Do You Know What's Friendly : Universal Design Awards

BCA Universal Design Awards Assessment Criteria

Part 1 : Connectivity (15 points)

The degree to which the development is designed in a holistic manner to allow for seamless connection to public transport nodes, streets, sidewalks and adjacent buildings etc and seamless movement within the buildings with provisions such as wide circulation paths and doorways and access to all levels of building by ramps and or accessible lifts.

Part 2 : Accessibility (25 points)

The availability and convenience of provisions such as safe and sheltered accessible alighting and boarding points, conspicuous accessible parking lots located near main or lift lobbies, family friendly facilities like family room, seats and child-friendly sanitary facilities and other amenities such as accessible information counter, ATM, public telephone and drinking fountain.

Part 3 : User-Friendliness (20 points)

The provision of signage and way finding cues such as audible information, tactile directional indicators and color or picture themes at main circulation spaces & leading to public transport nodes and UD facilities. The degree to which the design of signage and way-finding cues are easy to read, understand and intuitive regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration level.

Part 4 : Safety (20 points)

The degree to which walking surfaces are made safe and secure with attention to details such as choice of materials, design without gratings, free of obstacles and dangerous overhangs, provision of adequate lighting and handrails/ trailing bars, contrasting colour and design clearly distinguishing floors and walls, stairs and landings and provision of tactile warning indicators near edge of potential hazardous areas.

Part 5 : Integrated Design (10 points)

The demonstration of total design approach for targeted user groups in the layout design and the integration of tastefully-designed and equitable use facilities and features with the overall architecture and interior design of the building.

Part 6 : Operations & Maintenance (10 points)

The degree to which the organization is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive built environment through the establishment of corporate policy which is clearly communicated to employees, mandating regular inspections to ensure good working condition of facilities, equipping employees in Universal Design through training, and providing avenues for users to give feedback and authority for employees to render assistance to feedback givers.

Part 7 : BONUS for Innovation and Enhancement (20 points)

The provision of other new or innovative aging-in-place, pro-family and or employee-friendly UD facilities or features and accessible escape routes and systems for the physically challenged, such as red blinking lights in toilets to warn hearing impaired of the need to evacuate. The commitment and efforts of refurbished building owners in overcoming the challenges of existing constraints.