Thomas J. Hinshaw

October 28, 2002

Dear Access Board,

NASA has had problems with the present design which architects have been using. The problem is that the current design that most architects have been specifying use brick with raised domes on them or concrete which has been embossed. During snow removal operations these raised domes are sheared off the by the snow plows. This creates a maintenance problem for us. We are constantly replacing the brick or cutting out the concrete. I have discussed this issue with local communities, they have experienced similar problems. As an alternative, for colder climates, we would like to suggest an alternative solution which is illustrated on the attached file. This is a much more cost effective solution for federal, state and local governments, which have fewer and fewer maintenance dollars to work with. Also, in addition to the drawings, the concrete can be dyed to provide a contrast.

We have tested this design with visually impaired personnel and have found it met there needs.

Would the Board consider this an acceptable alternative and consider publishing it in the standards?

Respectfully Submitted,

Thomas J. Hinshaw, Architect
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
John H. Glenn Research Center