The aim of this guidebook is to assist the reader in understanding the user-friendly features

that could be incorporated in building design to shape a more inclusive built environment.
Architects, designers and building owners could refer to this guide and utilise the Universal
Design index (UDi) self-assessment framework to gauge the level of user-friendliness of their
design or buildings.

The UDi is to be completed and submitted by a Qualified Person (QP) as part of their
application for Building Plan approval, Temporary Occupation Permit or Certificate of Statutory
Completion.

The UDi is to be submitted, taking into account the entire building in cases where it comprises
of,

• New building(s) with a total Gross Floor Area (GFA) of more than 500m2; or
• Additions and alteration (A&A) works to an existing building involving more than 50% of
the existing GFA and where the total Gross Floor Area (GFA) is more than 500m2; or
• A&A works to an existing building involving more than 50% of the total number of storey
in the building and where the total Gross Floor Area (GFA) is more than 500m2

For other A&A works not described above, the UDi is to be submitted for the area of A&A
works only.

The following projects do not require the submission of UDi,

• Non-buildings, such as linkways, covered drop-offs, bus stops, pedestrian overhead

bridges, underpasses and the like; or
• Landed residential; or
• Buildings with total GFA of 500m2 or less.

QPs and building owners are also encouraged to use the UDi at the conceptual or building
design stage to set targets for inclusive design or consider user-friendly features that could be
incorporated to realise benefits for their building users.

4
The premise of Universal Design is to design for as many user groups, to the maximum extent
possible, so that more people of varying needs and abilities can live, work, learn and play in
the building. The UDi sets out to provide indicators on the level of user-friendliness for key
user groups – persons with disability, the elderly, families with young children and expectant
or nursing mothers – all of whom have their own needs and require sensitive consideration
and design accommodations.

Persons with Elderly Families with Expectant/

Disability Persons Young Children Nursing Mothers

Graphic (above): Key user groups considered in the Universal Design index.

Based on the user-friendly features that are provided in the building, the UDi will indicate the
level of user-friendliness for each user group as shown in the below table. Up to four additional
stars could be obtained on top of the single star for a design that complies with the minimum
requirement in the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment.

Range of Points for

User-friendly level Indicator
Respective User Groups
D 55 or more

Provided adequate user-friendly E 55 or more

features for this user group F 50 or more

M 45 or more

D 35 to 54.5

Provided some user-friendly features E 35 to 54.5

for this user group F 30 to 49.5

M 25 to 44.5

D Less than 35

Provided basic features for this user E Less than 35

group F Less than 30

M Less than 25

Legend:
D Persons with Disability F Families with Young Children
E Elderly M Expectant/Nursing Mothers

5
The aggregate of the level of user-friendliness across the user groups will provide a Universal
Design index rating for the building to indicate how successful they are in universal design
implementation. The range of UDi ratings and its indication of a building’s overall level of user-
friendliness is detailed in the table below.

Universal Design Universal Design

Indicator
index Rating index

Excellent Universal Design provisions

5 stars
Caters well to all identified user groups

Good Universal Design provisions

4 to 4.5 stars
Caters well to most user groups

Fair Universal Design provisions

3 to 3.5 stars
Caters to some user groups

1.5 to 2.5 stars Basic Universal Design provisions

Complying with minimum standards specified

1 star in the Code on Accessibility in the Built
Environment

The UDi checklist contains a list of user-friendly features that could be implemented within a
project. QPs and developers are encouraged to use the checklist at an early stage of their
design development to guide, enhance or set the standard of user-friendliness for their
projects.

QPs and developers only need to input information into the yellow-coloured cells, such as
quantities, Yes/No, project details or location of certain user-friendly features. Points are
automatically computed based on the inputs. The diagram on the following page shows an
extract of the checklist and the key features of the form.

6
 Only cells in yellow
require inputs

Points are auto

computed. Scored
points will be shown
in green

Input errors will be

highlighted for
correction.

Diagram (above): Extract of the Universal Design index checklist and key features.

7
The following guide is organised to provide explanatory notes and photos of user-friendly
features that are listed in the Universal Design index form.

A Access
The provision of an inclusive building starts as the user arrives at the
building. This includes the inter-connectivity from street or transport
infrastructure leading into the building.

Accessible Pedestrian Entrances into Building

A.1.1 Number of pedestrian entrances into
building/development.
Refers to entrances which users can use to
enter the building/development on foot.

A.1.2 Number of accessible entrances into

building/development.
Refers to pedestrian entrances which
wheelchair users can use to enter the
building/development, located on accessible
routes complying with the requirements in the
Code.

A.1.3 Number of sheltered accessible entrances into

building/development.
Refers to an accessible route which is
sheltered starting from outside of the
building/development leading into the
accessible entrance of the
building/development.

8
A.2 Accessible Alighting and Boarding Point
A.2.1 Seating provided at accessible alighting and
boarding point
Seating which allow users to rest while waiting
for their vehicle would benefit the elderly,
expectant mothers, young children or the
ambulant disabled. The provision of grab bars
for seats would further assist the elderly in
sitting down and getting up.

A.2.2 More than 1 sheltered accessible alighting and

boarding point
As wheelchair users require more time for
them to transfer from their wheelchair into the
vehicle and to stowaway their wheelchair, the
provision of sheltered accessible alighting and
boarding point would provide convenience and
reduce the anxiety during transfer.

A.3 Inter-Connectivity
A.3.1 Accessible inter-connectivity from
building/development to buildings within the
same development
Refers to the provision of accessible routes
from one block to another block within a multi-
block development.

A.3.2 Accessible inter-connectivity from

building/development to adjacent
development(s)
Refers to the provision of direct accessible
routes from one development to adjacent
development(s) without going through the
public footpath, which brings convenience to
everyone.

9
A.3.3 Accessible inter-connectivity from building/development to transport infrastructure
(within 200m), such as bus stop, bus interchanges, MRT or LRT station.
Close proximity of transport infrastructure to the building/development with accessible
connections would facilitate access by everyone who relies on public transport.

A.3.4 Accessible inter-connectivity from

building/development to street infrastructure
(within 200m), such as traffic junction
crossings, pedestrian overhead bridge or
underpass
Close proximity of street infrastructure to the
building/development with accessible
connections would facilitate the crossing of
busy streets when accessing the
building/development.

A.3.5 Accessible inter-connectivity from

building/development to park connector or
LTA’s cycling network
Direct connections with the expanded
commuting network would provide additional
means of access for users.

A.4 Car Parking

A.4.1 Number of accessible parking lots provided.
to
A.4.2 Adequate provision of accessible car park lots
that are located near to lift lobbies or
accessible entrances and distributed evenly
across the development would provide more
flexibility for drivers with disabilities to park at
their most convenient locations and enable
easier access to their destination within the
building/development.

A.4.3 Number of accessible parking lots with electric charging station(s)

As electric vehicles become more prevalent, drivers with disabilities may require larger
car park lots with electric charging facilities for their vehicle.

10
A.5 Family Parking Lots
A.5.1 Number of family parking lots provided
to
A.5.2 Adequate provision of larger-sized family
parking lots serves a wide range of users and
purposes. Families would have more space to
set up or stowaway their prams or assist their
elderly family members who may need to
transfer to and fro wheelchairs. Drivers with
disabilities could also use such lots.

A.5.3 Number of family parking lots with electric charging station(s)

As electric vehicles become more prevalent, drivers that may require the use of family
parking lots may also require electric charging facilities for their vehicle.

11
B Circulation
After arriving at the building, the ease of travelling around the
development or building is equally important so users can arrive at
their destinations safely and conveniently. These include travelling on
the same floor or in between floors.

B.1 Pedestrian Walkways in Car Park

B.1.1 Provision of designated pedestrian walkways in car park that is outside the vehicular
driveway.
Designated pedestrian walkways in car parks provide a safe route for people to walk
within the car parks. Such walkways should be located away from the vehicular
driveway to mitigate the risk of vehicular-pedestrian accidents.

B.1.2 Provision of designated pedestrian crossings in car park.

Designated pedestrian crossings in car park provide a safer route for pedestrians by
means of limiting possible hazard zones for drivers.

Photo (above): Example of designated pedestrian walkways and crossing in car park

B.2 Accessible Circulation Routes

B.2.1 1 circulation route leading to all accessible spaces and facilities of width complying with
Code requirements.
The widths for the primary accessible routes as specified in the Code are minimum
requirements to enable the safe and adequate passage of users.

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B.2.2 1 circulation route leading to all accessible spaces and facilities of widths wider than
Code requirements.
Designers are encouraged to design sufficient widths, which may be more than the
minimum required, to allow for better flow of human traffic, which may be a mix of
wheelchair users, families with prams, or persons with bulky mobility aids.

B.2.3 All circulation routes are accessible with widths more than 1.5m
For equitable and convenient access for everyone throughout the building/development,
providing more than 1.5m width for all passageways would allow comfortable travelling
in most instances.

Photo (above): Example of wide accessible routes beyond minimum required by the Code on Accessibility
in the Built Environment.

B.3 Ramps
B.3.1 All ramps comply with Code requirements.
All ramps, where provided, must comply with requirements as specified in the Code on
Accessibility such as detectable warning surfaces, handrails on both sides, edge
protection etc.

B.3.2 Secondary handrails are provided for children.

Provision of handrails at a lower level would
enable children to hold onto a railing to
navigate ramps independently and safely.
Parents can also free up their hands to perform
other actions, such as holding on to bags or
groceries or pushing a pram with another child.

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B.3.3 Braille and tactile indicators are provided on
handrails.
Provision of braille and tactile indicators would
provide feedback for persons with visual
impairment to inform them on where they are
heading to.

B.3.4 Ramp landings are greater than 1.5m deep.

Ramp landings serves as a means for users to
rest while travelling along the ramp as well as
to break a fall. Provision of a deeper landing
provides more space for such purposes.

B.4 Staircases
B.4.1 All staircases comply with Code requirements.
All staircases, where provided, must comply with requirements as specified in the Code
on Accessibility such as detectable warning surfaces, handrails on both sides, edge
protection etc.

B.4.2 Staircases are provided with minimum tread

width of 300mm and maximum riser height of
150mm.
Staircases with a gentler pitch would be easier
for users to travel along.

B.4.3 Handrails are provided on both sides of

staircases.
Handrail provision on both sides of staircases
would provide users with support or guidance
regardless of their dominant hand or direction
of travel, especially when there are users
travelling in both directions.

14
B.4.4 Secondary handrails are provided for children.
Provision of handrails at a lower level would
enable children to hold onto a railing to
navigate staircases independently and safely.
Parents can also free up their hands to perform
other actions, such as holding on to bags or
groceries.

B.4.5 Braille and tactile indicators are provided on

handrails and wall at storey landing.
Provision of braille and tactile indicators on
handrails would provide feedback for persons
with visual impairment to inform them on where
they are heading to as they use the handrails to
guide their movements. Provision of braille and
tactile signage on wall at storey landing would
inform them of the storey that they are on
before going up or down the staircase.

B.5 Escalators and Travellators

B.5.1 Escalators provided with minimum three
horizontal steps/Travellators provided with
horizontal section at landings
Horizontal sections of such inclined moving
walks would allow users to steady themselves
before the inclined movement begins and to
anticipate the end of the journey and get ready
to step off the escalator or travellator.

15
B.5.2 Additional safety barrier taller than handrail
height provided
As an additional safety measure to mitigate the
risk of falling from height or collision with
protruding elements.

B.5.3 Guiderails provided at escalator landings to segregate circulation flow.

For areas with an anticipated high volume of human traffic, guiderails could guide the
movement of users away from the escalator landings to prevent congestion.

B.5.4 Audio feedback on direction of travel or reaching the end of travellators.

Audio feedback would allow persons with visual impairment or distracted users to be
alerted to the travellator’s direction of travel or end of the travellator.

B.6 Lift and Lift Lobbies

B.6.1 Provision of accessible passenger lifts.
to
B.6.3 Accessible lifts are required to have additional provisions for wheelchair users, including
a minimum lift car size of 1.2m by 1.4m, provision of control panel on the side of the lift
car and non-breakable mirror at the rear of lift car interiors.

B.6.4 Seating provided at lift lobbies

Seats allow users to rest while waiting for the
lift.

16
B.6.5 Lift lanterns to indicate arrival of lift.
Refers to lantern extending out from the wall
that lights up when the lift arrives. This would
help waiting users to easily identify the lift that
has arrived, especially where there are multiple
lifts within the same lobby.

B.6.6 Emergency communication system linked to an induction loop system.

An emergency communication system that is linked to a hearing enhancement system
would allow persons with hearing impairment to communicate.

B.6.7 Emergency visual information display system or visual alarm (flashing beacon/lights)
A visual information display system that can display messages would allow persons with
hearing impairment to understand the situation, receive updates as well as any
instructions in the event of a lift malfunction or breakdown.

B.7 Resting Areas

B.7.1 Adequate seating provided (at all spaces where
users are likely to gather and at 25m intervals)
Seats which allow users to rest would benefit
the elderly, expectant mothers, young children
or the ambulant disabled. Provision of seating
spaces is deemed adequate if the seating
spaces are provided at key activity areas or key
spaces where users are expected to gather for
a period of time.

B.7.2 Seats fitted with grab bars/arm rests or

backrests
The provision of grab bars for seats would
further assist users in sitting down and getting
up.

17
B.7.3 Adjacent seats of varying heights to cater to
users of different statures
Seating designed with a variety of heights
would better cater to a group of users who may
consist of elderly, adults and young children.
Adjacent seating would allow them to sit
together.

B.7.4 Adjacent space(s) for wheelchair users and/or

baby carriage(s)
Space(s) should be provided near seating so
wheelchair users can communicate naturally
with their friends who are seated. The same
space(s) can also be used to park prams.
These spaces should not extend out into the
main circulation path.

18
C Way-Finding
Adequate and good provision of way-finding features would allow
users to efficiently navigate the building and locate important
destinations.

C.1 Signage
C.1.1 Provision of building directory with maps or
accessible interactive directory/kiosk located
prominently at main accessible entrance/lobby.
A directory showing the location of key
destinations at the entrance to the building
would allow users to orientate themselves and
to identify destinations for efficient navigation.

C.1.2 Use of easily understood pictograms on signs

The use of universally understood pictograms would reduce the need for text, which is
dependent on language, literacy and legibility.

C.1.3 Use of contrast between text and background on non-reflective signs (no glare from
ambient or artificial lighting)
Reflective signs are prone to glare which diminishes the legibility of the signs. Having
adequate contrast between the text and the background would allow the information to
be easily read and allow users to efficiently and effectively identify the route to take.

C.1.4 Indication of distance to accessible features

The indication of distance to accessible features such as accessible toilets, lifts, nursing
rooms would provide users with a gauge on the time and/or distance required for them
to arrive at their destination.

19
 Photo (above): Example of signage with pictograms and distance to accessible features such as toilets.

C.2 Physical Design

C.2.1 Use of shapes, colours, patterns or graphics for
easy identification at key spatial zones or
circulation routes/paths.
Key spatial zones include examples like
east/west wings, north/south towers, atriums or
similar. Key circulation routes/paths could
include lift lobbies, circulation “spine” or nodes
connecting various circulation routes.

C.2.2 Use of shapes, colours, patterns or graphics for

easy identification at car parking zones.
Lift lobbies should be prominently identified.
Other design features such as use of shapes,
colours, patterns or graphics on columns to
sub-divide the car park into identifiable zones
would facilitate location of parked vehicles.

C.2.3 Use of shapes, colours, patterns or graphics for

easy identification at blocks.
Uniquely designed blocks, especially in multi-
block developments, allows easier orientation
and identification of the user within the
development.

20
C.3 Information Counters
C.3.1 Provision of information counters
to
C.3.2 Provision of information counters would allow users, especially first-time visitors to the
building, to seek assistance or to obtain information on facilities within the building. Such
information counters should be provided with hearing enhancement systems and a
lowered accessible counter suitable for wheelchair users to better serve more users
with varied abilities.

C.3.3 Information counter is located on same floor as

main accessible entrance.
An information counter located in close
proximity to where users would enter the
building would allow users who require
assistance to easily locate the information
counter.

21
D Hearing Impaired Provisions
Provision of hearing enhancement systems would allow users to seek
assistance and to participate in activities, similar to their able-bodied
counterparts.

D.1.1 Hearing Enhancement Systems at Public

to Information/Service Counters
D.1.3
Information/service counters provided with
hearing enhancement systems would allow
staff to communicate with persons with hearing
impairment and provide service and assistance.
Provision of hearing enhancement systems at
more counters would provide more
convenience for the user.

D.1.4 Hearing Enhancement System coverage in

auditoriums or halls
A wider coverage of auditoriums and halls
would provide more flexibility for persons with
hearing impairment in terms of where they can
sit and allowing them to seamlessly participate
in the activity with the rest of the participants.

22
E Visually Impaired Provisions
A key challenge for persons with visual impairment is to understand
and navigate their surroundings. Careful integration of provisions for
persons with visual impairment would allow them to understand their
surroundings through touch, or for them to seek assistance.

E.1.1 Provision of seating arrangement within fixed seating of auditoriums and halls for a
guide dog owner and a guide dog by the aisle
Guide dogs serves persons with visual impairment by guiding their owner from point to
point while avoiding obstacles and hazards. The provision of a seating space for a guide
dog owner and their guide dog would allow the person with visual impairment to
participate in activities that are set in auditoriums and halls.

E.1.2 Provision of braille and tactile building directory

Visually impaired persons can understand the
context which they are in via a braille and
tactile directory. The tactile map would consist
of raised features to show their current
location, routes, spaces and buildings. This
would be complemented with braille
descriptions of spaces and buildings. As this
directory would be read via touch, designers
are encouraged to place the directory such that
it can be comfortably reached by persons with
visual impairment.

E.1.3 Provision of braille and tactile signs for

rooms/units/spaces
Such signs allow persons with visual
impairment to verify their destination spaces
before entering. Apart from provision of braille,
tactile signs are important for users who do not
know braille. The raised letters would allow
users to make out the text via touch.

23
E.1.4 Provision of directional tactile tiles from accessible entrance to information counter
Persons with visual impairment are trained to navigate from point to point via a memory
map. Therefore, they are unable to navigate when they are in a new unknown space.
The provision of tactile tiles from the entrances of buildings to the information counter
would allow persons with visual impairment to locate the information counter for further
assistance.

E.1.5 Provision of directional tactile tiles linking two transport nodes (e.g. MRT station to
Integrated Transport Hub through a private development)
A series of directional and warning tactile indicators can be provided in transportation
nodes to guide persons with visual impairment to key accessible facilities or to queues
to board trains and buses within the station. As more integrated transport hubs are
created within privately owned developments, it is important to continue the providing
directional tactile so that persons with visual impairment have a consistent experience
when transferring from one transportation node to another.

24
F Accessible Sanitary Facilities
To allow persons with disabilities to stay within the building for a
longer period of time for work or play, sanitary facilities which
support their needs are important provisions.

F.1 Larger accessible individual washroom

Larger unisex washroom with supporting
features like grab bars allows for more
manoeuvring space within the washroom for
motorised wheelchairs or scooters.

It is not encouraged for accessible individual

washroom to be combined with the family toilet
as a person with disability may be unable to
use the washroom when needed.

F.2 Accessible changing rooms

Accessible changing rooms are provided with
height adjustable beds for caregivers of
persons with multiple or severe disabilities to
change and clean their loved ones. The bed
provides a clean and hygienic space. With the
ability to change and clean for them, the
caregiver and the person with disability would
be able to spend more time outdoors instead of
having to return home to perform such tasks.

25
F.2.4 Mechanical hoist is provided in the accessible
changing room
A mechanical hoist aids the caregiver in
transferring the person with disability from the
wheelchair to the changing bed.

F.3 Ambulant friendly toilets/cubicles, urinals and wash basins

to
F.5 The provision of grab bars adjacent to the water closets/urinals/wash basins would
provide support for users who may need them, including the elderly or users who are
injured or not feeling well.

26
G Family Friendly Sanitary Facilities
For the convenience of families with young children and nursing
mothers, provision of family friendly facilities is encouraged for
families to spend more time out together.
G.1 Family toilets
G.1.1 Designated family toilet fitted with adult and
to child-friendly sanitary facilities (WC, child-sized
G.1.3 WC, wash basin, child protection seat, diaper
changing station, bin)
Such standalone toilets with both adult and
child sized sanitary facilities allow parents to
bring their children to the toilet regardless of
their gender.

G.2 Nursing Facilities

G.2.1 Lactation rooms
to
G.2.3 Lactation rooms are spaces where mothers can
nurse/feed their babies or to express milk.
Therefore, it is important that lactation rooms
should not be within toilets. Lactation rooms
should also be private and comfortable for
mothers to nurse their babies. Power points
should also be provided for mothers who may
choose to express milk for subsequent use.

G.2.4 Designated nursing room (partitioned lactation area(s) with seat(s), wash basin, diaper
changing station/counters, hot water dispenser)
A designated nursing room would consist of all necessary provisions to allow parents to
clean and change their children as well as for mothers to nurse their babies. There
should be privacy segregation between the nursing area and the other features such as
diaper changing station, wash basin and hot water dispenser since fathers can assist
with such activities while mothers would be the primary users of lactation areas.

27
G.2.5 Space(s) for baby carriage within nursing room
Provision of sufficient space within the nursing
room would bring about greater convenience to
the users.

G.3 Designated children’s toilet

G.3.1 Designated children’s toilet fitted with child-
to friendly sanitary facilities (child-sized water
G.3.5 closet(s), wash basin(s) and mirror)
Where there is provision of child-specific
facilities such as water play areas and
playgrounds, designated children’s toilets are
encouraged. Such provisions would not only
better accommodate the smaller stature of
children but would also promote independent
usage by children without over relying on
parents.

G.4 Child-friendly basins

G.4.1 Provision of child-friendly basins
to
G.4.2 The provision of child-friendly basin within
gender specific toilets should take into
consideration children’s height and reach for
independent usage. Therefore, the basins must
be located at an appropriate height and should
not be as deep as adult sized basins.

28
G.5 Child-friendly water closets
G.5.1 Provision of child-friendly water closets
to
G.5.2 Such water closets within gender specific toilets must be child-sized. Use of seat
adapters over adult-sized WCs are not acceptable as such WCs are still too high.
Provision of step/stool to mitigate the height would pose safety risks and are not
practicable in public toilets.

G.6 Child-friendly urinals

G.6.1 Provision of child-friendly urinals
to
G.6.2 Child-friendly urinals within gender specific toilets should be installed at an appropriate
height with appropriate measures to allow the triggering of flush system by children.

Photo (above): Example of child-sized urinals and water closets to promote independent usage.

G.6.3 Provision of child-friendly urinal in female toilet

Provision of child-friendly urinal in the female toilet would allow mothers to accompany
their young boys to use the toilet.

G.7 Child-friendly showers

G.7.1 Provision of child-friendly showers
to
G.7.2 Children must be able to shower independently in such child-friendly showers. The tap
and shower head (if operable) should be at a child-appropriate height.

29
G.8 Child-protection seats in cubicles
G.8.1 Provision of child-protection seats in cubicles
to
G.8.2 Child-protection seats provide with a space for
parents to rest their young children while they
use the toilet. Therefore, such child-protection
seats should not be located in the common
area of the gender specific toilet as the parent
is unable to supervise while they are within the
cubicle. Such provision must be in both male
and female toilets.

G.9 Diaper changing stations

G.9.1 Provision of diaper changing stations
to
G.9.2 Diaper changing stations provides a clean safe
space for parents to change the diapers for
their young children. Where diaper changing
stations are provided in gender specific toilets,
they must be in both male and female toilets.

30
H Accessible & Elder-Friendly Rooms
To ensure persons with disabilities and the elderly have access to
hotel and/or service apartments rooms which can support their
needs, hotels and service apartments are required to provide a
minimum number of such rooms.
* Applicable to service apartments, hotels, hostels and the like only.

H.2 Accessible rooms

H.2.1 Provision of accessible rooms
to
H.2.3 Accessible rooms would allow wheelchair users to access the room, have enough
manoeuvring space within the room and appropriate safety features within the
bathroom. Refer to the specific requirements in the Code on Accessibility in the Built
Environment. It is encouraged for such rooms to be distributed across different room
tiers to provide more choices for wheelchair users.

Photo (above): Example of an accessible hotel room with accessible toilet provisions.

31
H.3 Elder-friendly rooms
H.3.1 Provision of elder-friendly rooms
to
H.3.3 Elder-friendly rooms would provide safety
features for elderly guests using the rooms.
This may consist of grab bars next to the bed
and bathroom.

32
J Specific UD Features
- Social and Recreational Facilities
For an inclusive society, persons with disabilities and the elderly
should be able to participate in communal activities. It is therefore
important for such social and recreational facilities to be designed to
facilitate their participation.

J.1.1 Community gardening with access for

wheelchair users
A variety of gardening plots could be designed
for various needs and users. Raised gardening
plots would benefit the elderly, reducing the
need for them to bend over, while raised
gardening plots with knee space for wheelchair
users would also allow them to engage in such
activities. Appropriate floor finishes should also
be considered such that wheelchair users can
manoeuvre safety and easily. Stepping stones,
turfed, sandy or gravel lined paths are not
conducive for wheelchair users.

J.1.2 Gymnasium with equipment for wheelchair

users
A variety of gym equipment could be provided,
including those that are able to accommodate
wheelchair users, allowing them to benefit from
such machines. Free weights are not
considered as equipment.

33
J.1.3 Outdoor fitness stations with equipment for
elderly
Such provisions would encourage a healthy
lifestyle for the elderly without compromising
safety.

J.1.4 3G (Three Generation) concept in the

placement of play and fitness area
The co-location of play and fitness facilities
would cater for the needs of different members
of the family, while allowing them to enjoy the
activity together. This would also allow easy
supervision of children by their parents or
grandparents.

J.1.5 Children’s play area with play equipment for

children with disabilities
To promote a more inclusive play environment,
various play equipment, including those that
can cater for a wheelchair-bound child could
be provided.

J.1.6 Swimming pool with means of access for

wheelchair users and accessible rinsing
shower
Means of access for wheelchair users could be
in the form of ramps into the pool, or transfer
platforms allowing wheelchairs to transfer onto
the platform before descending into the pool.
Accessible rinsing showers must have
adequate space, appropriate floor finishes as
well as accessible controls.

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J.1.7 Multi-purpose courts/sports courts with fixed
seating and designated wheelchair seating
spaces
The provision of designated wheelchair seating
spaces would allow wheelchair users to
participate in the activities that may be taking
place on the courts by being a spectator.

J.1.8 Quiet room for persons with special needs or library collection for persons with
disabilities
A quiet room is a safe, enclosed space with reduced sensory interference which
caregivers can bring persons with special needs into to calm down during episodes of
outbursts. Library collection for persons with disabilities could include braille texts, or
specialised topics pertaining to disabilities.

J.1.9 Accessible drinking fountains

Provision of drinking fountains at different
heights would benefit a greater range of users.
Adults could utilise the higher-level drinking
fountain, while children or wheelchair users
could use the lower-level drinking fountain.

J.1.10 Accessible letterboxes

Accessible letterboxes are configured such that
a wheelchair user would be able to reach the
topmost and lowermost letterbox.

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J.1.11 Accessible BBQ facilities
Accessible BBQ facilities should take into
consideration the provision of knee space for
wheelchair users so that they can take part in
the typical activities relating to BBQ, such as
preparation of food, washing or cooking.

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K Residential UD Features
- User-friendly Provisions in
Apartments
As residential developments usually do not undergo major retrofitting
works after it is constructed, the upfront provision of user-friendly
features would benefit persons with disabilities or the elderly to age-
in-place comfortably in a familiar environment.
* Applicable to non-landed residential developments only.

K.1 Ease of Movement

K.1.1 Levelled entrance into unit
Allows for easy access into the unit for
wheelchair users

K.1.2 Vertical grab bar at unit main door

Provides ease of use for all user groups,
including wheelchair users, children and adults.

K.1.3 Keyless lockset for main door

Provides ease of use particularly for persons
with physical deformities or joint problems by
eliminating the need for fine motor movement
for inserting and turning a key.

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K.1.4 Lowered window height for unobstructed view
Benefit wheelchair users or children as they are
able to view out of the unit.

