1.1.3 Initiative
of Architectural Services Department
People with different abilities are part of
our community. They, like all others are entitled to play
an active role in the community life. Thus, the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region Government has encouraged community
care and integration. With these two initiatives which coincide
with current philosophy in “Universal Design”,
notions of diversity in design and caring for people of all
ages and abilities are promoted. The needs of a wider spectrum
of people are addressed by inclusive design. In consideration
of higher public expectations, changing population profile
and to facilitate better access opportunities, the Architectural
Services Department (ArchSD) has set up a working group to
study the issues and prepare a paper on the subject. |
1.3
Study Methods
The study makes reference to Legislation
and Standards in Hong Kong, Universal Design concept as
well as local and overseas examples. Visits have been made
to a number of completed projects. A comprehensive study
and user feedback survey of one public building and one
open space project have been conducted. Meetings are held
with user groups to review accessibility requirements and
user needs. Professionals such as occupational therapist
and architect working in the field to improve access for
the people with disabilities and to promote Universal Design
concept have also been interviewed.
To further illustrate the best practices on
universal accessibility, a photo gallery consisting of good
local and overseas examples has been established on ArchSD’s
intranet for easy reference and some examples have been
incorporated into this study paper.
The study focuses on generic issues. Findings
and design guidelines have been documented.
Based on the feedback from the users during
the surveys and the interviews, together with the reappraisal
of completed ArchSD projects, indicators for continual improvements
have been established. Best practices and guidelines are
now recommended. They would be useful tools to assist designers,
administrators, operators and users in achieving the objectives
for universal accessibility in future projects. |