ASD - Universal Accessibility for External Areas, Open Spaces and Green Spaces

3.	Best Practices and Guidelines

3.1	Access Route

3.2	Connectivity and Interfacing Elements
3.2.1	Introduction
3.2.2	Access Strategy and Planning

3.2.3	Connection and Transition
3.2.3.1	Spatial Changes
3.2.3.2	Horizontal and Vertical Movements
3.2.3.3	Access from Transport Facilities
3.2.3.4	Urban Squares, Plazas and Other Open Spaces
3.2.3.5	Use of Reference Points

3.2.4	Sensory and Psychological Needs

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

3.2.3	Connection and Transition

3.2.3.1	Spatial Changes

A user may experience many spatial changes along a travel path, which could be an enriching experience if such changes are well planned and suitably connected. Linkages and transitional spaces should not form obstacles to users. Attention should be paid to the following when designing interfacing areas:

(a)	As with all walkways, the ground surfaces of all interfacing areas should be firm and slip-resistant.
(b)	Junction between the different floor surfaces should be levelled; any gaps or expansion joints between different materials should not exceed 13mm wide.
(c)	Where tactile guide paths are provided, they should continue from one area to the next along the travel route to maintain the continuity (3.2.3.1a). If there is a change in the use of way finding tool, adequate notice should be provided to alert users to such change.
(d)	If a pathway leads to a spatial change or a change in level, e.g., from a narrow walkway to an open playground or from an outdoor walkway to a subway, directional cues such as signage, kerbs, handrails, etc. should be provided at strategic locations to maintain travel continuity for the user (3.2.3.1b and 3.2.3.1c). This is particular important for visually impaired users to continue along the travel path to reach their destination.
(e)	Signage for way finding and orientation should be provided at key junctions to clearly indicate directions. Visual, audio and tactile information should be provided as appropriate (3.2.3.1d).
(f)	Texture, colour and pattern of the change in floor surfaces, as well as the lighting effect on the floor surface, should not be too sudden as to cause hazard or discomfort to users (3.2.3.1e).
(g)	Change in illumination levels between one space and the next should not be abrupt, as the eye requires some time to adjust to the change in lighting levels (3.2.3.1f). For example, the lighting change should be very gradual at the transition zones between a tunnel and its open ends. For details on best practices with regard to lighting, refer to Section 3.8 — Lighting.


3.2.3.1a Tactile guide path continuing from walkway to a link bridge		3.2.3.1b Tactile guide path leading from external area to an accessible directory and other destinations


3.2.3.1c Handrails as directional cues to aid users to continue along their travel path at a spatial transition point		3.2.3.1d Multi-media signage for way finding at key junctions to indicate direction


3.2.3.1e Busy floor patterns combined with lighting effect can cause discomfort and hazard to users travelling on the staircase		3.2.3.1f Abrupt illumination level changes between different spaces should be avoided