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     3.3 Landscaped Spaces 3.3.1 Introduction     3.3.2 Physiological Aspect 3.3.3 Psychological Aspect 3.3.4 Social Aspect 3.3.5 Economical Aspect 3.3.6 Design Considerations for Landscaped Spaces 3.3.7 Sensory Gardens 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 3.3 Landscaped Spaces   3.3.1 Introduction     Accessibility to the natural and built environment is important and equal access should not be denied to anyone.   In Hong Kong, the Outline Zoning Plans provide a prime reference in basic provision of public and private open spaces, at both local and district-wide levels. Open spaces (Recreational Open Spaces) count as one of the statutory land use zones despite the fact that land is a very scarce resource with extremely high premium in Hong Kong1 (3.3.1a). Nevertheless, quality open spaces should be provided, free of charge and with unrestricted access, in diverse forms and different categories to cater for the widest spectrum of users. Quality landscaped spaces in cities enhance the urban environment, improve microclimate and contribute towards healthy living.   The external areas and open spaces in Hong Kong serve a wide spectrum of usage. The built up areas are densely populated, especially in the Kowloon peninsula where the population has already reached over 43,000 persons per square km in the year 2006.2 High quality external landscaped spaces serving various functions are much needed. Designing public open spaces is not simply about meeting statutory code requirements. In this section, the importance of universal accessibility in provision of public landscaped spaces will be discussed under four key aspects — physiological, psychological, social, and economical (3.3.1b).     3.3.1a  Provision level of open space for public use in Hong Kong   3.3.1b  Four important aspects in provision of public landscaped spaces and external areas   1 Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, Planning Department, the Hong Kong SAR Government 2 Census and Statistics Department, the Hong Kong SAR Government