Visions of a City for All

Abstract

Despite laws, policies, and visions to create cities and societies for all, barriers still exclude persons with disabilities from using buildings and public places. Our study aimed to identify choices made during the urban development process, which include or exclude users in the built environment; how and when these arise during the process; and what is needed to implement Universal Design (UD) as a strategy and tool to secure all users equal opportunities in the built environment.The study involved employees and private actors in city development processes. The participants were asked to identify impediments and support of UD in completed building projects to shed light on choices made during the process and on conditions needed to implement UD along the process. Four workshops were followed by qualitative interviews with key players. The analysis was based on qualitative data from workshops and interviews.Aspects impeding and supporting UD and conflicting visions and goals were identified in all phases, and the need for tools to implement UD. Findings show that accessibility for all users is dealt with (too) late in the process, often causing special solutions. Urban trends like densification and high exploitation can cause exclusion of some users, and an unbalanced view on sustainable development prioritising ecological aspects put high demands on users’ abilities. Findings also show how UD appeared more clearly in remodelling projects than in the new constructions. A strong vision from the start to build for all users clearly supported UD throughout the process. Other factors such as pre-studies which include human diversity, allocation of resources and experts’ early opinions also showed to be clear drivers for UD.Overall, the findings show a demand for solutions to maintain early visions and goals throughout the processes. We conclude by providing seven recommendations for addressing these challenges.
 
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Who Are We Building for? Tracing Universal Design in Urban Development

“…The second study [16] was a multi-case study of new constructions and remodelling, with the aim to catch signs and patterns of UD in completed buildings and environments, both in new constructions and remodelling. In the third study [17], the findings from the second study were used as a base for discussion among actors involved in the process. In workshops and interviews participants from the city (planners, strategists, administrators of building permits, building inspectors and other professional roles from different departments involved in urban development) and private actors (developers, builders, property owners and architects) participated.…”

“…We do what we can to get around their policies here" [17]. In the workshop, participants agreed that an overall, holistic perspective is needed.…”

“…In the workshop, participants agreed that an overall, holistic perspective is needed. When discussing possible alternative solutions, separations of bicyclists and pedestrians, contrasting ground materials and rules for cycling on the terms of pedestrians were suggested [17].…”

“…The aim of this paper is to highlight and discuss some of the critical areas and aspects that might support or hinder the implementation of UD and a built environment for all. The research questions that form the basis of the studies can be found in the articles [15][16][17].…”