Development of a Universal Design-Based Guide for Handrails: An Empirical Study for Hong Kong Elderly

: An important and basic strategy for facilitating the inclusion and daily life of elderly in accordance with those living in public rental housing buildings is to allow their circulation to be barrier-free and self-supported. Therefore, the provision of a handrail guide could improve their living standard. This paper develops a universal design guide for handrails focusing on the needs of elderly. Fifteen routes with mostly elderly were selected and targeted for evaluating the existing problems with handrail provision. Surveys and informal interviews with elderly, adults, and children were also conducted to further investigate their needs, their ease of existing facilities, and possible future implementation to improve their ease. From the survey results, it was found that most of the existing problems with handrail layouts exist within the community. In addition to standardizing, modifying, and suggesting the ideas on handrail design and layout, the promotion of the ideas from universal design was the emphasis on this investigation in order to make a barrier-free city into a barrier-free but universal community for a better international city. The guide focuses on the standardization of synthetization of the scope in terms of design and layout. Simultaneously, an advanced part of design also regards the improvement of technological, environmental, and self-support features to improve Hong Kong’s international friendliness with tailor-made ideas such as Elderlysteady.


Introduction
Pursuing convenience and reasonableness, people always wish to utilize limited urban spaces; consequently, environments become complex and dense. Nevertheless, a fast-changing environment results in a gradually departure from the original picture of a city of elderly. To understand and get used to the environment, regulations, guides, or codes should be amended and improved according to physical characteristics and needs of the older generation around the world; otherwise, geniality would be lost along the way [1]. Single handrail; no less than 850 mm and no more than 950 mm above the floor Double handrail; no less than 700 mm and no more than 800 mm above the floor Single handrail; no less than 850 mm and no more than 950 mm above the floor According to the Buildings Department [10], only three types of handrails are qualified under the code, named Types 1 to 3 (see Figure 1). However, only Type 1 was used throughout this guide for the sake of consistency.

Handrails Codes
Department for the Aging, New York City [9] Buildings Department [10] Architectural Services Department [11] Design Dual handrails; one high (34-38 inches above the floor) and one low (maximum 27 inches above the floor) Single handrail; no less than 850 mm and no more than 950 mm above the floor Double handrail; no less than 700 mm and no more than 800 mm above the floor Single handrail; no less than 850 mm and no more than 950 mm above the floor According to the Buildings Department [10], only three types of handrails are qualified under the code, named Types 1 to 3 (see Figure 1). However, only Type 1 was used throughout this guide for the sake of consistency. In addition to the default code, the design should also be fine-tuned according to the requirements of various implementers. According to the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) [12], redcolored handrail ends are provided for the staircase design to allow higher visibility for vision-  In addition to the default code, the design should also be fine-tuned according to the requirements of various implementers. According to the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) [12], red-colored handrail ends are provided for the staircase design to allow higher visibility for vision-impaired people, which should also be taken as an idea for the design of handrails to assist the elderly with visual difficulties (Figure 2). Sustainability 2018, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW  4 of 32 impaired people, which should also be taken as an idea for the design of handrails to assist the elderly with visual difficulties (Figure 2). Isabella and Rahel [13] mentioned that tactile guidance, small raised symbols, or notifiable changes in grip thickness should be provided, which could notify the breaks, as well as provide the directions of facilities, to blind or visually impaired people through braille messages inside the tactile symbols ( Figure 3). Unfortunately, the above braille sign design could only fundamentally provide the direction, without alleviating any safety concerns. Yanko Design [14] pointed out the design of a safety dot within an advanced braille sign, which could provide safety guidance ( Figure 4). Isabella and Rahel [13] mentioned that tactile guidance, small raised symbols, or notifiable changes in grip thickness should be provided, which could notify the breaks, as well as provide the directions of facilities, to blind or visually impaired people through braille messages inside the tactile symbols ( Figure 3). impaired people, which should also be taken as an idea for the design of handrails to assist the elderly with visual difficulties (Figure 2). Isabella and Rahel [13] mentioned that tactile guidance, small raised symbols, or notifiable changes in grip thickness should be provided, which could notify the breaks, as well as provide the directions of facilities, to blind or visually impaired people through braille messages inside the tactile symbols ( Figure 3). Unfortunately, the above braille sign design could only fundamentally provide the direction, without alleviating any safety concerns. Yanko Design [14] pointed out the design of a safety dot within an advanced braille sign, which could provide safety guidance ( Figure 4). Unfortunately, the above braille sign design could only fundamentally provide the direction, without alleviating any safety concerns. Yanko Design [14] pointed out the design of a safety dot within an advanced braille sign, which could provide safety guidance ( Figure 4).   [14].
According to the Hong Kong Green Building Council [15], bamboo was applied in different fixtures or finishes, including handrails in the HSMC Jockey Club Residential Colleges for improving performance in the Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) Plus ( Figure 5). The Hong Kong Green Building Council [16] also mentioned that the selection of bamboo, which is a rapidly renewable raw material, was one of the assessment criteria. Obviously, the recommendation of bamboo materials could be provided for enhancing the green design of handrails. According to the Hong Kong Green Building Council [15], bamboo was applied in different fixtures or finishes, including handrails in the HSMC Jockey Club Residential Colleges for improving performance in the Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) Plus ( Figure 5). The Hong Kong Green Building Council [16] also mentioned that the selection of bamboo, which is a rapidly renewable raw material, was one of the assessment criteria. Obviously, the recommendation of bamboo materials could be provided for enhancing the green design of handrails.
Handrails should be smooth and comfortable in grip with non-sharp edges and corners [17], which also establishes a flexible material design grid for handrails. Barker, Barrick, and Wilson [17] also pointed out that visually accentuated handrails could be very helpful for visually impaired people, and that forming a clear mental picture of a building and its surroundings is made much easier if there is a simple logical layout for the fixture. Handrails should be smooth and comfortable in grip with non-sharp edges and corners [17], which also establishes a flexible material design grid for handrails. Barker, Barrick, and Wilson [17] also pointed out that visually accentuated handrails could be very helpful for visually impaired people, and that forming a clear mental picture of a building and its surroundings is made much easier if there is a simple logical layout for the fixture.

