Accessibility is also designed on the walls: color, contrast, texture and lighting help people understand a space, find entrances and follow a route effortlessly. Beyond ramps and elevators, well-chosen wall coverings distinguish zones, create landmarks and improve the legibility of signage, without competing with aesthetics.
This content is part of our construction magazine for the Americas, within the editorial line dedicated to architecture and design.
The article is based on the approach of CORSETTI, a company specializing in interior and exterior wall coverings with a presence in Panama and Venezuela.
You can also read the version published in the August 2026 issue of ConstructHUBS magazine (in Spanish).
A space must be understandable
Walking into a building and knowing intuitively where to go seems simple, but it depends on design decisions. Changes in color, materials or finishes help separate reception, circulation, waiting areas, rooms or halls visually. A different wall can become a landmark.
Contrast and signage
Contrast is key in signage. The U.S. ADA accessibility standards, for example, require visual characters to contrast with their background and use non-glare finishes, and note that higher contrast improves legibility for people with low vision. Aesthetics and accessibility do not have to compete.
Every space calls for a different solution
A hospital does not have the same needs as a hotel, nor a school those of an office or a residence for older adults. When choosing a wall covering, consider:
- Traffic and use of the space.
- Maintenance and durability.
- Lighting.
- The user profile.
For example, CORSETTI offers a CONTRACT wallpaper line for high-traffic spaces such as offices, hospitals, schools, restaurants and shopping centers, as well as wall coverings and decorative paneling.
Think about accessibility from the start
Accessibility should not arrive at the end as a checklist. Considered from the start, it integrates naturally into architecture and interior design: color, lighting, contrast, signage, materials and textures form a single experience. Within the DALCO universal accessibility criteria, this corresponds to location and communication.
Frequently asked questions
How does color help accessibility?
It distinguishes zones, marks entrances and creates landmarks that make orientation easier, especially for people with low vision or cognitive impairment.
Why avoid glossy finishes on signage?
Because glare makes reading harder; ADA standards recommend non-glare finishes.
