Alfredo Sanz (Technical Architecture Council): “Automatic doors can greatly improve people's lives.”
In the following interview, Alfredo Sanz, President of the General Council of Technical Architecture of Spain (CGATE), highlights the benefits of automatic doors for people with mobility issues due to age, health problems, or other conditions. They also provide safety benefits and can improve accessibility in public and private spaces.
What is the current state of accessibility in Spanish buildings?
Spain is far from achieving its accessibility targets. This fact is illustrated by the low percentage of universally accessible building stock, which stands at only 0.6%. What does this mean? Our properties have barriers that hinder mobility and integration, preventing around 100,000 people from going out on the street every day, according to data from the Mutua de Propietarios Foundation.
It is crucial to implement the right solutions to prevent this problem from escalating. It is important to consider the rapid ageing of the population. By 2100, it is projected that 14% of Europe's population will be over 80 years old. In Spain, there are 4.3 million people with some form of mobility problem.
We are discussing accessibility, mobility, health, and integration because safe and efficient movement in our environment not only facilitates physical movement but also promotes socialisation, eliminates disadvantages and isolation, and enhances independence and full integration of individuals.
What actions and improvements are necessary to solve these accessibility issues?
In Spanish buildings, the main barriers are related to steps at the entrances to residential establishments or doorways, difficulty moving around indoors (such as in shopping centres) due to the absence of signs or narrow spaces, and the lack of adapted toilets or lifts. We must also consider the issues with the interior of housing, which may not be functional for individuals with disabilities.
To address these issues, one could consider constructing access ramps, installing signage, lifts, and other accessibility features. However, it is crucial to gather information and conduct a thorough analysis of the situation before undertaking any projects. CGATE has established an Accessibility Commission to gather and provide our members with all available national-level information.
Furthermore, we have collaborated with various entities to address the issue of accessibility. We have developed several guides that provide instructions on how to tackle this matter. Accessibility will be one of the themes at our CONTART congress in April.
How can automatic doors and operators contribute to improving accessibility?
Such solutions can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals, particularly those with mobility impairments resulting from age, health issues, or other conditions. Furthermore, they provide added security by not only preventing unauthorised access but also detecting the presence of individuals to prevent accidents. They are a useful tool for improving accessibility in both public and private spaces.