Universal Design Handrails
Naoto [18] pointed out that universal design is replacing barrier-free design, which allows catering to a wider group of people in a specific product design; therefore, to be age-friendly, the traditional approach should be eliminated. Seven principles are considered in universal design [19]: (1) equitable use; (2) flexibility in use; (3) simple and intuitive use; (4) perceptible information; (5) tolerance for error; (6) low physical effort; and (7) size and space for approach and use.
In real practice, these principles are not excluded in barrier-free design; however, they are only provided in certain areas, spaces, and facilities, such as welfare facilities and shopping malls. As a result, the major value of universal design is the merging of barrier-free design into all daily life environments. Simultaneously, pursuing diverse performance to suit different individual needs and preferences is essential for eliminating any obstacles to certain groups and communities.
Nevertheless, the achievement of comfort and safety in the universal design framework is extremely difficult. In fact, if it is written into regulations or codes, flexibility and creativity are eliminated. Consequently, standardization for the design and provision of handrails could facilitate the meeting of requirements, which is one of the goals of creating this guideline.
There are different universal design guides available. The most commonly adopted is the Universal Design Style, the requirements of which are summarized in Table 2. Table 3 compares the code from Hong Kong and the Universal Design Style. Codes for handrail design from Hong Kong are sufficiently comprehensive; however, certain elements mentioned in the Universal Design Guide are not covered. Therefore, the Universal Design Guide was used as a basis, while some of the design details (e.g., the height of the handrails) followed the Hong Kong code. These details were chosen following precise experiments using Hong Kong citizens, while considering the value of universal usage.

Universal Design Handrails
Naoto [18] pointed out that universal design is replacing barrier-free design, which allows catering to a wider group of people in a specific product design; therefore, to be age-friendly, the traditional approach should be eliminated. Seven principles are considered in universal design [19]: (1) equitable use; (2) flexibility in use; (3) simple and intuitive use; (4) perceptible information; (5) tolerance for error; (6) low physical effort; and (7) size and space for approach and use.
In real practice, these principles are not excluded in barrier-free design; however, they are only provided in certain areas, spaces, and facilities, such as welfare facilities and shopping malls. As a result, the major value of universal design is the merging of barrier-free design into all daily life environments. Simultaneously, pursuing diverse performance to suit different individual needs and preferences is essential for eliminating any obstacles to certain groups and communities.
Nevertheless, the achievement of comfort and safety in the universal design framework is extremely difficult. In fact, if it is written into regulations or codes, flexibility and creativity are eliminated. Consequently, standardization for the design and provision of handrails could facilitate the meeting of requirements, which is one of the goals of creating this guideline.
There are different universal design guides available. The most commonly adopted is the Universal Design Style, the requirements of which are summarized in Table 2. Table 3 compares the code from Hong Kong and the Universal Design Style. Codes for handrail design from Hong Kong are sufficiently comprehensive; however, certain elements mentioned in the Universal Design Guide are not covered. Therefore, the Universal Design Guide was used as a basis, while some of the design details (e.g., the height of the handrails) followed the Hong Kong code. These details were chosen following precise experiments using Hong Kong citizens, while considering the value of universal usage.  [20].

