When space planning an open office with modular furniture, what is the corridor width needed for two people to pass?

The standard clear width for a corridor that allows two people to pass comfortably, and more importantly, allows for the passage of two wheelchair users, is 60 inches [1524 mm]. This dimension is a fundamental requirement for accessible routes in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. While two ambulatory individuals can pass in a slightly narrower space, commercial environments like open offices must be designed for universal accessibility. Therefore, major circulation paths are planned to this 60-inch standard to ensure safe and efficient movement for all occupants, including those using mobility devices.

A. 32"-35" [813-889 mm]: This width is the minimum clear opening for a single doorway, not a corridor for two people to pass.

B. 36"-38" [914-965 mm]: This is the minimum required clear width for a single wheelchair user to travel along an accessible route.

C. 42"-54" [1067-1372 mm]: This range may accommodate two ambulatory people passing but is not sufficient for two wheelchair users and does not meet the standard for main accessible routes.

1. U.S. Department of Justice. (2010). 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Section 403.5.1 establishes the minimum clear width for a walking surface as 36 inches. However

the standard for two wheelchairs passing

which is the governing requirement for main corridors

is established in related sections concerning passing space. Section 403.5.2 specifies that passing spaces must be at least 60 inches by 60 inches

indicating 60 inches is the benchmark width for two-way wheelchair traffic.

2. Panero

J.

& Zelnik

M. (1979). Human Dimension & Interior Space: A Source Book of Design Reference Standards. Whitney Library of Design. On page 131

the diagram "Circulation: Wheelchairs" explicitly states that the minimum width for "Two wheelchairs passing" is 60 inches (152.5 cm).

3. Ching

F. D. K.

& Binggeli

C. (2018). Interior Design Illustrated (5th ed.). Wiley. In Chapter 4

"Circulation

" the text and diagrams illustrate that while a major corridor for two people walking is 4'-6" to 6'-0" (54" to 72")

a corridor for two wheelchairs to pass requires a minimum of 5'-0" (60").