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   3.3.3.1 Sensory Quality of Landscape Provision   3.3.3.2 Cognitive Quality of Landscape Provision     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 3.3.3 Psychological Aspect   3.3.3.1 Sensory Quality of Landscape Provision     Experience in open spaces ranges from passive engagement to active participation. The associated sensory experience varies between different people and depends on the individual’s sensory abilities and response to external stimuli. Furthermore, the level of appreciation in response to sensory stimulation is not the same for everyone. Therefore, reliance on mono-sensory means for public spaces should be avoided.   Genius Locus (sense of a place) of our green spaces should be interpreted and enjoyed by the widest spectrum of users, by and beyond the “Five Senses”4 (3.3.3.1a and 3.3.3.2a).     3.3.3.1a  The five main senses   3.3.3.2a  Pushing beyond “Five Senses”   4 The five main senses are also known as “Five Senses” that were firstly categorized by Aristotle — see (visual sensation), hear (auditory sensation), touch (tactile sensation), smell (olfactory sensation) and taste (gustatory sensation). Source from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense 3.3.3.2 Cognitive Quality of Landscape Provision     In outdoor landscaped spaces, our pleasure ranges from passive (viewing) to active participation (gardening), and from spiritual rejuvenation (meditation) to physical exercises (ballgames) (3.3.3.2b).   All types of landscapes provoke some sensory response but it is the concentration of different experiences that sensory stimulations collectively give their spatial identity. Our experience of the world around us includes many other sensations that are not classified in one of our “Five Senses”, such as orientation, temperature, change in gradient and altitude, gravity balance, spatial experiences and mood (3.3.3.2a).   A good combination of both sensory and cognitive qualities can create a comfortable, pleasant and inviting environment. However, an overload of sensory experience can also be confusing to some visitors. A successful design is largely based on imaginative approaches and normally requires full exploration.   In the last few decades, there have been quite a few empirical studies from overseas countries with consistent findings showing a positive correlation between natural greenery and the emotional/physiological recovery rate of patients. Outdoor landscaped spaces have marked contribution towards other restorative and therapeutic functions inside hospital grounds and other health care facilities5. Both long-term and short-term benefits have also been identified in overseas research studies (3.3.3.2c). More importantly, these studies also revealed that visual and/or physical access to quality outdoor landscaped spaces could bring emotional and/or physiological benefits to all types of users — patients, staff, families, friends and visitors.   Contact with nature and appreciation of the outdoor scenery will provide natural cues to the passage of time. Having a sense of diurnal, seasonal and weather changes is integral to a quality life in terms of psychological well-being, especially in a high density built-up area.   Recognizing these findings is crucial in designing outdoor spaces in a high-density city like Hong Kong. Gaining access to quality landscaped spaces is especially important in Hong Kong since most people live in high-rise housing flats. Some may feel a sense of confinement staying indoors in their residential flats.     3.3.3.2b  Range of experiencing green spaces 5   3.3.3.2c  Pyramid of benefits of quality green spaces 5   5 Based on the findings and review by Marcus and Barnes on the relevant research studies in overseas countries, 1995