General
Handrails should be provided for raised floor ramps that are more than 150 mm. Handrails should be placed at a height such that the top is no less than 865 mm and no more than 965 mm above the floor level. Handrails designed for children should be placed at a height such that the top is no more than 710 mm, with a minimum distance of 230 mm from the upper handrails. Handrails should not be required surfaces with a slope lower than 1:20. Handrails are not required to be installed on both sides of travel in assembly areas. A minimum distance of 38 mm from the wall is required for the gripping surface.

Gripping Surface
Handrails should be provided on a continuous basis, i.e., continuous throughout the full length of passage expect for assembly areas with unobstructed gripping surfaces, where more than 20% of its length is obstructed; otherwise, a horizontal projection should be provided below the bottom gripping surface at a minimum distance of 38 mm, except for handrails provided for surfaces with a slope lower than 1:20.

Extension
Non-circular designs should have a perimeter that no less than 100 mm and no more than 160 mm. Instead of sharp-edged or abrasive surfaces, round-edged surfaces should be provided. Handrails for ramps should be extended above the surface by at least 305 mm horizontally in a continuous manner, for the top and bottom of the ramp. Bottom extension: handrails for stairs should be extended along the slope, where the extension length should be at least equal to the tread depth and reconnected to the adjacent surface in a continuous manner. Top extension: handrails for stairs should be extended above the surface by at least 305 mm horizontally in a continuous manner.

Research Methodology
To achieve the aim of this paper in developing a universal design-based guide with barrier-free ideas for the provision of handrails targeting the needs of the elderly living in public rental flats, two main issues were investigated: (1) to develop a standardized and fine-tuned design based on the Universal Design Style code of handrails regarding design, shape, material, color, diameter, distance from wall, load resistance, additional requirements, and layouts with advanced and tailor-made ideas; and (2) to make suggestion for handrails in between circulation routes of public rental housing estates and the nearest MTR stations in terms of their layout.
Survey and field studies were carried out to discover any existing problems or deficiencies of current handrails provided on the designated route, evaluated by Google Maps. An assumption was made that the elderly would choose to travel via MTR when the routes toward the nearest MTR stations from their public rental flat requiring no less than 10 min travel on foot. Therefore, a simple online instrument, Google Maps, was used to evaluate target routes that required a travel time no less than 10 min on foot. Fifteen routes with mostly elderly were selected as references to generate and represent the existing problems with handrails. Figures 6-20 summarize the within-10-min walking routes between public rental housing estates and the nearest MRT stations.                Surveys were conducted during the field studies. Three types of pedestrians using the 15 routes were targeted: (1) the elderly; (2) adults; and (3) children. In total, 765 elderly, 657 adult, and 674 children responses were collected for further analysis. Informal interviews were conducted during the one-on-one surveys. To further investigate the 15 routes with ease for different types of pedestrians, the survey aimed to investigate their needs in detail, as well as the convenience of existing facilities, and any possible future implementations for improvement.

