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   3.1.2.1 Dimension   3.1.2.2 Layout   3.1.2.3 Travel Path   3.1.2.4 Safety     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 3.1.2 Design Considerations   3.1.2.1 Dimension     (a) An access route should be wide enough to allow at least two wheelchair users to pass through, i.e., at least 1500mm wide. For best practice, a minimum width of 2000mm is recommended for walkways in open spaces such as parks, gardens, and squares (3.1.1a). (b) A clear height of at least 2200mm should be maintained along the walkway. (c) A clearance space of at least 600mm should be allowed next to tactile guide paths or other detectable cues for cane users to manoeuvre safely along the path (3.1.1b).     3.1.1a  Access route with soft landscaping on both sides   3.1.1b  Clear access route free of obstructions and provided with tactile guide path 3.1.2.2 Layout     (a) A clear and simple layout with well-defined routes, zones, and special nodes should be adopted where possible. This would allow users to find their way and travel along the access route more easily. A highly complex layout, even with signage provided, may confuse the users. (b) The entire access route should be kept unobstructed and well lit. Street furniture should be setback and kept outside the travel path. Overhangs, tree branches, planters, etc. in parks and gardens should be properly maintained such that they do not encroach onto the travel path (3.1.2.2a). (c) An access route should be levelled as far as possible. Where changes in levels are unavoidable, such changes should be clearly identified to alert the users (3.1.2.2b). Refer to Section 3.6 — Detectable Surfaces.     3.1.2.2a  Street furniture setback from the access route   3.1.2.2b  Change in levels clearly identified with tactile warning strips