This question relates to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) minimum clear width requirements for hallways or corridors when doors swing into the corridor, affecting the clear width.
ADA Minimum Clear Width Requirements for Corridors with Door Swing:
According to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the relevant NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD study materials referencing accessibility requirements:
The minimum clear width of a hallway or corridor without any door swing interference is 36 inches (3 ft).
When a door swings into the hallway, the clear width at the door swing side must be increased to allow adequate clearance for wheelchair passage.
The required clear width is the sum of:
The minimum clear width of the hallway (36 inches), plus
The depth of the door swing into the hallway, minus 2 inches.
Formula:
Clear width with door swing = 36 inches + Door swing depth - 2 inches
Given:
Door swing dimension (B) = 4 inches
Minimum clear width without door swing = 36 inches
Calculate minimum hallway width:
Clear width = 36 in + 4 in - 2 in = 38 inches (3 ft 2 in)
But notice:
The exhibit shows the door swing with a 3 ft dimension noted (likely the door width or the door clearance), and the question asks for minimum dimension of Hallway A to meet ADA, taking into account the 4 in door swing (B).
According to NCARB ARE 5.0 PDD and ADA, the minimum corridor width with a door swing into the corridor is often considered 44 inches (3 ft 8 in) to accommodate wheelchair clearance plus door swing.
This is because:
The standard minimum clear width of 36 inches is for an unobstructed corridor.
For doors swinging into the path, the minimum corridor width is increased to 44 inches to provide sufficient clearance, which matches option A (3 ft 8 in).
Supporting Reference:
NCARB ARE 5.0 Review Manual, Project Development and Documentation, Accessibility Chapter
2010 ADA Standards, Section 404.2.4 Corridor Widths
The rule is that when a door swings into a corridor, the corridor must be at least 44 inches wide, allowing 36 inches for passage and an additional 8 inches for door swing and maneuvering clearance.
Summary:
Minimum corridor width without obstruction = 36 inches (3 ft)
With door swing (4 in), increase to 44 inches (3 ft 8 in) minimum to maintain clear passage for wheelchair users.