Survey Results and Discussions
Tables 4-6 summarize the survey results for the elderly, adults, and children respectively. In Table 4, it can be seen that most of the elderly had trouble going toward MTR stations on foot, which is evidence that the Hong Kong elderly are facing certain problems associated with deficiencies regarding the existing barrier-free design. It is also evidence that handrails are a necessity for the elderly who face difficulties when walking toward MTR stations from their public rental housing estates. From the survey results, it was found that handrails could help to overcome the difficulties and issues with the central elements of a barrier-free design community. Unexpectedly, most of the elderly were unsure with regards to the adequate provision of handrails, while approximately 35% of them thought that there was an insufficient number of in handrails. It was concluded that the insufficient provision of handrails potentially leads to a worse barrier-free atmosphere. Thus, an alteration, amendment, or improvement of the existing handrail layout is required.  Nearly half of the elderly believed that there was an insufficient provision of handrails on horizontal pathways. Since there was no mention of handrail provision on horizontal pathways within the guides, this design provision should be considered in the future.
In Table 6, over 90% of children were unsure or did not think additional handrails on horizontal surfaces would be a hindrance. A potential reason behind this is probably the minor group of children who enjoy access to additional handrails on horizontal surfaces. On the other hand, 66% of adults (Table 5) were unsure or did not think additional handrails on horizontal surfaces would be a hindrance.
A large proportion of the elderly found that there was a lack of handrails on horizontal pathways and that they should be installed on fences. Around 33% of the children were unsure with regards to handrails on both sides of pathways, while 39% of them did not think that it would be beneficial. This could be due to the possibility of a reduction in space for children. Therefore, two-sided handrails should also be provided optionally in certain children entertainment areas in between the route, for example, between Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate and the Kowloon Bay MTR station.
Approximately 86% of the elderly were unsure whether replacing fences with barrier railings was a good idea. The reason for this was probably insufficient knowledge on or experience using barrier railings due to a lack of provision of barrier railings; therefore, the replacement design was not adopted in the guide designed herein. The majority of adults considered that the replacement of fences with barrier railings would be beneficial; however, instead of permanently implementing this idea, optional barrier railings are suggested for designers dependent on local usage and frequency in terms of the environment.
Based on the question "Do you think handrails are provided in intermittent manner?", it is evident that handrails should be installed on a continuous basis in terms of materials, color, size, etc. Evidently, the majority of the children were unsure with regards to the continuous arrangement of handrails, probably due to a lack of use, while 50% of adults thought that the continuous arrangement of handrails would be beneficial. Therefore, continuous handrails are recommended.
Regarding handrails on both sides of pathways, most respondents were unsure, which indicated a currently sufficient installation of double-sided handrails. However, to alleviate the concerns of those facing obstacles when using handrails, double-sided handrails are still recommended. If no walls are present, then grounded handrails should be used in possible conditions. Over 90% of respondents were unsure or had no experience of blockage due to handrails. Consequently, in reality, such a realization might have resulted in them choosing another path toward the MTR stations. Therefore, the idea of setting handrails a certain distance away from standing fixtures was eliminated due to the inefficient use of coverage once implemented.

Major Issues of Handrails
Based on the survey results and the research team's observations during the field studies, some major issues of handrails were identified, as described below.

A Lack of Handrails on Horizontal Surfaces
Although there was no guideline for the installation of handrails on horizontal surfaces, there was an obvious problem for the elderly being unable to walk through the entire route ( Figure 21). Sustainability 2018, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 25 of 32

Major Issues of Handrails
Based on the survey results and the research team's observations during the field studies, some major issues of handrails were identified, as described below.

A Lack of Handrails on Horizontal Surfaces
Although there was no guideline for the installation of handrails on horizontal surfaces, there was an obvious problem for the elderly being unable to walk through the entire route ( Figure 21).

Discontinuity of Handrails
Although there were some guidelines describing a continuity requirement, it was seldom illustrated. Therefore, in actuality, some handrails were not designed on a continuous basis ( Figures  22-24).

Discontinuity of Handrails
Although there were some guidelines describing a continuity requirement, it was seldom illustrated. Therefore, in actuality, some handrails were not designed on a continuous basis (Figures 22-24).
Based on the survey results and the research team's observations during the field studies, some major issues of handrails were identified, as described below.

A Lack of Handrails on Horizontal Surfaces
Although there was no guideline for the installation of handrails on horizontal surfaces, there was an obvious problem for the elderly being unable to walk through the entire route ( Figure 21).

Discontinuity of Handrails
Although there were some guidelines describing a continuity requirement, it was seldom illustrated. Therefore, in actuality, some handrails were not designed on a continuous basis ( Figures  22-24).

Handrails Were Not Installed on Both Sides
To allow equitability in use, handrails on both sides of a pathway are necessary. However, this layout was ignored in some routes, which might create inconvenience for users with paralysis, for example (Figures 25 and 26).

Handrails Were Not Installed on Both Sides
To allow equitability in use, handrails on both sides of a pathway are necessary. However, this layout was ignored in some routes, which might create inconvenience for users with paralysis, for example (Figures 25 and 26).

Handrails Were Not Installed on Both Sides
To allow equitability in use, handrails on both sides of a pathway are necessary. However, this layout was ignored in some routes, which might create inconvenience for users with paralysis, for example (Figures 25 and 26).

Undesirable Installation Location
Handrails were not installed in appropriate locations at times, i.e., installed at the top side of curbs instead of sideways ( Figure 27).

Undesirable Installation Location
Handrails were not installed in appropriate locations at times, i.e., installed at the top side of curbs instead of sideways ( Figure 27).

Undesirable Installation Location
Handrails were not installed in appropriate locations at times, i.e., installed at the top side of curbs instead of sideways ( Figure 27).

