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 3.6 Detectable Surfaces 3.6.1 Introduction 3.6.2 Tactile Guide Path - Design Considerations 3.6.3 Other Detectable Elements / Cues     3.6.4 Detectable Information -Tactile Map and Sign, Tactile Model, Braille   3.6.4.1 Tactile Map/Directory, Tactile Sign, and Tactile Model   3.6.4.2 General Requirements of Tactile Map/Directory, Tactile Sign and Tactile Model   3.6.4.3 Braille     3.7 Colour and Luminous Contrast 3.8 Lighting 3.9 Safety 3.10 Management and Maintenance 3.6.4.2 General Requirements for Tactile Map/ Directory, Tactile Sign and Tactile Model     (a) Located near the major entrance(s) of the facility and readily accessible and approachable. (b) Allow user interaction and facilitate tactile exploration. (c) Led by tactile guide path or other detectable cue. (d) Not encroach onto the travel path. (e) Placed at 900mm to1000mm above the finished floor level on a horizontal surface or at a angle less than 45 degrees from the horizontal. (f) Show the major routes, major points of interest, and amenities within the space. (g) Colour contrast between the map background and the raised text/diagram information. (h) Colour contrast with the surroundings. (i) Provision of Braille text. (j) Use materials that are pleasing to touch, durable, and weather-resistant if located outdoors. (k) Provide adequate lighting. (l) Provide audible signal, where appropriate. (m) Allow a distance 300mm between the tactile guide path/warning strip and the tactile sign itself. (n) The orientation of the information shown on the tactile sign should be in the same orientation that the user is facing. 3.6.4.3 Braille     Braille is a valuable means of conveying information to the visually impaired and the blind. It should be incorporated along with the corresponding text/diagram in all signage meant to be used by the visually impaired. A tactile map that is not supplemented with Braille text serves very little or no purpose to the visually impaired as the information is incomplete.   Braille on the ends of handrails is also very useful in providing way finding information to visually impaired persons (3.6.4.3a and 3.6.4.3b).         3.6.4.3a  Braille on staircase handrail can identify the location as well as give information on travel directions   3.6.4.3b  Handrail fitted with sensor giving both tactile (Braille) and audible (taped message) information when the hand is placed on it