PU’s accessibility push prompts changes to Corbusier-era design

Chandigarh: The ongoing replacement of flat, strip-like metal staircase railings with round stainless steel handrails across several buildings at Panjab University (PU) has drawn attention to a larger campus-wide accessibility upgrade, even as it has triggered discussion over changes to Chandigarh's long-established architectural identity rooted in the modernist vision of Le Corbusier.At present, the railing replacement work is underway primarily in science departments. The PU campus, much like the city of Chandigarh itself, reflects modernist planning and design principles associated with Le Corbusier, marked by functional forms, exposed materials and uniform detailing. Linear railings, raw finishes and geometric simplicity have traditionally been integral to this visual language, shaping the institutional character of the campus for decades.It is against this backdrop that some students and stakeholders have questioned whether the newly introduced rounded steel railings align with the original design ethos. Officials and experts, however, maintain that the interventions are part of a necessary transition driven by accessibility requirements and legal mandates.The updated railings form one component of a broader Centre-funded plan aimed at making the university campus accessible to persons with disabilities (PwDs). According to details shared, Rs 5.21 crore was sanctioned in the first phase of the project to upgrade infrastructure across eight buildings. The larger campus accessibility project is pegged at around Rs 54 crore and is being implemented in a phased manner.Under standards aligned with the National Building Code of India and notified under Section 40 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, staircase and ramp handrails are required to meet specific criteria. These include continuity, ease of grip and usability across a wide range of physical conditions. Rounded handrails are preferred under these norms, as they offer a secure grip, unlike flat sections, which can be difficult to hold, particularly for persons with limited hand mobility or reduced strength.The law mandates non-discriminatory access for 21 identified categories of disabilities, including dwarfism, for which additional low-height handrails are required. As a result, infrastructure across the campus—whether in older or newer buildings—must be modified to comply with what officials describe as "non-negotiable" accessibility standards.The upgrades extend beyond staircases. As part of the same phase of work, the university is lowering one wash basin each in men's and women's toilets to make them accessible. At least one urinal at a reduced height is also being installed in men's washrooms. In addition, lifts are planned in four buildings: the departments of Chemistry, Physics and Zoology, as well as the construction office.Officials said the project adheres to guidelines of the Bureau of Indian Standards and international accessibility frameworks. These standards apply not only to new construction but also to existing infrastructure, requiring retrofitting wherever necessary. Consequently, changes such as the replacement of railings are being introduced even in long-standing buildings that were designed under a different set of architectural norms.While the visible alterations have prompted debate around aesthetics and heritage, experts point out that Chandigarh's planning philosophy itself prioritised functionality. From this perspective, evolving design elements to meet present-day accessibility needs is seen as consistent with the city's underlying modernist principles rather than a departure from them.As work progresses, university officials emphasise that the focus remains on creating a campus that can be accessed with dignity, safety and independence by students, faculty and visitors with diverse physical needs. The railing replacements, they say, are only one visible aspect of a larger shift toward inclusive infrastructure.BOX: Chandigarh design vs accessibility needs— City planned on modernist, functional principles by Le Corbusier— Institutional buildings feature linear, minimal design elements— Original railings often flat, geometric in form— New round railings prioritise grip, safety and usability— Accessibility norms mandate changes irrespective of original designBOX: A universal shift Dr Anjlee Agarwal, a wheelchair user and Universal Accessibility and Inclusive Mobility specialist with Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility — the agency engaged with PU in making the campus PwD-friendly — said such adaptations reflect a broader global shift towards inclusive campuses."Universities globally have provided amenities that are inclusive and accessible to ensure they leave no one behind in the education system. Hence, PU is heading towards the same mandate so that every student and faculty member with disability, including those with age-related challenges, can access the campus with dignity, safety and independence," she said.MSID:: 130147145 413 |
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