By Shabnam Muzammil:
26 properties in Singapore were awarded the first Universal Design Mark Award by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for integrating features that improve accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.
“Through the awards, we want to encourage architects and developers to consider creative Universal Design features for their projects, making our built environment more inclusive. It is not about state-of-the-art design, but rather good, accessible and thoughtful design,” said Professor Bertil Andersson, Chairman of the Assessment Committee and President of Nanyang Technological University.
The Platinum Award was awarded to Reflections at Keppel Bay (pictured), a private residential development and the United World College of South East Asia (East Campus), in recognition of its user-friendly and universal design features.
At the same time, the GoldPlus certification was handed out to Changi Airport Terminal 1, JCube, Mapletree Business City and Pasir Ris Sports and Recreation Centre.
“By introducing the Universal Design Mark as a certification scheme, we are highlighting the importance of a ‘Design for All’ built environment. It is significant that the UD Mark scheme also assesses projects at their design stage, as we want to encourage building owners, developers and designers to consider and incorporate Universal Design at the very start of their development process,” noted Dr. John Keung, CEO of the BCA.
The awards ceremony will be held on 16 May at Resorts World Sentosa with Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Mr. Lee Yi Shyan as the guest of honour.
Shabnam Muzammil, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email shabnam@propertyguru.com.sg
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