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     3.1.6 Elements along a Travel Path   3.1.6.1 Access 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 3.1.6 Elements along a Travel Path   3.1.6.1 Access Elements along a Travel Path     Access elements encountered along a travel path should facilitate access to all users instead of hindering it. Such elements should therefore be properly designed to incorporate the best practices, or at the very least designed to statutory requirements. All the provisions can be easily incorporated at the design stage, but if they are not considered at an early stage, costly additions and/or abortive works may result.   Some provisions that are considered essential by users with disabilities, but are commonly found missing, are listed below for designers’ attention.   Access elements Commonly Missed Provisions   Walkways (3.1.6.1a) accessible ramp at change in levels   tactile guide path with colour contrast   proper protection where there are obstructions       3.1.6.1a  An accessible route should be provided where there is a change in levels       Stairs and steps railing of the required diameter on both sides (3.1.6.1b,3.1.6.1c,3.1.6.1d) Braille on railing for direction purpose   300mm horizontal extension at ends of handrail   tactile warning at the top and bottom of the flight of steps   nosings with colour contrast   colour contrast between the steps and the wall along the steps         3.1.6.1b  Adequate railings and nosing with colour contrast should be provided at stairs and steps   3.1.6.1c  The steps should be provided with nosings with colour contrast                   3.1.6.1d  Staircase with tactile warning strips, railings on both sides and Braille on the railing horizontal extension       Ramps (3.1.6.1e) colour contrast between the ramp surface and the wall along the ramp   railing of the required diameter on both sides   Braille on railing for direction purpose,   tactile warning at head and foot of the ramp   required clear space at head and foot of ramp       3.1.6.1e  Ramp with tactile warning strips, railings on both ides, and colour contrast between the ramp surface and the surrounding walls       Dropped kerbs (3.1.6.1f) tactile warning   colour contrast       3.1.6.1f  Dropped kerb having colour contrast with the adjacent pavement       Lifts and platform lifts (3.1.6.1g) arrival gong (different signals indicating up/down directions) audible signal inside lift car   tactiles leading to lift       3.1.6.1g  Signage and tactile strips leading to an accessible lift       Escalators and tactiles at top and bottom travelators (3.1.6.1h) audible signal indicating access direction   colour contrast at edge of steps       3.1.6.1h  Tactile warning strips and audible signals at escalators       Railings & handrails height of handrail between 850mm to 950mm   Signage (3.1.6.1i) clear signage indicating an accessible barrier free entrance   tactile map/directory   international symbol in white on blue background for accessible facilities       3.1.6.1i  Accessible building entrance clearly identified by the international symbol of accessibility