A literature review from Norway takes an older person’s view of transport equity and accessibility. Being able get out and about on a daily basis to shop, visit friends, and medical appointments is essential for everyone. As people age, this ability becomes even more important in terms of maintaining health and independence. The review proposes that local government implement universal design for mobility.
Older people who do not have access to private transport need to use public transport. Yet they face barriers in the built environment and public transportation infrastructure such as:
Poorly built public vehicles and road systems
Insecure and unsafe services
Lack of wayfinding and walkability assistance
Reduced accessible transportation options
Undesirable attitudes of the general public.
The research paper covers the method for the literature review and the search terms used. A three tiered system is one way of solving the problem. First, a traditional fixed route service that suits people with no, or low level limitations. Second, fixed route services offering some flexibility with low floor buses. The third option is a special transport service. The bottom line is that a “one size fits all” is not the answer.
Implementing an equitable mobility design involves an integrated method to address the weaknesses of traditional design approaches. However, this requires a user-centred approach that involves older peoples’ requirements. Hence a universal design approach with co-design methods.
Several factors impact the mobility of older people: psychological state, health, and physical ability that can vary from day to day.
“Thus, for any public transportation system to achieve social inclusion or equity and equality its accessibility must be universal for everyone in society.”
Conclusions
The research paper compares policies and strategies in the UK, Canada and European countries. Investment at a local level is essential for features such as wind shelters, accessible vehicles, level footpaths, and appropriate ways to provide transport information.
Another paper that recommends that the design of public spaces should consider older people at the outset of the design. That is, they should involve older people in the design and redesign of pedestrian and walkway networks. The findings highlight how to employ universal design for mobility equity and compare mobility policies for older people.
People above 65 years of age often have limits to accessing the local environment and participation in society. Their ability to travel independently and freely to participate in society is crucial for their quality of life. The question of how to maintain mobility equity and equality for older people is, however, a complex one.
This is because older people are often faced with physical barriers around the public transportation and built environment. Municipalities have not involved older people in the design of mobility accessibility initiatives.
The findings from our study present factors influencing local environment in achieving mobility equity from the perspectives of older people. Evidence underpins guidelines grounded in a universal design framework to help inform urban transport policies.
Age Friendly Ecosystems: A book
This book examines age friendliness from a place-based approach. It looks at neighbourhoods, campuses and health environments. The topics covered are:
Creating an Age-Friendly Environment Across the Ecosystem
Age Friendliness as a Framework for Equity in Aging
Age-Friendly Voices in the Pursuit of an Age-Friendly Ecosystem
Age-Friendly Futures: Equity by Design
The book emphasises the connection between design and health, examines the age-friendly movement and resources for equity and environmental justice. The full title is, Age-Friendly Ecosystems for Equitable Aging by Design. This is not open access.
Most people need a toilet every 2 to 3 hours. Anyone with a health condition that affects the bladder or bowels usually needs a toilet more often. And it’s surprising how many health conditions that includes. Consequently, no clean public toilets means no going out for more than an hour. The role of public toilets is far more important than many urban and transit planners realise.
A Norwegian study looked at the depth of the issues from the perspective of people with digestive and urinary tract disorders when travelling. They wanted to come up with solutions for this group as it would include the needs of most others.
This study highlights the role of public toilets in everyday life. Having a physically accessible transit system is only half the story. This study provides the other half.
Previous studies have looked at toilet design, particularly for people with mobility restrictions. The recommendations are based on accessible toilet facilities, signage and information. However, this is not enough to create a universally designed public environment.
Main barriers
The main barriers for people with gastrointestinal problems is the physical need for a toilet, anxiety and pain. This group might need a toilet as much as 20 times a day depending on whether they are having a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ day. What makes it more difficult is that they can become unwell during a journey. Using a car becomes a better option at times.
Not finding a toilet in time is embarrassing. “Such unpleasant experiences can have significant consequences not only on self-esteem at that moment but also on the willingness to travel and participate in future activities.”
