What Are the Most Common Accessibility Challenges in Existing Campus Buildings?

By HATZ Education Team | Latest update October 2026

Many universities, schools and education providers occupy buildings that were designed in a different era. While these facilities may continue to serve important teaching, research and community functions, they were often constructed before contemporary accessibility expectations and standards were established.

As institutions work to create more inclusive campuses, many discover that improving accessibility is not simply a matter of installing a ramp or upgrading an entry.

Accessibility challenges often exist throughout the student journey, influencing how people arrive, move through, access and experience a campus.

Understanding these challenges is the first step towards creating environments that support equitable participation for all users.

Ageing Buildings and Historic Design Assumptions

Many existing campus buildings were designed at a time when accessibility received limited consideration.

As a result, institutions frequently encounter issues such as:

• Multiple level changes
• Narrow circulation paths
• Difficult-to-access entrances
• Inaccessible amenities
• Limited vertical circulation
• Complex building layouts

While these features may not have been considered problematic when originally constructed, they can create barriers for contemporary users.

Improving these environments often requires thoughtful planning rather than simple compliance-based solutions.

Managing Changes in Level

Level changes are among the most common accessibility challenges found across education campuses.

They may occur:

• Between buildings
• Within teaching spaces
• Across outdoor environments
• At building entries
• Within heritage facilities

Even relatively small changes in level can create significant barriers to movement and participation.

In many existing campuses, the challenge is not identifying the issue but integrating accessible pathways without compromising functionality, heritage value or user experience.

Vertical Circulation Challenges

Lift access is often a major consideration in existing buildings.

Many older facilities were designed before accessibility standards required inclusive vertical circulation.

Institutions may encounter:

• Buildings without lifts
• Limited lift capacity
• Poorly located lifts
• Inconvenient circulation paths
• Restricted access to teaching spaces

Resolving these challenges can require careful integration of new infrastructure into established buildings and campus environments.

The most successful solutions improve functionality while maintaining the character of the existing facility.

Accessibility Within Teaching Environments

Access to the building is only part of the equation.

True accessibility also requires equitable participation within learning environments.

Challenges may include:

• Fixed seating layouts
• Difficult furniture configurations
• Limited flexibility
• Poor sightlines
• Inaccessible teaching zones
• Constrained circulation within rooms

Contemporary learning environments should enable all students to participate comfortably and independently, regardless of individual requirements.

Wayfinding and Navigation

Large education campuses can be difficult to navigate.

Complex circulation routes, inconsistent signage and fragmented building additions can create confusion for students, staff and visitors.

Wayfinding challenges are particularly common within campuses that have evolved incrementally over many decades.

Good accessibility relies not only on physical access but also on the ability to understand and navigate an environment with confidence.

Clear signage, intuitive circulation and consistent wayfinding strategies can significantly improve the campus experience.

Accessible Amenities and Student Facilities

Many older education buildings contain amenities that were not designed to support contemporary accessibility expectations.

Common challenges include:

• Insufficient accessible toilets
• Limited change facilities
• Difficult access to student services
• Inadequate support spaces
• Poor placement of accessible amenities

Addressing these issues can often improve overall user experience while helping institutions meet broader inclusion objectives.

Integrating Accessibility Within Heritage Buildings

Heritage buildings present unique challenges.

Many universities and schools occupy facilities that have significant architectural, cultural or historical value.

Institutions often need to balance:

• Conservation requirements
• Accessibility improvements
• Building performance
• Contemporary educational needs
• User expectations

This can require creative solutions that respect heritage significance while removing barriers to participation.

When managed effectively, accessibility and heritage outcomes can successfully coexist.

Accessibility Beyond Compliance

One of the most significant challenges is viewing accessibility solely as a compliance issue.

The most successful institutions recognise that accessibility contributes directly to:

• Student experience
• Inclusion
• Wellbeing
• Participation
• Campus culture

Projects often achieve stronger outcomes when accessibility is considered a design opportunity rather than a regulatory obligation.

This broader perspective helps create campuses that are not only compliant but genuinely welcoming and inclusive.

Taking a Campus-Wide View

Accessibility challenges rarely exist in isolation.

Improving a single building may not resolve broader connectivity issues across a campus.

Questions institutions should consider include:

• Can students access all key facilities?
• Are outdoor spaces inclusive?
• Is wayfinding intuitive?
• Are major destinations connected?
• Do accessibility improvements support future campus growth?

A campus-wide approach often delivers greater long-term value than isolated building upgrades.

Conclusion

Existing campus buildings can present a range of accessibility challenges, particularly when they were designed before contemporary expectations emerged.

However, these challenges also create opportunities.

By identifying barriers, prioritising improvements and adopting a strategic approach, institutions can create campuses that support greater inclusion, participation and equity.

Accessibility is not simply about meeting requirements.

It is about creating environments where every student, staff member and visitor can engage fully in campus life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do older campus buildings often present accessibility challenges?

Many older facilities were designed before contemporary accessibility standards existed, resulting in barriers related to circulation, amenities, wayfinding and participation.

Are heritage buildings exempt from accessibility improvements?

No. While heritage considerations may influence how changes are implemented, accessibility improvements can often be achieved through carefully designed solutions.

Is accessibility only about physical movement?

No. Accessibility also includes navigation, participation, communication, comfort and equitable access to learning and campus services.

Can accessibility improvements be undertaken in stages?

Yes. Many institutions implement accessibility upgrades progressively as part of broader campus renewal and capital works programmes.

What is the most effective way to improve accessibility across a campus?

A strategic, campus-wide approach that considers buildings, outdoor environments, circulation networks, wayfinding and student experience together often delivers the strongest outcomes.

Related Reading

• How Can Universities Improve Accessibility Without Major Reconstruction?
• Why Should Accessibility Be Considered Early in Education Projects?
• How Can Accessibility Improvements Enhance Student Experience?
• What Is Universal Design and Why Does It Matter in Education?
• How Can Heritage Buildings Support Contemporary Learning?

Planning an Accessibility Upgrade?

Whether you are reviewing an existing building, planning campus renewal works or developing a long-term accessibility strategy, HATZ can help identify barriers, prioritise improvements and create inclusive environments that support learning, participation and belonging.