Buildings designated as heritage sites are more than bricks and mortar; they are guardians of history, preserving stories, aesthetic and character from generations past.
But for many people with disabilities, these spaces remain difficult to access, despite efforts to meet current standards.
A new study led by civil engineering professor Samir Chidiac and postdoctoral fellow Mouna Reda asks an important question: Do heritage buildings that meet accessibility standards truly meet the needs of those who use them?
The goal is to get a better understanding of the lived experiences of people with disabilities to inform improvements to accessibility.
The challenge of heritage and accessibility
Heritage buildings, such as Hamilton Hall and University Hall, are central to McMaster’s history: Two of only four original buildings standing when McMaster University moved to Hamilton in 1930, they have a protected status that limits modifications, making accessibility improvements complex.
In 2020, Chidiac launched a research program called “Accessibility of the built environment” with the aim to advance Canada’s accessibility standards.
“Heritage buildings are the most challenging as they need to satisfy heritage considerations and the diverse needs of people with disabilities,” he says.
While heritage buildings may comply with standards, the lived experience of navigating them often reveals gaps.
“Accessibility isn’t just about ramps or wider doorways,” says Reda. “It’s about acoustics, wayfinding and reducing anxiety. It’s about creating spaces that work for everyone.”
Going beyond compliance
The team’s latest study, in partnership with Accessibility Standards Canada, begins the evaluation of accessibility long before the front door.
“Accessing a building starts from the moment someone arrives by bus or parks nearby,” says Chidiac.
Through questionnaires and on-site walkthroughs/rolls, researchers aim to capture the full experience of moving through these spaces.
Current standards tend to focus on physical disabilities, with limited attention to sensory, cognitive and mental health needs.
With nearly 27 per cent of Canadians identifying as having a disability, universal design must go beyond theory and translate into actionable measures, the researchers say.
University Hall
A vision for barrier-free spaces
Chidiac and Reda’s work aligns with UNESCO’s goal of achieving barrier-free environments by 2040.
“Everyone deserves a chance to participate fully,” says Reda. “This isn’t just about architecture; it’s about equity and dignity.”
“As civil engineers we have a responsibility to understand the needs of the people and creating infrastructure and public spaces that serve them well,” Chidiac says.
Changing standards to reflect the needs of people with disabilities in the 21st century is necessary, even when the heritage buildings that we occupy have not or cannot be changed, says Kiana Lowes, a fourth-year Civil Engineering and Society student and the founder and president of McMaster Engineers with Disabilities.
“As a disabled person and an advocate for the disabled community and accessibility at McMaster, I believe this work provides an opportunity for our institution and researchers at other institutions to reevaluate the impact, positive or negative, that our infrastructure has on people with disabilities.”
How to participate
McMaster students, staff, faculty, and members of the public who self-identify as a person with a disability are invited to take part in the study by sharing their experiences navigating Hamilton Hall and University Hall.
Ethics approvals are in place, and participation involves completing a questionnaire during guided walkthroughs/rolls to both buildings.
To learn more or get involved, please contact Mouna Reda at redam1@mcmaster.ca or Samir Chidiac at chidiac@mcmaster.ca.