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 3.3.2.2 Inclement Weather and Shelter     Protection from inclement weather is important when one is outdoors.   During the monsoon season, local weather can be very unpredictable and severe rainstorms can occur within a very short period of time (3.3.2.2a). There are also other natural forces such as lightning, thunderstorms, gale winds, landslips and floods. Such local weather conditions should be taken into consideration when designing external areas and open spaces. Appropriate protective provisions should be allowed during the construction stage (for the workers) and the commissioning stage (for both the users and the maintenance and operation staff) based on the specific site situation.   In public parks and gardens, shelters with direct and easy access to the main circulation route should be provided at reasonable intervals. In addition, the size of the shelters should be appropriate for the anticipated usage rate of the venue (3.3.2.2b). In urban parks or along country trails where natural terrain and other site conditions may dictate the location of shelters, clear signage indicating the walking distance to the nearest shelter location should be provided (3.3.2.2c).       3.3.2.2b  Shelters should be centrally located along the access path and the size should cater to the anticipated user rate       3.3.2.2a  During the monsoon season, it is not unusual to have heavy rainfall exceeding 30mm in an hour, or even up to 70mm in an hour 3   3.3.2.2c  In many popular country parks, signage identifying the site location has proven to be vital in enhancing safety and security for visitors, park rangers and the police           3.3.2.3 Visual Relief     Lush vegetation has both environmental and visual merits. In built-up urban areas surrounded by high-rise buildings, pockets of green spaces, whether on ground level, podiums or rooftops, serve as pleasant visual relief for city dwellers (3.3.2.3a).       3.3.2.3a  Mature trees offer much valued greening effect in Hong Kong