Transport for All Seminar From Barrier Free Access to Universal Design : toward the inclusion of all ages and human diversity Presented by Prof. Bernard

Transport for All Seminar

From Barrier Free Access to Universal From Barrier Free Access to Universal Design : Design : toward the inclusion of all ages and human diversitytoward the inclusion of all ages and human diversity

Presented by Prof. Bernard V. Lim FHKIA

Department of ArchitectureThe Chinese University of Hong Kong /

Daniel CheungExecutive 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 1997Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 1997Building AuthorityBuilding 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


• 2 types of requirements: a) Obligatory design requirementsb) 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


• Application :

AccessAccess

• Access from lot boundary to public street

• Access to entrance and lift

RampsRamps • Gradient not steeper than 1 in 121.2m long landing for each

10m horizontal run• Tactile warning strips

Tactile Warning Strip for Ramps


Dropped KerbsDropped Kerbs

Steps & Steps & StaircasesStaircases


Tactile Warning Strip for Staircases

• At pedestrian crossings1.2m(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

HandrailsHandrails

Corridor, Lobbies, Corridor, Lobbies, PathsPaths


• 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

DoorsDoors

Toilet & W.C. CubicleToilet & W.C. Cubicle


Plan of door suitable for wheelchair users

• clear width 750mm380mm unobstructed area

near door handle

• Enable wheelchair users to use1.5m x 1.75m in area• Emergency call bell

SignsSigns

LiftsLifts


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 forwardUniversal 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 2004-2033, released by the

Census and Statistics Department, 30 June 2004



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



How to upgrade existing buildings?



Current codes do not cover domestic part of the building

Whether it should be controlled by statutory means or by recommended practice?


• 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?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: applicationsUniversal 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 Universal Design: some suggested guidelinesguidelines

• 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: accessibilityUniversal Design: accessibility

In the building – Kitchen

• Cabinets• Kitchen counters• Fixtures• Appliances• Door thresholds


In the building – Bathroom

• Showers• Bathtubs• Water closets• Faucets• Door thresholds


In the city - Waterfront

• Direct & easy access• Visual corridors• Promenade• Pedestrian zones• Signs & directions• Comfort & safety


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

ConclusionConclusion

• 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

Documents

Transport for All Seminar From Barrier Free Access to Universal Design : toward the inclusion of all ages and human diversity Presented by Prof. Bernard