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 3.8 Lighting     3.9 Safety 3.9.1 The Importance of Safety     3.9.2 Safety Considerations 3.9.3 Slip Resistance 3.9.4 Safety for Persons with Visual Impairment 3.9.5 Importance of Maintenance 3.10 Management and Maintenance 3.9 Safety   3.9.1 The Importance of Safety     When designing external areas, one should take into account the effects of day and night (3.9.1a), and the influence of seasonal and climatic changes. The condition of external spaces will change along with the change in time and weather. Facilities in open areas are more susceptible to deterioration and damage due to exposure to weather, close contact by users, and sometimes vandalism.   The patrons of public open spaces are people of all ages and abilities (3.9.1b). The design down to every detail should thus be carefully thought out in terms of safety and convenience to minimize the chance of accidents. Special attention should be paid to the fact that the same detail may perform differently under different conditions in external areas. For example, a stainless steel handrail is easy to maintain and offers a smooth handgrip, however, it may be burning hot under the summer sun.   It should be borne in mind that accident prevention is an important aspect to consider at the beginning of the design concept stage.       3.9.1a  Day and night conditions vary in the same external area   3.9.1b  People of different age and ability use the same communal open spaces