Accessibility at Art Factory

Taidetehdas is conveniently located with good transport connections: it is easy to reach via pedestrian and cycling routes as well as by car. There is also a bus stop right next to the building.

The website provides arrival instructions to Taidetehdas in Finnish, Swedish, and English.

There are accessible parking spaces in two locations within the parking garage. This assessment focused on the spaces next to the door leading to Taidetehdas, which are signposted from other accessible spots.

Upon entering the garage, a sign with a wheelchair symbol directs drivers to the accessible spaces. Lighting at these spaces is dim, especially at the one furthest from the door. The parking spaces are narrow: 2,450 mm wide and approximately 4,730 mm long (angled).

Parking is free for two hours. Registration is required at a machine, with the top buttons at a height of 1,270 mm—usable from a wheelchair.

The door from the garage to the elevator opens with a push button when entering and with a motion sensor when returning. The door remains open for 25 seconds, is 900 mm wide, and has no threshold.

Aleksanterintori Entrance

This entrance is clearly distinguishable from its surroundings. Automatic doors with motion sensors are easy to use and respond to users of different heights, including those in wheelchairs. There is no significant threshold, and wheelchairs move smoothly over the entrance mat.

Läntinen Aleksanterinkatu Entrance

The automatic doors function similarly to those at Aleksanterintori. The flooring is the same at both entrances. Outside the Western Aleksanterinkatu doors is a 2,780 mm wide asphalt platform ending in a 100 mm high curb.

The curb separates the entrance from the pedestrian route. The platform has sloped ends, allowing step-free access.

Kauppakuja Entrance

The elevator is right next to this entrance, but the entrance is not fully accessible. There is a concrete threshold in front of the door, partially broken, with a maximum height of about 24 mm.

There is a gap of up to 60 mm between the entrance mat and the threshold. The door has push buttons on both sides and stays open for 25 seconds. The doorway is 860 mm wide.

The lobby floor is non-reflective and non-slip. Lighting is even. A tactile guidance strip for the visually impaired runs through the lobby and foyer.

The stairs to the restaurant’s WC have a designated attention area with contrast tape and tactile markers.

From the main lobby, the foyer on the first floor is accessible via a ramp with a 5% incline, handrail, and guardrail (with a gap). Alternatively, there are three steps with yellow contrast markings.

Most signs use a clear sans-serif font with sufficient contrast between text and background. The material is matte. Font sizes vary, with uppercase letters at least 50 mm tall.

Symbols and braille are also used. WC signs are correctly placed next to the door on the opening side and are readable from a wheelchair.

A tactile map of Taidetehdas is available in the lobby, with text in Finnish, Swedish, English, and braille.

Various maps are located near entrances. Vestibules at Aleksanterintori and Western Aleksanterinkatu entrances have maps showing entrances, elevators, and stairs.

Outside the Kauppakuja entrance is a more detailed map showing specific rooms and their functions. A similar map is located near the drop-off parking area. Outdoor maps are not illuminated.

Floor directories are located near and inside the elevator.

Accessible WC near Läntinen Aleksanterinkatu Entrance

Directly accessible from the lobby. The sign is properly placed with good contrast and braille. There is ample space outside and inside the door. The door opens easily with one hand and has a beveled threshold suitable for wheeled aids.

Accessible WC in the Foyer

Located at the back of the foyer. Marked with a ceiling-hung sign. The door opens easily and has a 20 mm threshold. Inside, there is a 420 mm horizontal handle at 870 mm height. The turning space is 1,600 mm. Lighting is even and controlled by a switch.

Second Floor WC Facilities

There are two WCs in the second-floor lobby, one marked as accessible. It is always open and directly accessible from the upper lobby. The sign is properly placed with contrast and braille.

The doorway is 900 mm wide. There is a 1,600 mm turning space outside and ample space inside. The door opens easily with one hand and has a 20 mm threshold. Inside is a 420 mm horizontal handle at 870 mm height.

There is an emergency cord reachable from the seat but not the floor. The sink has 680 mm of clearance underneath and is usable from a wheelchair. Toilet paper holders are on the support rails. Coat hooks are at 1,250 mm height. Lighting is even and motion-activated.

Lighting is even and sufficient. Surfaces are non-reflective. There are several backless benches (450 mm high) and tall round tables (110 mm high). Coat racks may be difficult to use from a wheelchair.

Accessed through the lunch restaurant. Signage is placed high.

The elevator has automatic doors and stops precisely, with no threshold or gap over 30 mm. The cabin is 1,500 mm wide and 2,800 mm deep, allowing turning with wheeled aids. The doorway is 1,300 mm wide. Controls are at 900–1,060 mm height. There is a handrail and a mirror at 900 mm. No seat is provided.

Buttons have raised numbers. The exit button is green-bordered, and the alarm button is marked in yellow.

The main staircase to the second floor is centrally located in the foyer.

There are 32 steps, with a landing after 15 steps (1,490 mm long). Step height is 165 mm, depth 300 mm. No protruding edges. Contrast strips mark the edges. At the top, a tactile warning area begins 810 mm before the first step and ends 500 mm after.

Handrails on both sides are 900 mm high, rounded, and continuous. At the top, the handrail extends 170 mm beyond the first step.

The material is non-reflective. Lighting is even, though dim at the top.

There is also a spiral staircase near the elevator, not included in this assessment.

Porvoo Art Hall is an accessible exhibition space with rotating exhibitions. It also houses the Konsta art lending service and the Yrjö A. Jäntti art collection.

The double doors are always fully open during opening hours. There are no thresholds or additional doors. The floor is flat, non-reflective, and non-slip.

The exhibition catalog and guestbook are on a 710 mm high table with legroom for wheelchair users.

There is a backless bench (450 mm high) and a soft chair with backrest (430 mm high) in the Jäntti collection.

The Konsta space may be difficult to navigate with large mobility aids due to shelves and tables, but the exhibition areas have ample floor space.

Located outside the Art Hall, open during Taidetehdas opening hours.

The exhibition space consists of the second-floor lobby walls. It is fully accessible and easy to navigate with wheeled aids. Accessible via elevator or stairs.

There is a 450 mm high backless bench next to a railing and a 430 mm high table with a guestbook and brochures.

Lighting in the second-floor lobby is uneven but sufficient in the gallery area.

A step-free route leads from the second-floor lobby to the Studio, which includes two classrooms (music and visual arts). Only the route was assessed.

A floor marking labeled “Studio” continues with diamond shapes leading to the Studio. No tactile markings for the visually impaired, but good contrast.

The first ramp section is 5% inclined, 2,650 mm wide, with smooth, non-reflective surface and handrails on both sides.

Glass railings have metal supports for contrast. The ramp overlooks the ground floor foyer.

At the end is a door kept open during the day (860 mm wide). The ramp turns 90° and continues at 1,630 mm width with 8% incline, a landing, and handrails. A stroller space is marked on the floor.

The corridor continues with furniture. Wide sofas reduce the usable width to 960 mm. The route turns, but floor markings remain clear.

At the end is a heavy manually operated door requiring about 50 newtons of force, with a 22 mm threshold. Another door with a threshold leads into the Studio. Outside is a stair landing with stairs right next to the heavy door.