Our Priorities

 Universal Accessibility

Building an Accessible Environment

As a department responsible for the design and procurement of various types of public buildings and open spaces in Hong Kong, we play an important role in shaping our built environment. The way the environment is designed can have a significant impact on peopleˇ¦s lives. In recent years, we have seen more people with different disabilities participating in various social and cultural activities. There is a higher public expectation and a growing demand for a more sustainable and accessible built environment in which people with diverse needs and lifestyles can all be satisfied.

In terms of accessibility, the department adopts a holistic approach in meeting the needs of all sectors of the society, including those with different abilities, the young and the elderly. We also strive to take the lead in raising public awareness on this issue through active promotion and through setting examples.

 
 
Universal accessibility is a design approach based on the notion of ˇ§inclusionˇ¨. The design has to include and take into consideration the needs of the widest possible spectrum of users in the community, regardless of age and ability, such that everyone may access facilities and information safely and independently
  
Design solutions are derived from an understanding of the needs and lifestyles of the potential users and drawing ideas from close interaction with them
  

 

Design of New Projects

Accessibility is a key factor in building for the public and our colleagues are mindful of this aspect from the early design stages. The barrier free provisions in our new projects often surpass the minimum statutory requirements. With the recent review of the Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 1997 by the Buildings Department, our colleagues have taken the initiative to incorporate the latest design requirements from the revised draft manual where appropriate. Our holistic design approach demonstrates that accommodating the needs of users with different abilities and good architecture go hand in hand.

  

 

  
 
 
Provision of conspicuous external tactile guide paths for people with visual impairment to various destinations, and access ramps at building entrances
  
Glazed roof above the school playground creates an airy area for multi-functional activities. It does not only function as a focal point of the building, but also facilitates the access to all parts of the building
  
Access paths with specially designed architectural features that integrate art, light and sound aim to stimulate the usersˇ¦ senses and to enhance the overall travel experience
  

 

Existing Government Facilities

The Department is continuously improving the accessibility in existing government facilities to meet the various needs of different user groups. Our Property Services Branch liaises very closely with relevant government committees on formulating a program for upgrading works. The facilities that are identified to be refurbished are upgraded to current barrier free design standards, or even to the standards in the revised draft manual where possible.

 

  
 
 
Upgraded barrier free provisions include a disabled lift, tactile warning strips, proper handrails, and signage with the international symbol for the disabled
  
Addition of ramps for accessing the stage, various levels of the amphitheatre, and surrounding park facilities
  
Tactile guide path leads to a renovated public service counter that has a lower counter top with knee space for the access of wheelchair users
  

 

Making a Difference for the Stakeholders

Beside construction projects, we provide expert professional advice to other government bodies and we also participate in many advisory committees. Through our active involvement with other government authorities, as well as direct engagement with various stakeholders, we help formulate policies that safeguard the interests of many users with different abilities. For example, our contributions in Buildings Department's Advisory Committee on Barrier Free Access and their Steering Committee on review of the current Design Manual for Barrier Free Access 1997 have a significant impact on the provision of barrier free requirements in private developments. In addition, our professional advice on building accessibility issues in the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee ˇV Sub-committee on Access (RAC-SCA) headed by the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau greatly assisted the enhancement of the welfare of people with disabilities in our community.

Research and Development

Our comprehensive research study on universal accessibility published in 2004 has been a useful source of reference on accessibility issues. The full report of the award-winning research is available on our webpage at http://www.archsd.gov.hk/english/knowledge_sharing/ua/univ_a ccess.htm for knowledge sharing.

 

  
 
 
 
Research study: Universal Accessibility ˇV Best Practices and Guidelines
  
A photo gallery containing over 160 examples illustrating the best practices of the respective areas of study is included for quick reference
  
The research study was awarded the HKIA Annual Awards 2004 ˇV Special Architectural Award ˇV Architectural Research
  

 

The research team has now embarked on the second stage of the study, which will concentrate on external areas, open spaces, and green spaces. In the past, the main focus was on the accessibility in the building design, with much less effort given to the design of external spaces. Given Hong Kongˇ¦s hilly terrain and multi-level connections, designing accessible external areas that cater for various users is essential and equally important. The team will explore new design approaches to improve accessibility in those areas, taking into consideration the needs of the widest spectrum of users.