The research paper covers the three main barriers in more detail. The stories from participants are illuminating and highlight the need for better toilet provision. Participants discussed the differences between trams, subways, light rail, trains, ferries, buses and aircraft.
People with an increased need for a toilet have an invisible disability. Their level of pain sometimes means they would like improvements such as using disabled seating in station areas. The most critical factor is to increase toilet availability as a means of creating universally designed public transit systems.
This study shows why improving the design of buses and trains, stations and stops is insufficient to make transit systems universally designed. Toilets are an essential aspect of being able to travel often and comfortably.
The New South Wales Parliament has extended the submission date on its Inquiry Into Public Toilets. The closing date is now 2 December 2024.
From the abstract
This Norwegian study addresses the issue of inadequate access to toilets in public spaces and transportation systems, particularly individuals who have heightened needs of toilets. The study interviewed individuals experiencing various gastrointestinal issues, including bladder-related problems.
Telephone interviews avoided potential travel difficulties and also leveraged previous successes with sensitive topics. A sample size of 10 interviews was chosen based on prior research indicating that key themes typically emerge within this range.
Key findings indicate significant barriers to participation in societal activities due to insufficient toilet facilities. For transport in particular, boats and trains emerge as preferred modes over buses, trams and subways due to the presence of onboard toilets.
Notably, urban areas, parks and beaches suffer from a lack of restroom facilities. In order to improve these facilities, informants highlighted measures such as provision of open, hygienic toilets with barrier-free access. These measures also need clear signage and awareness campaigns regarding toilet facilities tailored to individuals with diverse health needs.
The study highlights the critical role of toilets in maintaining public health and acknowledges the right to access toilets as recognised by the United Nations.
Testimonials from individuals with disabilities underscore the profound impact of toilet accessibility on their daily lives. They reveal instances of social isolation and restricted activities due to inadequate facilities. Proposed interventions encompass improved hygiene standards, increased toilet availability, and enhanced staff training to cater to the diverse needs of users. The study advocates for legislative reforms and policy guidelines to address the pressing issue of toilet accessibility, aiming to foster inclusivity and equal participation in public life for individuals with disabilities
Toilets and social participation
Public toilets are not dinner party conversation, but they are essential to our wellbeing. They are costly to build and maintain yet we need more of them. They also need to be fit for purpose because they are about social and economic participation. The Changing Places toilet campaign is a case in point. There wouldn’t be many people passionate about public toilets, but Katherine Webber had plenty to say at the UD2021 Conference.
Katherine’s presentation was titled, Access and Inclusion in Public Toilets: Impacts on social and economic participation. The presentation slides show lots of different examples. Toilet design is often dismissed as just needing to be functional and designs vary little. But public toilets are “difficult to get right. And no wonder. They are mired in cultural baggage, struck in the fixedness of fixtures and bound by massive, often ancient infrastructure (Lowe 2018:49).
Public amenities also support tourism and economic development, night-time economy, and access to public spaces and public art. Toilets also need good signage, clean conditions and be regularly available .
Katherine describes more in her written paper on this topic based on her studies in other countries as part of a Churchill Fellowship.
When economists, property developers, real estate agents and governments discuss housing issues, they are thinking of people in the workforce. Left behind are any discussions about people not of workforce age. According to Richard Duncan there is a worsening yet quiet crisis of housing for older adults. They are ageing in homes that put them at risk of injuries, reduced activity and social isolation.
“Without changes, our homes can impose restrictions on our lifestyle and hazards to our daily routines years before we might otherwise expect to see these kinds of activity constraints.”
Key issues
Duncan lists the key issues for what is considered traditional housing design. He discusses steps and stairs, hallways, bathrooms, lighting and kitchens. As people age in their current homes they live smaller lives and do fewer daily activities. Caregivers are at risk as well – lifting, pulling and manoeuvring. This is especially the case with older couples helping each other.
Lack of planning
We all know we are going to grow older, but we do not plan for it when it comes to housing. Older people often wait until a crisis occurs before they think about it. And even then they shun a grab bar or a ramp to help them when the time comes.
