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     3.7 Colour and Luminous Contrast 3.7.1 Human Sensory Perception   3.7.1.1 Vision     3.7.2 Size 3.7.3 Visual Contrast 3.7.4 Study of Visual Contrast 3.7.5 Data Collection 3.7.6 Observations 3.7.7 Design Considerations and Best Practices 3.8 Lighting 3.9 Safety 3.10 Management and Maintenance 3.7 Colour and Luminous Contrast   3.7.1 Human Sensory Perception     3.7.1.1 Vision     Of all the senses, vision is the one that most people rely on to receive the greatest amount of information (3.7.1.1a). Normally, when the visual ability of a person weakens due to old age, disease or accident, he or she may use adaptive devices such as correctional glasses, or be trained to use other senses to compensate partial or total loss of sight. For people with visual impairment, weakness in the central or peripheral portion of the retina, or structural damage to the eye, the image may result in missing details in the centre or perimeter (3.7.1.1b). Blurring of the whole visual image may also occur. These conditions may lead to difficulties in reading small print and information boards, in distinguishing colours and objects of low contrast, in way finding, and in detecting object heights, features and distance.   Faced with the fact that human eyes are getting more strenuous due to working long hours on the computers and using more artificial lighting working in internal settings, any enhancements that would help to make our environment more accessible would be desirable. Lighting design, size, contrast and colour are all essential factors in enhancing accessibility.   Daylight and artificial lighting are significant factors affecting visual contrast and visual effects. The use of fluorescent or incandescent illumination will also result in different visual effects. Refer to Section 3.8 for design considerations and best practices on lighting. This section will mainly discuss the main issues affecting visual process as well as colour and luminous contrast.       3.7.1.1a  Visual image of the built environment                   3.7.1.1b  Missing information in the visual image due to weakness of the eye