Handrails Were Not Installed on Fences
Handrails were not installed on some fences which allows handrail installation. To promote a barrier-free design of handrails, fences should be installed with handrails in some practical situations ( Figure 28).

Blockage of Handrails
Some handrails were blocked by existing features, which might create a barrier to users or even invalidate the function of handrails, potentially leading to Inconvenience upon use (Figure 29).

Handrails Were Not Installed on Fences
Handrails were not installed on some fences which allows handrail installation. To promote a barrier-free design of handrails, fences should be installed with handrails in some practical situations ( Figure 28).

Handrails Were Not Installed on Fences
Handrails were not installed on some fences which allows handrail installation. To promote a barrier-free design of handrails, fences should be installed with handrails in some practical situations ( Figure 28).

Blockage of Handrails
Some handrails were blocked by existing features, which might create a barrier to users or even invalidate the function of handrails, potentially leading to Inconvenience upon use (Figure 29).

Blockage of Handrails
Some handrails were blocked by existing features, which might create a barrier to users or even invalidate the function of handrails, potentially leading to Inconvenience upon use (Figure 29).

Good Practices with Handrails
Apart from the above issues with handrails, there were some unexpected layouts observed from field studies which might be beneficial for the elderly.

Handrails Installed on Bus Stop
The idea of this design could improve travel for the elderly and even give support to the elderly, especially on rainy days (Figure 30).

Good Practices with Handrails
Apart from the above issues with handrails, there were some unexpected layouts observed from field studies which might be beneficial for the elderly.

Handrails Installed on Bus Stop
The idea of this design could improve travel for the elderly and even give support to the elderly, especially on rainy days (Figure 30).

Good Practices with Handrails
Apart from the above issues with handrails, there were some unexpected layouts observed from field studies which might be beneficial for the elderly.

Handrails Installed on Bus Stop
The idea of this design could improve travel for the elderly and even give support to the elderly, especially on rainy days (Figure 30).

Handrails Installed on Lower Curb
The idea of this design, whereby handrails are provided on lower curbs, can be utilized on some routes with small pathways (Figure 31). The idea of this design, whereby handrails are provided on lower curbs, can be utilized on some routes with small pathways (Figure 31).

Handrails Installed at the Bottom of Escalators
The idea of this design, whereby handrails are used to support the elderly, can be implemented in routes featuring escalators (Figure 32).

Handrails Installed at the Bottom of Escalators
The idea of this design, whereby handrails are used to support the elderly, can be implemented in routes featuring escalators (Figure 32). The idea of this design, whereby handrails are provided on lower curbs, can be utilized on some routes with small pathways (Figure 31).

Handrails Installed at the Bottom of Escalators
The idea of this design, whereby handrails are used to support the elderly, can be implemented in routes featuring escalators (Figure 32).

Development of the Universal Guide for Handrails
Based on the survey results, field studies, and interviews with pedestrians, the Universal Guide for Handrails was developed, and is provided in the Supplementary Materials. There are two sections in the Universal Guide. The first section features design requirements, including height, material, cross-section, distance from wall, load resistance, shape, extension, ramps, gripping surface, removable handrails, and safety dots. There is also an advanced design developed for the Universal Guide called "Elderlysteady", which is a material design for detecting loading and speed for the adjustment of moving rate, featuring an indicator light, and a continuous design. In addition, Section B suggests layout requirements for the Universal Guide, including fencing, horizontal surfaces, low curbs, double-sided handrails, bus stops, and escalators.
This guide aimed to evaluate the needs of the elderly (over 59 years of age) living in public rental housing flats, based on additional input from children and adults, thereby achieving the idea of universal design. Detailed requirements for design and layout are provided and recommended. This guide was developed based on a Hong Kong empirical study; however, it should also be suitable for other densely populated cities and countries. This guide can provide insight for architects of handrails, with focus on the needs of the elderly.

Conclusions
This paper developed a universal design guide for handrails focusing on the needs of the elderly. Surveys, 15 field studies, and interviews were conducted to investigate the major issues concerning handrails, which were then used to develop a universal guide for handrails. Providing additional recommendations to designers, an advanced section of the guide features a design called "ElderlySteady", which was developed in the contexts of technology, environment, and self-support. Based on the results, most problems with existing handrails could be found within the community. Most children or adults were unsure with regards to the feasibility of the current design, suggesting that the existing barrier-free design exhibited some elements of the universal design guide, but not to a satisfactory level. During the design process, some ideas from adults were sacrificed so as to achieve more universal acceptance and flexibility for all age groups.