Our culture does not encourage people to plan ahead or to do much about their existing home. In the United States the home remodelling industry is doing quite well. But there is no real sign of the housing industry taking the lead on this issue except for segregated housing and retirement villages.
In Australia we have the help of the Livable Housing Design Standardwhich aims to bring the housing industry on board with universal design. However, not all states and territories have adopted the Standard due to industry resistance. Nevertheless it is good to see community housing and state housing projects implementing the Standard.
Move house or stay put?
Moving house sounds like the perfect solution until you look more closely. Seeking out a home with a better layout requires stamina even when there are suitable properties. When there are few, if any, options the task becomes harder. And this is at a time when physical, mental and cognitive abilities are already stretched. Then there are the logistics of moving. It’s no wonder people prefer to take a risk to stay put.
The title of Duncan’s article is, The Housing Dilemma for Older Adults: The Quiet Crisis. Homes that are safe and convenient for later life are good for any age – that’s universal design. We should be designing out this quiet crisis.
Healthy ageing requires community thinking
The North Carolina Medical Journal has a policy brief on opportunities and barriers to healthy ageing. The articles highlight how individuals caregivers and government can address the wellbeing of all in a cost efficient way.
Authors highlight challenges, behaviours, and community infrastructure for people to live healthier, longer and more productive lives. This is the case both in Australia and the United States.
The introductory section of the publication gives an overview of the different articles which include:
In her conference paper, Lilian Muller makes an interesting comment about past and current planning theories. Yes, they do shift depending on where the power lies and who defines the public interest. In rational planning theory, the planner is expert. In neoliberal planning theory, the market is dominant. Currently, it is questioned whether public interests can exist at all.
If we are to take the concept of public interest seriously we should involve citizens in the planning processes.
Muller discusses the role of the private sector and how governments initially acted to prevent private interests. They were in control of the public interest. She then turns to her previous studies on implementing, or not, universal design into planning processes. Understanding how stakeholders view users is an interesting insight.
Skewed image of the user
Muller found that in public policies and guidelines there were clear expressions of the imagined user. That is, the policy developers were inserting their own perceptions into the documents. The perception of users’ abilities determined the priorities in the planning and designing of buildings and places.
Prominent characteristics of expected users were youth, education, health and success. Notably absent were older people and people with disability. There is a visible gap between laws and political visions on one hand, and practice on the other. This was evident at the early stages of planning.
Gap between policy and outcomes revealed
Master plan illustrations and text did not conform to regulations, and high demands were placed on user’s functional abilities. People were expected to walk, bike, use stairs, and have quick reaction skills to handle shared spaces. They were also expected to walk far distances between modes of transport and entrances to services.
Muller’s workshops and interviews showed clear opportunities to reach common positions when planning and building for all. The key is using concrete, practical examples and networking between stakeholders with competing interests. That’s when the public interest is served and citizen rights are preserved.
“Based on the experiences from the workshops, Universal Design appears as a useful and important asset in such a strategy. A built environment accessible and usable by all is not a modest demand – it is a minimum requirement.”
Despite laws, policies, and political visions to create cities and societies for all, barriers still exclude people from using buildings and public places. The commitments made in global agreements require significant changes to meet the needs of the population.
Adopting universal design in urban planning processes is one important step towards a society for all. Three recent studies in Sweden focused on how, where and what factors supported or impeded UD along the planning and construction processes. The whole process from conception to implementation was analyzed from a universal design perspective.
The findings highlight three critical areas: Competing and contradictory interests, Critical choices and aspects, and Images of the user.
These challenges need to be addressed by all actors involved to reach common understanding on how an inclusive built environment can be designed and realised.
The history of wayfinding has evolved from visual orientation by the stars and landmarks, to signage and digital technology. A good wayfinding system will use all three – visual orientation, signage and digital applications. But it requires consistent application. If not, the likelihood of being confused and then anxious increases. That’s where some neuroscience for inclusive wayfinding comes in.
Effective wayfinding systems are essential for spatial orientation, personal safety, and emotional well-being, especially in complex environments like hospitals, transit systems, and large institutions.
