Transport for All Seminar From Barrier Free Access to Universal Design : toward the inclusion of all ages and human diversity Presented by Prof. Bernard V. Lim FHKIA Department of Architecture The Chinese University of Hong Kong / Daniel Cheung Executive Principal, CARE Centre of Architectural Research for Education, Elderly, Environment and Excellence Ltd TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL

Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 1997 Building Authority Aims: to set out design requirements for providing proper access to and facilities in a building for persons with a disability and other sectors of the population, who do at times require the same provisions as persons with a disability The Manual caters for disabilities of : locomotory, visual and hearing impairment

Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 1997 Building Authority 2 types of requirements: a) Obligatory design requirements b) Recommended design requirements A public authority shall not approve building plans unless the obligatory design requirements are complied with Application : New building or any alterations / additions to an existing building

Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 1997 Building Authority Application :

Access Access from lot boundary to public street Access to entrance and lift Ramps Gradient not steeper than 1 in 12  1.2m long landing for each 10m horizontal run Tactile warning strips Tactile Warning Strip for Ramps TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL

Dropped Kerbs Steps & Staircases TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL Tactile Warning Strip for Staircases At pedestrian crossings  1.2m(L) and 1.28m(W) Gradient not steeper than 1 in 6  16 steps in any flight Non-slip nosing, contrast colour Tactile warning strips

Handrails Corridor, Lobbies, Paths TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL Extend horizontally 300mm beyond Tubular, 32-40mm in diameter Space for maneuvering wheelchairs  1.5m x 1.5m area within 3.5m of every dead end

Doors Toilet & W.C. Cubicle TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL Plan of door suitable for wheelchair users clear width  750mm  380mm unobstructed area near door handle Enable wheelchair users to use  1.5m x 1.75m in area Emergency call bell

Signs Lifts TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL TRANSPORT FOR ALL International Symbol for Deafness International Symbol for the Disabled To accessible entrances to and exits from the building To car parking, disabled toilets International signs Access to every floor by at least 1 lift Control buttons 900mm-1.2m above floor Verbal annunciation Tactile graphics for lift control buttons

Universal Design: the way forward The Challenges we face: Significant demographic shift over the next 20 to 30 years with an aging population in Hong Kong Source from Hong Kong Population Projections , released by the Census and Statistics Department, 30 June 2004

Universal Design: the way forward The Challenges we face: An high density development in Hong Kong. Buildings grow in both horizontal and vertical dimensions with larger scale and higher complexity. Super skyscrapers, mega shopping malls emerge increasingly

Universal Design: the way forward The Challenges we face: How to upgrade existing buildings?

Universal Design: the way forward The Challenges we face: Current codes do not cover domestic part of the building Whether it should be controlled by statutory means or by recommended practice?

Universal Design: the way forward The Need: To explore a new approach to design which should extend beyond the minimum standards of code compliance for people with disability and also response to a broader diversity of users, especially the elderly

What is Universal Design? An emerging paradigm of design approach in the international movement to create products and environments for all people Definition varies from countries / people In general, an approach to design that create products and environments which, to the greatest extent possible, can be used by everyone Accentuates equitable use and social inclusion

Universal Design: applications The applications of universal design are very broad - Product design - Architecture - Urban design - Transportation - Information technology - Environments of which we have interactions

Universal Design: some suggested guidelines Design for all users, equitable use Simple to use, easy to understand, intuitive Tolerant of error, eliminate hazards, fail safe Minimize physical effort, use effectively and comfortably Appropriate size and space for use regardless of user’s body size

Universal Design: accessibility In the building – Kitchen Cabinets Kitchen counters Fixtures Appliances Door thresholds

Universal Design: accessibility In the building – Bathroom Showers Bathtubs Water closets Faucets Door thresholds

Universal Design: accessibility In the city - Waterfront Direct & easy access Visual corridors Promenade Pedestrian zones Signs & directions Comfort & safety

Universal Design: accessibility In the city – New / Old areas Direct connection Easy access Low physical effort Visual linkage Integration Avoid split by transport networks Pedestrian zones with adequate vehicular access Signs & directions Comfort & safety

Conclusion In view of the significant demographic shift over the next 20 to 30 years with an aging population, it is essential to explore new approach to design to create environment which achieves equitable use and social inclusion The current accessibility code and its forthcoming revision form the foundation for such exploration toward universal design - the inclusion of all ages and human diversity