Title

Between building and transportation: accessible external space

Authors

S C. Ng
Tony Lee

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2007

Subject Area

Infrastructure - Facilities, Infrastructure - Kerb ramp, Infrastructure - Recreation, Infrastructure - Seating, Transport accessibility - Access to services, Transport planning - Accessibility planning, Transport services - Connectivity

Abstract

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. A substantial proportion of the population relies on public transportation. Elevated walkways and link bridges are used in Hong Kong to segregate pedestrian traffic from vehicular traffic. People need to pass through elevated route composed of intersecting internal and external passages from building to transportation facilities. Moreover, underground subways connecting the basement of buildings to carparks or major public transportation nodes like mass transit railway station are very common in Hong Kong. Application of universal accessibility (UA) design between building and major transportation is therefore an important and essential exercise to consider. Key factors to be considered are connectivity and access strategy; the provision of effective signage for way finding; visual contrasts to distinguish important elements from the general picture, and the sensible use of outdoor lighting to maintain a perceivable, safe and secure environment. To be sustainable, principles of UA should also be applied in the management and maintenance. We believe the main streams of travel in the external space should be inclusively designed to facilitate UA. Designer should be mindful of the adversities which the users may be subject to in the external space. We must continue to review the shortcomings of our design and interact with the users in search of new ideas.