Factors contribute in development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia
International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
ISSN: 2398-4708
Article publication date: 18 September 2019
Issue publication date: 16 March 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reveal the significant factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility to National Heritage Buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was conducted via semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit) through selected multiple case studies to reveal the main factors that contribute to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair users in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia. There are four National Heritage Buildings (gazetted under National Heritage Act, 2005) selected for this research.
Findings
The findings revealed a few significant factors comprising the physical built environment, organizational behavior and structure, financial resources, and existing legislation.
Research limitations/implications
This research is limited to wheelchair users and National Heritage Buildings, which was conducted through semi-structured interviews and go-along interview (Accessible Audit).
Practical implications
This research investigates the standpoints of both the National Heritage Building operators and the wheelchair users pertaining to accessibility in National Heritage Buildings with regard to their respective roles as management and users.
Social implications
The research demonstrates the importance of social participation effects on the accessibility in National Heritage Buildings based on empirical evidence in highlighting operators’ and wheelchair users’ challenges toward enhancing their accessibility.
Originality/value
This research will be a great contribution to the development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia, including accessibility for pushchair, elderly, and pregnant women.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The researchers want to thank the Ministry of Higher Education, The National University of Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Malaysia and Malaysia Museums Department for their professional contribution to this journal paper.
Citation
Zahari, N.F., Che-Ani, A.I., Abdul Rashid, R.B., Mohd Tahir, M.A. and Amat, S. (2020), "Factors contribute in development of the assessment framework for wheelchair accessibility in National Heritage Buildings in Malaysia", International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, Vol. 38 No. 2, pp. 311-328. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-02-2019-0021
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited