Accessible for All - Hong Kong Symposium

Mr KC King has been a dedicated member in the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) since joining as a design architect in 1994. His early involvement spanned a broad spectrum of public works projects, ranging from institutional and heritage conservation to open space development. His portfolio boasts significant projects, such as the Naval Base at Stonecutters Island, Tuen Mun Polyclinic, Sai Kung Waterfront Park, Yau Ma Tei Theatre, Redevelopment of PMQ, Beautification of Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and The Peak. These projects have not only enhanced the urban landscape, but also garnered multiple awards, including the President’s Prize and the Special Architectural Award – Heritage and Adaptive Reuse from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA), as well as accolades from the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design.

Before his promotion to Assistant Director of ArchSD, Mr King was the Deputy Head of Energizing Kowloon East in 2021, where he played a key role in promoting the transformation of Kowloon East into a vibrant CBD2. In addition to his professional services, Mr King has contributed to the architectural community as a Board of Director at the Hong Kong Architecture Centre and as a Committee Member in HKIA on Heritage & Conservation and Planning & Urban Design.

Presentation title:

Enhancing the Accessibility of Hong Kong’s Built Environment – Standards and Best Practices on Universal Accessibility

Presentation summary:

To enable persons with special needs and disabilities to enjoy their general rights and freedom and to accord them inherent dignity and respect, the Government has been relentlessly promoting universal accessibility and the value of inclusion for building a caring and inclusive society.

Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) has been working hand-in-hand over the years with relevant Government departments in the design and construction of public buildings and facilities that are accessible by persons with special needs and disabilities. ArchSD remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of public facilities and building a better living environment.

To promote good practice on universal accessibility, based on the research studies and in collaboration with other stakeholders, ArchSD has developed standards and guidelines from practical perspectives in response to the physical characteristics of the local built environment and the demographic challenges that we are facing including the aging population. These standards and guidelines were established to set higher standards beyond the statutory requirements.

In this presentation, we will share our standards and best practices on universal accessibility and illustrate with examples with reference to some of our completed projects.