BCA partners with Google to map family-friendly building features

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has partnered with Google Maps and Open Government Products to provide information on family- and wheelchair-friendly features in over 600 buildings across Singapore. This initiative enables users to find amenities such as accessible washrooms, hearing enhancement systems, and lactation spaces through Google Maps and the government platform maps.gov.sg/friendlybuildings. The information is compiled using the Universal Design Index (UDi), a self-assessment framework introduced by BCA in 2022. Building owners can update their building information on Google Maps as new buildings are completed.

BCA is also working with building owners to expand coverage to include older buildings not covered by the UDi framework. CapitaLand will be among the first to contribute information for its retail mall portfolio, expected to go live on Google Maps and maps.gov.sg from early 2027. The government platform, developed by Open Government Products, lists more than 10 types of user-friendly facilities in newly completed buildings.

The BCA announced four recipients of this year’s Universal Design Excellence Award (UDEA), recognized for exemplary user-friendly designs that serve people of different ages and abilities. These designs are now searchable on Google Maps and maps.gov.sg/friendlybuildings. The winners include Rainforest Wild Adventure East, Enabling Village Extension (Vista Building), Great World Mall, and Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok, showcasing a range of inclusive designs in leisure, community, retail, and public housing.