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   3.1.4.1 Effective Drainage on Walkways   3.1.4.2 Surface Channels       3.1.4.3 Floor Drains   3.1.4.4 Raised Flooring/Decking 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 3.1.4 Surface Drainage   3.1.4.1 Effective Drainage on Walkways     (a) In an external space, the effective drainage of rainwater on the ground surface is crucial. Water accumulation on the walkway surface is not only a nuisance but is also a serious hazard. (b) Surface channels and drains on walkways should be positioned away from tactile guide paths and other essential markings on the walkway surface so that they do not obstruct each other (3.1.4.1a). (c) Attention should be paid to the drainage fall direction to avoid water ponding near tactile guide paths and/or other detectable cues (3.1.4.1b).         3.1.4.1a  Drainage channels positioned along edge of the walkway, away from tactile guide path   3.1.4.1b  Water ponding along tactile cue on walkway is hazardous to users       3.1.4.2 Surface Channels     (a) Channel covers must be securely fixed, flush with the adjacent walkway surface, and be made of non-slip material (3.1.4.2a). (b) The slots in the channel cover gratings as well as the gap between grating segments should be less than 13mm wide so as to avoid trapping wheelchairs and canes. (c) Cover grating slots should run perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel (3.1.4.2b). (d) Uncovered surface channels and open dish channels should be avoided on accessible walkways (3.1.4.2c). (e) Attention should be paid to the location of channels on the walkway. The surface channel should preferably be located to the side of the walkway, levelled with the floor surface, and not be located in the centre of the path, as it will be hazardous to users (3.1.4.2d).         3.1.4.2a  Channel covers flush with adjacent floor surfaces with slots less than 13mm wide   3.1.4.2b  Slots of channel cover grating perpendicular to direction of travel                     3.1.4.2c  Uncovered surface channels on accessible routes are hazardous and should be avoided   3.1.4.2d  Surface channels should be levelled with the adjacent floor surface. Uneven floor surface in the centre of a walkway is hazardous to users