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     3.10.2 Maintenance and Continuous Improvement     If timely repair and maintenance cannot be carried out, then appropriate temporary diversion or protective measures should be provided to prevent the damaged facilities from becoming a hazard to users (3.10.2a). People should be warned to keep away from facilities awaiting repair and maintenance. During the time of repair or closure of a facility, alternative temporary provisions should be arranged for continuous service and operation.   Measures should be taken to guard against misuse or improper change in use of an accessible facility. For instance, toilets for persons with disabilities should not be used as storage rooms.   To ensure proper and continuous functioning of building services like call buttons, regular re-testing and commissioning procedures should be performed.   As for outdoor installations, discoloration is a common defect found due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Timely replacement and maintenance of the discoloured items is essential, especially for maintaining the required colour contrast.   Different and new requirements may arise as time goes by. Continuous assessment of a facility based on the users’ needs would allow the facility to become more sustainable. This can be done, for example, by means of user surveys to collect new suggestions and ideas.   Regular review and audit is a proactive way of maintaining facilities in an effective and efficient manner. Special attention should be paid in updating any new information on directory signs. In addition, as products and materials become available in the market, new technologies should be considered for continuous improvement and sustainability.   Accessibility improvements to facilities can add value and encourage wider usage by people with different needs; sometimes even subtle enhancements may be very helpful to certain users (3.10.2b and 3.10.2c).       3.10.2a  Damaged areas should be properly fenced off and the travel path properly re-diverted                 3.10.2b  Accidents can happen anytime anywhere   3.10.2c  Addition of adequate signage can help in preventing accidents