 

  

Achievements and Promotion

The Department has received a number of praises and awards over the years for our efforts in building accessible facilities and for our role in promoting accessibility. The following table presents a timeline of our advancements and achievements in this area:

  
Year

ArchSD's Advancements/Achievements in Accessibility
1989
 Design Award for Building and Open Space ˇV Most Accessible to Disabled Persons in Hong Kong

Urban Council Sheung Wan Complex
1994
 Design Award for Building and Open Space ˇV Most Accessible to Disabled Persons in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Museum of Art
1997
 Establishment of a barrier free access improvement program for existing government buildings with the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee ˇV Sub-committee on Access (RAC-SCA)
1999
 Establishment of an annual joint inspection of barrier free access provision in new government buildings with the RAC-SCA
2001
 Commendation letter from the RAC-SCA

Participation in the ˇ§Inclusion by Designˇ¨ World Congress ˇV Montreal, Canada
2004
 Presentation on the impact of the built environment on persons with disabilities in The 11th International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics World Congress ˇV Hong Kong, China

Presentation of a paper on universal accessibility in the ˇ§Designing for the 21st Century IIIˇ¨ - International Conference on Universal Design ˇV Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

HKIA Annual Awards 2004 ˇV Accessibility

Margaret Trench Red Cross School

HKIA Annual Awards 2004 ˇV Special Architectural Award ˇV Architectural Research

Universal Accessibility ˇV Best Practices and Guidelines
2005
 HKIA Annual Awards 2005 ˇV Special Architectural Award ˇV Heritage

The Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre at Kowloon Park

Presentation of a paper on universal accessibility in the ˇ§Network of Asia-Pacific Schools and Institutes of Public Administration and Governance Annual Conference ˇV Beijing, Chinaˇ¨

Appreciation certificate from the Library of the China National School of Administration in acceptance of the research study ˇ§Universal Accessibility ˇV Best Practices and Guidelinesˇ¨ into their library collection

Urban Council Sheung
Wan Complex (1989)



Margaret Trench Red Cross School (2004)



The Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre at
Kowloon Park (2005)



Network of Asia-Pacific Schools and Institutes of People Administration and Governance Annual Conference in Beijing, China

 

Long-Term Targets

We are committed to our goal of taking the lead in promoting universal accessibility design and we will build on the success that we have achieved in this area so far. It is our objective, through our various efforts, to initiate innovative designs and improve the built environment for all sectors of the community.

  

 

Objectives Targets Achievements Future Goals
To enhance staff's awareness on Universal Accessibility in building design
To promulgate study report ˇ§Universal Accessibility - Best Practices and Guidelinesˇ¨

Completion of study report in 2004.

Uploading the study report on ArchSD webpage in 2005 for knowledge sharing.

Presentations to staff in 2005.

To complete and publish Part II of the study report on Universal Accessibility for external areas, open spaces and green spaces.

To promulgate the study report to colleagues through knowledge sharing and seminars.

To implement Universal Accessibility design concepts and best practices in new works projects.

To continue improving accessibility in existing government facilities.
To promote awareness on Universal Accessibility to external parties
To present Universal Accessibility to professional bodies, construction industry, educational institutions, and other government departments
Presentations in 2005 were given to the members of Hong Kong Institute of Architects; and American Institute of Architects; Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects; the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong ˇV Construction Subcommittee; Planning Department; and Hong Kong Housing Society, and the Housing & Development Board of Singapore.
Distribution of CD-ROM and research study summary to various stakeholders.

To continue:

• taking the lead in promoting Universal Accessibility by conducting seminars and presentations to relevant external parties, and
• participating in local and international conferences to keep abreast of the latest developments and technologies.