2.1 Universal Accessibility
2.1.1 Introduction
The concept of Universal Design forms the backbone of Universal Accessibility. It is a design approach to a universally accessible standard in which all products, environments and communications will allow for the widest spectrum of people in our communities regardless of diversity, age and ability.

2.1.2 Inaccessible design > Disabled Access > Barrier-Free Access > Universal Design
Universal design requires a quantum leap in thinking from the concept of barrier-free access or disabled access. It is a positive approach of design to achieve an inclusive integral design that is not only accessible by the widest possible array of users based on their abilities but the solutions would also be beneficial to most of the users. Unlike disabled access or barrier-free access design, universal design is not about designing specialized features for access, it is a common practice design approach for achieving good and sustainable architectural accessibility.

2.1.3 Universal Design Approach
Universal design provides barrier-free environment allowing for the inclusion of the widest possible array of people of all diversity, age, ability or disability. It is recognized that universal design is not designing for “all” but for the widest spectrum of users.

2.1.4 Travel chain analysis
In order to achieve universal design accessibility, the complete travel chain must be considered from the person’s flat to the street; to the public transportation; on the transport vehicle; to the drop off point; to the destination building; inside the destination building to the room where the intended function would take place; and finally the function itself.

The whole effort spreads across different parts of the built environment designed by different disciplines. Architects safeguard the most important parts of all – the two ends of the travel chain – the departure points and the destinations. It is essential that the mini travel chains within each building are accessible. This mini travel chain would probably involve:

drop-off point > approach > main entrance > lobby information> lift or escalator or staircase > upper lift lobby > corridor > internal door > room > intended function > toilet > return route > exit

After gaining access to the right place inside the building, it is most important to enable the intended function to be performed.

Some provisions for persons with disability are covered in the Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 1997 to address the requirements, such as the obligatory requirements for wheelchair space in auditorium; low public services counter; disabled toilet, induction loop for auditorium; and the recommended requirements for low level switches, high position socket outlets, etc. However, some provisions in buildings are not covered, for example, there is no specific mention of requirements for accessible drinking fountain and access to auditorium stage.