Accessibility has always been a topic in the initial construction planning process and installation on a commercial property landscaping. There are several factors to review including handicap access to a property. Some things to consider in light of creating improved accessibility include widening walk ways for the physically impaired or wheel chair access, widening the entrances to buildings and the accessibility to lighting switches.
Accessible landscaping is important for the handicap and disabled and should be considered in the designing and planning process! So let’s consider this aspect of the commercial landscape design.
You can never be to safe on a property, depending on your property layout and its use, there may be a need to consider the designing aspect when it comes to the physical impaired, the blind, the elderly and perhaps a child having physical limitations.
Tip #1: Widen the Access Points
Think of accessibility as your point of reference when designing a pathway or for widening a walkway and provide a spacious area to include patio chairs, tables and seating. There are no slim walkways in accessible landscaping!
(Building an outdoor Barbeque island is something to consider for entertaining, don’t forget to include a refrigerator to store bottled drinks for visitors — consider the ease to access these areas for the enjoyment of your staff or visitors.)
Tip #2: Provide Smooth Surfaces
For convenience and ease of outdoor relaxation areas you will want to have your commercial landscaping company design an outdoor space that is accessible including a smooth pavement surfaces for strollers, wheelchairs and possibly the physically impaired.
Creating areas for the blind and physically impaired include using different textures of surfaces to differentiate between one space and another, for example you might consider using pavers along a walkway and then transition to a natural stone finish patio area or even stamped concrete surface for around an outdoor lounging area or fireplace.
Tip #3: Maintain even flat surfaces
Proper grading is one of the key components for a safe and accessible landscape and pedestrian traffic flow.
Smooth even terrain makes it easier to transport someone across an area, so keep it level.
Tip #4: Use Walls to keep it Contained
Just like railing is important along a stairway for safety, short seat walls and other surfaces of various heights can be helpful to keep areas contained and flowing in the right direction, the walls can also be used as a transitioning point between changes in property elevation, additionally the seating wall can be used as informal seating areas for the convenience and enjoyment of visitors and employees.
Tip #5: Don’t Forget the Water Feature
Water features like fountains and running water can have a soothing effect on the surrounding environment bringing many benefits for relaxation in a landscape, it can be a soothing and tranquil outdoor space for everyone that wants to get out and relax and get a breath of fresh air for just a few minutes, so consider the access to a small court yard or patio that will make it easier for the physically impaired making it easier for everyone to enter.
Considering the right commercial landscaping design will help create the right environment for outdoor relaxation spaces making it safe, enjoyable and accessible. Get in touch with the professionals at FloraTerra Landscape Management! We’ll assist you with a landscape design that’s modern, trendy and accessible .
Give FloraTerra a call at 408.275.1200 or use our simple contact form to set up a meeting with our irrigation team. In the meantime, for more landscape tips, be sure to subscribe to our blog.
Commercial Landscape Design
FloraTerra provides commercial office landscaping , multi-residential landscape management services, retail landscaping in and around the south san francisco bay area. Our industrial landscape maintenance includes a complete range of services appropriate for sustainable landscape design, landscape water management , Retail Mall Landscape Management, R & D Landscape Development, Luxury Apartment and Condominium Landscaping, Residential Estate Landscaping, HOA Community Landscaping Services for Multi-Building Developments, Commercial Office Park Landscaping and Corporate Campus Landscaping. Our landscape service territory extends throughout the greater South San Francisco Bay Area.
ABOUT Our Commercial Landscape Services
FloraTerra of Silicon Valley and its affiliates, are based in San Jose, California. As a leading commercial landscape maintenance service for office and multi-residential properties.Since its origin the company and its affiliates have installed and maintain some of the most prestigious properties throughout the san jose and greater bay area. For more information about FloraTerra please visit us at: http://www.floraterra.com.
San Jose | Santa Clara | San Francisco Bay Area | Fremont | Sunnyvale | Milpitas | South Bay
