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   3.3.2.1 Sunlight and Shade       3.3.2.2 Inclement Weather and Shelter   3.3.2.3 Visual Relief 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 3.3.2 Physiological Aspect   3.3.2.1 Sunlight and Shade     Open outdoor space is much treasured by city dwellers (3.3.2.1a). Contact with nature is everyone’s natural desire to a certain extent.   Fresh air and natural sunlight is vital for one’s health and well-being. Nevertheless, in a city where ground-level radiation and glare can be very intense due to various factors, direct over-exposure to UV radiation can cause harm to the skin and eyes.   Due to global warming, protection from direct sunlight is essential for people doing either passive or active outdoor activities. In Hong Kong, average temperatures in the summer often exceed 31°C in the daytime and 28°C at night, with very high humidity3.   Shaded areas created by trees are often very popular spots for people to stay or rest under on a hot sunny day (3.3.2.1b). Shading can also be provided by other landscape elements such as pergolas and trellises planted with climbers and/or vines (3.3.2.1c). Besides having visual merits, greening effect of vegetative covers also has environmental benefits.   3 Local climatological information from Hong Kong Observatory, the Hong Kong SAR Government         3.3.2.1a  Opportunity to sunbathe on a lawn in a built-up city is highly treasured by city dwellers   3.3.2.1b  On a hot sunny day, people often prefer staying under tree shading                     3.3.2.1c  Pergola and trellis with vegetation provide sunshading effect