01 · Thinking
Fix the cause, not the symptom
The strip exists because water spills from the basins. Instead of a better barrier, the redesign stops water at the source and drains it under the basins, so the floor can stay level for everyone.
Introduction to DesignSemester 1 · 2025
The tile strip that trips people
A raised strip meant to stop water near a hand-wash area that ends up tripping people. Diagnosed and redesigned.
As foundProblem
A raised tile strip near a hand-wash area is meant to block water, but it causes tripping because of poor visibility, an uneven surface and no accessibility.
Tripping hazardStudents, staff and visitors can trip, from bruises to serious falls.
Blocks mobilityWheelchairs, crutches and food trolleys are obstructed, against universal design.
Cognitive loadPeople carrying trays or talking won’t notice it in time.
Worse when wetSpilled water makes the strip slippery.
- 01Remove the barrier
Take the raised strip out entirely.
- 02Drain at the source
A 1–2% slope towards a concealed drain under the basins, with anti-clog covers.
- 03Control splashes
Angled basin edges or splash guards, and sensor taps.
- 04Safer finish
Non-slip tiles, with a contrasting colour around the drain.
- 05Accessible floor
A level floor, with tactile strips before the wet area.
What I learned
Takeaways
- 01Look upstream: the barrier was a patch for a drainage problem.
- 02Universal design means wheelchairs, crutches and trolleys are part of the brief.
- 03Wet areas need visual and tactile warnings, not hidden obstacles.
- 04A quick plan and section sketch is enough to communicate a redesign.