Video: Universal Design

Transcription

1 Design and Applied Technology Teaching Kit for Senior Secondary Curriculum Design and Innovation Video: Universal Design [Student notes] Organizer Sponsor Research Team

2 Contents Preamble Learning plan Lesson 1 : Universal Design 1.1 What is Universal Design? Definition of Universal Design Accessibility Design and Universal Design 1.2 Principles of Universal Design 1.3 Applications of Universal Design Statutory Regulations Government Guidelines Practical Approaches to Universal Design i Exercise Redesigning an existing space 06 Summary, Key words and Further reading 07 Disclaimer Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Hong Kong Institute of Architects

3 Topic 03 Video: Universal Design Major teaching areas Design and Applied Technology Strand 1 Design and Innovation Design in Practice Design Considerations Strand 2 Technology Principles Nature of Technology Related teaching areas Design and Applied Technology Strand 3 Value and Impact Values in technology and design Learning objectives To understand what Universal Design in architecture is To learn the principles of Universal Design To think and able to apply Universal Design Interdisciplinary teaching areas Liberal Studies Module 2 Hong Kong Today Visual Arts Visual Arts Appreciation and Criticism in context Learning plan Lesson Lesson 1 Universal Design Contents Understanding Universal Design in architecture Principles of Universal Design Applications of Universal Design Statutory Regulations of Universal Design Government Guidelines of Universal Design Practical Approaches to Universal Design i

4 Lesson 1 Universal Design 1.1 What is Universal Design? Universal Design is an approach to design that incorporates products as well as building features which, to the greatest extent possible, can be used by everyone. Ron Mace, architect, product designer and educator Definition of Universal Design Universal Design is an emerging approach which aims to develop a theoretical framework and practical means to a more user-friendly living environment. (Hong Kong Housing Society, 2005) In 1984, the requirement for disability access was introduced as Cap 123F reg 72 of the Building (Planning) Regulations. Some key technical terms are defined as follows: access means any means that enable persons with a disability to approach, enter and leave the building and to use the facilities in the building without assistance or undue difficulties; accessible, in relation to a site, building or facility or a portion of it, means the site, building, facility or portion (a) can be approached, entered and used conveniently by persons with a disability; and (b) complies with this Schedule; assistive listening system means a system that enables sound signs that are amplified in both volume and signal to be transmitted to persons with hearing impairment without interference from background noise or excessive reverberation; tactile guide path means a standardized pattern applied to or built onto walking surfaces for way finding and orientation for persons with visual impairment; tactile warning strip means a standardized pattern applied to or built onto walking surfaces to warn persons with visual impairment of certain construction features; wheelchair users means persons who depend on wheelchairs for mobility. (Cap 123F Schedule 3 Building (Planning) Regulations) 01

5 p International symbol of accessibility (Cap 123F Schedule 3 Building (Planning) Regulations) p International symbol for access for hearing loss (Cap 123F Schedule 3 Building (Planning) Regulations) p Tactile warning strips for ramps (Cap 123F Schedule 3 Building (Planning) Regulations) Accessibility Design and Universal Design Design accessibility refers to the ease with which differently abled groups of users - children, handicapped people, the elderly - can use a space. Barrier-free design, for example, takes into account the needs of people who use wheelchairs or walkers, as they may require assistance in opening doors or more space to manoeuvre around a desk or counter top. p Tactile guide paths on access routes (Cap 123F Schedule 3 Building (Planning) Regulations) Accessibility design and barrier-free design both fit under the larger conceptual umbrella of Universal Design, which seeks to meet the needs of the widest possible variety of people. Universal Design relates not only to the physical abilities of different groups of users, but also takes into account their preferences, convenience and safety. This human-centred approach is quickly gaining widespread acceptance in the field. p Ramps, handrails and guide paths are Universal Design features in the Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity 02

