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 3.4 Furniture, Equipment and Fittings 3.5 Way Finding, Orientation and Signage 3.5.1 Introduction 3.5.2 Way Finding and Orientation 3.5.3 Function of Signage 3.5.4 Design Considerations     3.5.5 Sensory Considerations   3.5.5.1 Visual   3.5.5.2 Audible   3.5.5.3 Olfactory   3.5.5.4 Tactile     3.6 Detectable Surfaces 3.7 Colour and Luminous Contrast 3.8 Lighting 3.9 Safety 3.10 Management and Maintenance 3.5.5.3 Olfactory     The distinctive scents produced by some natural fauna and flora can be psychologically stimulating to users. However, it should be noted that scents could be easily supplanted by other sensory elements particularly in an external environment, and many plant species are seasonally variable. Therefore, special attention should be paid in order to achieve the desired effect.   As orientation tools, aromatic cues may be more effective in identifying specific nodes (3.5.5.3a). Users who are generally familiar with the setting may find such cues useful in locating themselves in the surroundings.       3.5.5.3a  Plant species that give off scents can serve as an olfactory clue for users to locate themselves     3.5.5.4 Tactile     (a) Tactile signage     Many users are very sensitive to the sense of touch and tactile signage is not only limited to use by the visually impaired. Signage that includes tactile elements allows user to interact and at the same time receive information (3.5.5.4a). Change in surface texture is also one way of giving tactile cues to identify and indicate change in areas.   (b) Tactile map and model, Tactile guide path, Braille     As mentioned earlier in this section, tactile maps/directories and tactile models, together with Braille text, can provide valuable information to visually impaired users regarding the place where they are at, the directions to take, and the spatial layout of the space. Such tools, including tactile guide paths, are essential for way finding and orientation for the visually impaired. Refer to Section 3.6 — Detectable Surfaces. Apart from tactile signage, other tactile elements such as sculptures, water features, play equipment, pebble walk, certain types of planting, etc. can also offer stimulating experience for many users (3.5.5.4b).     3.5.5.4a  Interactive multi-media directory   3.5.5.4b  Three dimensional tactile model can give an overall sense of the facilities