K.1.5 Levelled entry into bathroom

Allows for easy access for wheelchair users

K.2 User-friendly Interfaces

K.2.1 Wheelchair space (>1.2m) in front of kitchen
cabinetry and table top
Provides sufficient space for wheelchair users
to manoeuvre

K.2.2 Accessible carpentry, such as counter tops of

adjustable/varying fixed levels, mobile furniture
units for flexibility in use, pull-down cabinet
shelving system/wardrobe
Such carpentry design should cater to the
reaches of a wheelchair user to enable
independent use.

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K.2.3 Smart home system with assistive features
such as voice controls or app integration with
assistive functions
Sufficient provision must be made to allow the
use of such smart home systems that can
benefit residents with mobility or vision
challenges.

K.2.4 Ease of M&E services use, such as two-way

light switches, labels to switches and motion
sensor lighting
Provisions should be aimed at minimising travel
or trial and error.

K.2.5 Casement windows with horizontal handles

below the crescent locks
Such handles would allow make it easier for
wheelchair users to operate windows.

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K.3 Additional Safety/Assistive Features
K.3.1 Built-in seat in shower stall
The provision of a built-in seat in the shower
stall would benefit the elderly who would be
able to have a safe platform to sit while
showering.

K.3.2 Visual doorbells with vibration/light indicators

The vibration or light indicators would inform persons with hearing impairment when the
doorbell is triggered.

K.3.3 Adjustable/retractable clothes drying rack

Adjustable/retractable clothes drying rack
would benefit users of different statures and
physical capabilities.

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K.3.4 Emergency pull-chord/button
Provision of such alerting features at
deliberate/high-risk locations would facilitate
the residents in seeking help when needed.

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L Hotel, Hostels, Service Apartments
UD Features
As temporary places of accommodation, it is encouraged for such
rooms to be designed to cater to as many user groups as possible.

L.1 Elder-friendly In-room Facilities/Services

L.1.1 Night light in bathroom
Provides visibility for the bathroom user without disturbing other occupants

L.1.2 Furniture/fixtures that are easy to operate, e.g.

pull-down wardrobe rails
Such carpentry design should cater to the
reaches of a wheelchair user to enable
independent use.

L.1.3 Larger font types for in-room guides or larger buttons for telephones/controls
Provides better legibility for persons with poorer eyesight.

L.1.4 Emergency pull-cord/button

Provision of such alerting features at
deliberate/high-risk locations would facilitate
the guest in seeking help when needed.

L.1.5 Height or position adjustable bed

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 Height adjustable beds could be better
customised to the needs of the guest.

L.1.6 Visual doorbells with vibration/light indicators

The vibration or light indicators would inform persons with hearing impairment when the
doorbell is triggered.

L.2 Family-sized Rooms & Facilities

L.2.1 Provision of family size rooms (Occupancy of 4 and above)
Such rooms accommodating more person, both adults and children would allow a family
to stay together within the same room for greater convenience.

L.2.2 Provision of connecting rooms

Where family sized rooms are not available, provision of connecting rooms would allow
easy access to an adjacent room for greater convenience.

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M Project Development and Process
A project which starts with a clear intention of catering to as many
user groups as possible would guide the project team during
construction and even after the project is completed and operational.

M.1 Project Development

M.1.1 Consultancy team (architectural or
engineering) comprises a BCAA certified
Universal Design Assessor
A consultant who has a good understanding of
the needs of various disabilities and various
user groups is important to shape the project
and enable use by the intended user groups,
while not leaving out user groups with specific
needs.

M.1.2 Developer team (building developer/owner or

project manager) comprises a BCAA certified
Universal Design Assessor
While consultants can design for the intended
user groups, building developers/owners who
understands the importance of catering to their
intended user groups can guide the project
team through specifying user-friendly
provisions. A project manager who
understands the needs of users with various
abilities can ensure that such needs are
addressed during construction.

M.1.3 Project team engages and incorporates feedback from specialist user groups, such as
disability organisation, UD specialists etc.
It is encouraged for project teams to engage and consult with universal design or
accessibility specialists, disability organisations or other relevant user groups so that the
team can hear and understand first-hand the needs of persons with disabilities, or other
user groups with specific needs (elderly, families with young children and
expectant/nursing mothers).

General consultation or design development discussions with the project’s users are not
considered to satisfy this criterion. For example, consultation with in-house operators
and nurses for a nursing home etc would not fulfil the intent of this criteria.

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