The number of developments that have received an award for user-friendly design from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has reached a record high of 37 in 2015, reported the media.
Known as the BCA Universal Design Mark, this award is a voluntary certification scheme for architects and developers who promote ‘universal design’ – the concept of creating buildings that are user-friendly for everyone, including children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
“As the agency championing universal design in the built environment, BCA is heartened to see the rise in award winners each year, from 26 when we first started the Universal Design Mark in 2013 to 37 projects this year,” said Chin Chi Leong, the agency’s Director for Building Plan and Management Division.
This year, the most prestigious platinum award was given to ITE College Central, d’Leedon condominium and the Westgate commercial building.
ITE College Central was commended for its pro-family facilities and features that took into consideration the welfare of the disabled. These include ramps and lending of wheelchairs, as well as a childcare centre and family parking lots.
Westgate, which consists of an office tower and shopping mall, was praised for its dedicated Family Zone with nursing rooms, a playground and separate restrooms for the young.
At CapitaLand’s recently completed d’Leedon project, roughly 18 percent of units have elderly and children-friendly features such as step-free entrances to the unit and individual rooms, help-call buttons in bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as main doors with peepholes at a height suitable for children and wheelchair users.
Image: Facade of d’Leedon by CapitaLand.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Singapore Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