6 p Providing shading and rest places for users is also an approach of Universal Design 1.2 Principles of Universal Design Seven principles of Universal Design were developed by a group of researchers at the Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University: Principle One: Equitable Use The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. Principle Two: Flexibility in Use The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Principle Three: Simple and Intuitive Use Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. Principle Four: Perceptible Information The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of the ambient conditions or the user s sensory abilities. Principle Five: Tolerance for Error The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Principle Six: Low Physical Effort The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. Principle Seven: Size and Space for Approach and Use Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use regardless of user s body size, posture, or mobility. (Universal Design Guidebook For Residential Development in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Housing Society, 2005) 03

7 1.3 Applications of Universal Design Statutory Regulations Disability Discrimination Ordinance in 1996 Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) Ordinance Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) Universal Design and Technical Requirements (ASD) [Media Corner] Universal Design and Technical Requirements, Architectural Services Department Government Guidelines Design Manual Barrier Free Access 2008 by the Buildings Department Universal Design Guidebook For Residential Development in Hong Kong 2005 by the Hong Kong Housing Society Practical Approaches to Universal Design Planning and Spatial Arrangement Assessment of current and predicted community profile for urban development: English version: knowledge_sharing/ua/02-chapter2. pdf Chinese version: knowledge_sharing/ua/02-chapter2. pdf Age distribution for existing context Various needs and requirements for different age groups Modes of accessibility Bus stops and transportation stations located near the community Sufficient signage for directions Braille, raised letters and audible signals for groups with special needs Neighbouring facilities Day care centres and playgrounds for children Youth centres and sports facilities for young people Circulation paths, resting areas and social spaces for elderly people and groups with special needs One of the entrance of the HKIED Jockey Club Primary School located close to the main road 04

8 Barrier-free Access This includes indoor and public accessibility for all groups Warnings and signage for people with physical impairments Building entrances close to the main circulation areas or lift lobbies Clear indications for traffic and pedestrians Ramps and handrails at main entrances Contrasting tones and materials at vertical and horizontal circulation for people with visual impairments Height of major facility, corridors and platforms adjusted for people in wheelchairs Safety and Maintenance Fire safety Means of escape and refuge areas Visual and audible alarm Public Announcement Systems for emergency Prevention of accidents Prevention from poisoning Emergency management p Putting hazard warning tiles and slipresistant strips at the edges of steps are common practices in public housing estates. Environmental Factors Health promotion and concerns 1. Landscape garden and open areas 2. Indoor communal spaces Indoor air quality 1. Ventilation 2. Removal of pollutant sources Thermal environment Visual and acoustic environment Good Practice Detailing Detailing can enhance safety and reduce the required maintenance of building and its indoor and outdoor environment. Floor finishes Thresholds and door handle design for both hygiene and easy accessibility of all kinds of people Easily maintained materials and visually clear colours 05

9 [Exercise] Redesigning an existing space Redesign the main circulation space and existing building according to the design guidelines covered in this chapter. (Source: Universal Design Guidebook For Residential Development in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Housing Society) Students are encouraged to look for references in design manuals in the market and government guidelines. Design Specification This building was built 20 years ago and was not designed for all kinds of users. As occupants are aging, the building committee decided to renovate the building so that it is safe and user-friendly to its old occupants as well as potential new occupants. Noted that it can be difficult to strike a balance between incorporating universal design elements in an existing age-old building on one hand and maintaining its efficiency and practicability on the other hand. p Common area in the core of an existing building Hong Kong Housing Society - Universal Design Guidebook For Residential Development in Hong Kong. 06

10 Summary 1. Universal design is an emerging approach which aims to develop a theoretical framework and practical means to a more user-friendly living environment. 2. Seven principles of universal design are: equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort and size and space for approach and use. 3. In Hong Kong, there are statutory regulations and guidelines for universal architectural design. Key words Universal design Accessibility Barrier-free Equitable use Flexibility Further reading 1. Universal Design Guidebook For Residential Development in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Housing Society, 2005 English version: Chinese version: 2. Preiser, Wolfgang. Universal Design Handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional, Universal Design and Technical Requirements, Architectural Services Department. English version: Chinese version: Organizer Sponsor Research Team