Contents ----------------- Preface ----------------- Introduction 1.1 Background 1.2 The Development of “Universal Accessibility” 1.3 Objectives 1.4 Study Methods and Framework ----------------- Universal Accessibility in the Built Environment 2.1 The Challenge in Hong Kong 2.2 Aging Population 2.3 Universal Accessibility in External Areas, Open Spaces and Green Spaces 2.4 Major Issues 2.5 The Way Forward ----------------- Best Practices and Guidelines 3.1 Access Route 3.2 Connectivity and Interfacing Elements 3.3 Landscaped Spaces 3.4 Furniture, Equipment and Fittings 3.5 Way Finding, Orientation and Signage 3.6 Detectable Surfaces 3.7 Colour and Luminous Contrast 3.8 Lighting 3.9 Safety 3.10 Management and Maintenance ----------------- Photo Gallery 4.1 Access Route 4.2 Connectivity and Interfacing Elements 4.3 Landscaped Spaces 4.4 Furniture, Equipment and Fittings 4.5 Way Finding, Orientation and Signage 4.6 Detectable Surfaces 4.7 Colour and Luminous Contrast 4.8 Lighting ----------------- Appendices A1 Case Study 1 - Rehabilitation Complex in Wong Chuk Hang A2 Case Study 2 - An External Public Space in Ma On Shan ----------------- Acknowledgements ----------------- References ----------------- View or Download PDF

1. Introduction     1.1 Background 1.2 The Development of "Universal Accessibility" 1.3 Objectives 1.4 Study Methods and Framework 1.4 Study Methods and Framework     The study makes use of the following methods to review the existing provisions and aims to provide further insight for readers in their future designs on universal accessibility:   Exchanges with non-governmental organisations (NGO); Idea workshops with a rehabilitation complex; User feedback on completed projects; Survey reports issued by NGOs from their on-site checking of accessibility in the community; Technical and field study of parks, open spaces, urban spaces, gardens, rehabilitation gardens, country parks, recreation spaces, beach facilities, children’s playgrounds, sitting-out spaces, linkage between public transport terminus and buildings, linkage in hospitals, tourist attraction spots, barbecue sites, school sensory gardens, promenades, nature reserves; Reference to international standards and overseas examples.   The study report includes review of existing provisions, ideas for improvement, design guidelines and best practices. In addition, to illustrate the best practices on universal accessibility, a photo gallery consisting of good local and overseas examples has been incorporated for reference. Case studies of a rehabilitation complex and an external public space have been carried out to examine the existing provisions, lessons learnt and the key issues of forward planning for a barrier free environment.