for passengers not familiar with this type of door. Mr Somchai said the drawback was the doors stop moving and get locked if too many people use them at the same time.
In the first two years, he said airport staff would be on hand to advise passengers on how to use the doors. Technicians are also needed to regularly adjust their sensors because a malfunction could easily cause the doors to stop working and trap people.
Inside the terminal, several modern air-conditioners on the floor could harm careless people and their children with their sharp corners. Mr Somchai said tree pots might be placed near them to prevent people from hitting against their corners.
Source:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/18Sep2006_news02.php
Posted by rollingrains at September 18, 2006 06:31 PM