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 3.2 Connectivity and Interfacing Elements 3.2.1 Introduction 3.2.2 Access Strategy and Planning 3.2.3 Connection and Transition     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 3.2.4 Sensory and Psychological Needs     A sense of disorientation may sometimes occur when one passes from one space to the next. The careful planning of connecting and interfacing areas can help all users to orientate themselves and better utilize such transitional facilities. Universal accessibility concepts should be incorporated into the planning design such that travel continuity would not be broken at the interfacing areas.   The interfacing areas can be greatly enhanced if sensory considerations are integrated into the design of those spaces. Sensory enhancements such as natural lighting, soft landscaping, water features, tactile sculptures, even if subtly introduced, may turn ordinary transitional spaces into special places of interest (3.2.4a, 3.2.4b, and 3.2.4c).     3.2.4a  Water feature at open plaza       3.2.4b  Greenery planted along both sides of a connecting ramp greatly enhances the journey   3.2.4c  A wide covered walkway enhanced with soft landscaping and natural sunlight penetrating from the top