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 3.2 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 3.10.1 Sustainability of Universal Accessibility Concept     3.10.2 Maintenance and Continuous Improvement 3.10 Management and Maintenance   3.10.1 Sustainability of Universal Accessibility Concept     Upon completion of a facility, the design intent can only be realized and sustained if the universal accessibility concept is applied in the management and maintenance aspects as well. For example, a signage, no matter how user-friendly, cannot serve its purpose at night if the nearby lighting is out of order and not repaired. A handrail cannot offer a good and firm grip if it is not cleaned promptly after rainfall. The importance of management and maintenance is of no less priority than the design elements.   The successful implementation of universal design concepts throughout the life span of the facility depends very much on the awareness and participation of the client, users and maintenance agent. To start with, a user manual or an operational manual is a useful tool for conveying universal accessibility concepts and elements to the concerned personnel. A good management plan is essential for the staff to follow and it can also be used for auditing and review purposes.   To preserve the elements for sustained use, there are 2 ‘Not’s and 3 ‘R’s suggested for the client, users and maintenance agent to follow:   Do Not cover up Do Not obstruct (3.10.1a and 3.10.1b) Regular checking Repair promptly Replace when necessary     The items to be included in a maintenance plan depend on the individual facility. For example, the operational requirements during different times of the day and different weather conditions could be considered.   The plan could outline the actions required for the following circumstances:   Daytime Night time Fine weather Inclement weather, i.e., during and after rainfall, thunderstorms, and typhoons.   In external and open space designs, elements that enhance universal accessibility may often be integrated into the environment and hence unnoticeable. Elements like Braille signs, tactile warning strips, or low-level drinking fountains are examples of universal accessibility elements requiring preservation and maintenance. The more intangible elements such as the minimum required clear widths of pathways, or wheelchair spaces beside seating benches also require maintenance, especially during times of alteration and repair works or temporary fencing off of certain areas.     3.10.1a  Obstruction to tactile guide path   3.10.1b  Travel path should be diverted when maintenance work is being carried out