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

3. Best Practices and Guidelines     3.1 Access Route 3.1.1 Introduction     3.1.2 Design Considerations 3.1.3 Surface Treatment 3.1.4 Surface Drainage 3.1.5 Sensory and Psychological Needs 3.1.6 Elements along a Travel Path 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 3.1 Access Route     3.1.1 Introduction     Accessibility is one of the most important factors to consider when designing a built environment. If a space is to serve the widest spectrum of users, it must be accessible to everyone. Therefore it is vital that an access strategy is formulated in the early stages of the design and accessibility considerations are incorporated into the overall planning.   In the design of external spaces, all the elements encountered along a travel path must be carefully considered such that all users, regardless of their abilities, can travel on their journey safely and independently. The various nodes, points of interest, facilities and services that are designed along that travel path should also be accessible. An early development of an access plan is therefore essential to identify the accessibility requirements along the travel path.   For guidelines on developing an access plan, refer to Section 6.1.3 of “Universal Accessibility — Best Practices and Guidelines”.