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   3.1.5.1 Visual   3.1.5.2 Auditory       3.1.5.3 Olfactory   3.1.5.4 Tactile 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 3.1.5 Sensory and Psychological Needs     Sensory cues along a travel path can make the journey more interesting and can enrich the users’ overall experience of the open space (3.1.5a). They can also serve as useful reference points and help users in way finding and orientation.       3.1.5a  Accessible route enhanced by different species of planting       3.1.5.1 Visual     (a) Use rich combinations of colours and forms, together with carefully selected soft landscaping (3.1.5.1a). (b) Provide elements with visual contrast to facilitate identification and way finding (3.1.5.1b). (c) The entire travel path should be well lit and inviting to all users, such that they would feel safe even travelling at night time.         3.1.5.1a  Soft landscaping along travel routes can create visual and textural contrasts to the hard surfaces   3.1.5.1b  Visual signage on the pavement can add interest to the travel path       3.1.5.2 Auditory     (a) Provide sound-generating elements such as water features and wind chimes along the travel path to help users find their way and identify points of reference within an open space (3.1.5.2a and 3.1.5.2b).         3.1.5.2a  Sculpture capturing the sound of falling rain   3.1.5.2b  Wind chimes integrated into architectural features