Public transport systems are one of the most important lifelines of modern cities and it is ensured that they are accessible to everyone, may it be the average citizens or people with disabilities, it is a cornerstone of design that should be equally useful for everyone.
Have you ever wondered why those yellow tiles are patched on the floor of the metro and railway stations in your city and what they are used for? People often think that they may be used for increasing their grip while walking and catching trains in a hurry. But this is not true.
What are these yellow tiles?
These tiles are also known as
tactile tiles
, which are an essential feature that helps visually impaired passengers in walking through the stations safely and independently. Apart from
tactile paving
, metro systems and railway stations are equipped with a range of other facilities to support individuals with special needs, reaffirming the commitment to inclusivity.
Where did these tiles originate?
Tactile paving, also known as “Braille blocks” or “Tenji blocks,” was invented in 1965 by Seiichi Miyake in Japan. Originally designed to help visually impaired pedestrians identify safe pathways and detect hazards like curbs or intersections, this first appeared in Okayama City in 1967. The concept quickly became globally recognised and has become a must present feature in public spaces, especially transportation hubs.
The design of tactile paving has two basic patterns, including straight lines, which guide individuals along safe paths, and circular dots, which signal caution or stopping points, such as near the edge of a platform. It
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