A total of 26 winners have clinched the first BCA Universal Design Mark Award by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Among them, the Platinum winners of the Award are Reflections at Keppel Bay, a private residential development, and education institution United World College of South East Asia (East Campus).
Newly introduced in October last year, the BCA Universal Design Mark Award is a voluntary certification scheme that encourages building owners, developers and architects to include or retrofit their buildings and developments with Universal Design features.
The award is part of BCA’s effort in developing a City of All Ages which allows people of all ages and abilities to live, work, learn and play.
Private residential development, Reflections at Keppel Bay, was given the highest accolade for the developer and architect’s outstanding provision of user-friendly features.
BCA says the development stands out not only for its iconic architectural presence, but also for its outstanding user-friendly and Universal Design features.
Although the design of Reflections at Keppel Bay was developed based on the 2002 edition of BCA’s Code on Accessibility, its Platinum status recognises the extra efforts by its developers and architects in creating a development that is inclusive and ahead of its time.
With its lush landscaping, spacious resting areas and leisure pools as well as elder and family-friendly features, Reflections at Keppel Bay is a comfortable and relaxing environment that allows people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
To help its residents and visitors find their way, the architect used a creative design for its signs, which are in the form of a cube that makes it easy for users to find their way around the development.
For each residential block, there is a specially designed door for wheelchair users such that they need only minimum effort to move in and out without any assistance.
The United World College of South East Asia (East Campus) was the Gold winner of last year’s Universal Design Award.
BCA says its conferment of Platinum status this year is a clear recognition of how its developer and architects have gone further ahead and improved significantly the level of user-friendliness of the campus.
The college campus’ elevated landscape connects the four academic blocks to other facilities such as the main plaza, playing field, rest and discussion areas.
With its large signboards, and creative use of cultural motifs and colours for each block, students and visitors to the college can find their way around easily.
The developer and architect’s dedication to Universal Design also extends to details such as the careful separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic for students of different ages around the college grounds and a nursing or lactation room for its staff.
Besides the two Platinum-certified winners, Changi Airport Terminal 1, JCube, Mapletree Business City and Pasir Ris Sports and Recreation Centre were also given BCA Universal Design Mark GoldPlus certifications.
The BCA Awards ceremony will be held on May 16 at the Resorts World Sentosa.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 8 May 2013