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New Mexico Zia

While designing this south-facing ramp to match the Southwestern motif so indigenous to this region, I kept several features in mind. Because of the harsh environment here, I avoided using wood as building material. The few wood posts so utilized are of visual purport only, not at all structural in use. And because they are merely bolted to an existing steel support post, they can easily be removed, either permanently or for replacement. The steel grating utilized in the ramp's base allowed snow, ice, and dirt to fall through, yet the openings were small enough to support someone's cane or high heels if necessary. We sprayed everything with rust-proof paint, matching the adobe color. The safety attributes include 4" lips on each side to keep my wheelchair from tipping over, plus the Zia symbols so integrated in the side railing had openings either too large or too small in which a child's head might get stuck. (Note: ADA recommendations do not apply to private residences.)

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