A research project from the US carried out a literature review, case studies, and field work to develop a framework for solutions. The findings emphasised the critical importance of consistency in design and the strategic placement of signage. Technologies such as augmented technology also enhance user navigation experiences.
Key recommendations
Adopt human centred design principles and address the diverse cognitive and sensory needs of users.
Incorporate digital tools, real time data updates, and interactive maps.
Training programs for staff are essential for enhancing the overall user experience.
The following chart is a screenshot of a table of recommendations from the research paper.
Integrating multi-sensory engagement and user-centered design strategies, wayfinding systems can better support individuals in complex environments. This will ultimately contribute to more inclusive public spaces and improve quality of life.
Recommendations for staff training
Staff training is a key component of wayfinding support in complex environments. Training programs equip staff with skills to assist the diverse nature of visitors. Training positively impacts the cognitive and emotional wellbeing of service staff and users. The following chart is a screenshot from the research paper.
Wayfinding, has moved from traditional navigation methods reliant on visual cues and landmarks to modern systems that integrate digital technologies and neuroscience.
Accessible and consistent wayfinding systems that accommodate diverse user abilities, particularly in public transit, hospitals, and large institutions are needed. Current systems often lack coordination, clear signage, and comprehensive coverage, leading to navigation challenges.
We evaluate best practices for inclusive wayfinding. Key findings emphasize the importance of consistent visual design and strategic sign placement. Integrating technologies like interactive maps and augmented reality are essential.
The study highlights the role of multi-sensory engagement and neuroscience in improving spatial orientation and reducing user anxiety. Adopting a user-centered approach, the research proposes wayfinding strategies that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. There are valuable insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers. The focus is on enhancing user experience, advancing inclusivity, and promoting well-being in public spaces.
The retrofitting of Olympic and Paralympic Games venues for accessibility tends to focus on the Paralympic Games, para-athletes. While we continue with this discourse inclusion will continue to be seen as a parallel and separate endeavour. Both Games need the same levels of accessibility and inclusion and should therefore be discussed as one event, not two.
“This effort goes beyond simply following established guidelines; it calls for a deeper commitment to embracing both the letter and the spirit of universal design principles.”
“… effective transformation is contingent on targeted retrofitting strategies rooted in universal design and a commitment to inclusivity among all stakeholders.”
Focus on wheelchair users is not the end but the beginning
We have entered an era of conservation when it comes to staging major international events. The Olympic and Paralympic committees now want to see existing facilities upgraded rather than new infrastructure. While this might tick sustainability boxes, not all venues can be easily adapted. While basic access can be improved, it is questionable whether inclusion is attained for all.
A literature review looks at past Olympic and Paralympic sporting and spectator facilities. The researchers found that relying on existing regulatory frameworks are an insufficient condition for access and inclusion. Reflections on past events reveal the importance of going beyond basic compliance. And that means taking a universal design approach.
Universal design is needed
A universal design approach promotes the need to meet inclusive standards, not just compliance standards. Modifications to the layout and architecture are important and need the integration of specialised equipment and designated areas for the diverse range of athletes and spectators.
Embracing these standards as a catalyst for innovation rather than mere compliance fosters the pursuit of excellence and aligns with the spirit of the Paralympic Games.
The title is, Enhancing Access and Inclusion: The Retrofitting of Olympic Facilities for the Paralympic Games. The authors recommend a systematic evaluation of universal design in sports complexes with a focus on tangible benefits for all. Paralympic Games can act as a catalyst for universally accessible and inclusive sports facilities.
From the abstract
This paper examines the significance of retrofitting initiatives in creating accessible sports environments. By modifying existing venues, these efforts accommodate the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, enhancing both athlete participation and the spectator experience.
Key retrofitting strategies, such as installing wheelchair ramps and accessible seating, contribute to a more equitable environment. Addressing the specific needs of Paralympic athletes and spectators demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity in sports.
Beyond the Paralympic Games, retrofitted facilities set a standard for future events and public venues, promoting societal inclusivity. This paper highlights how retrofitting fosters equality in both sports and society, emphasizing its role in advancing an inclusive and accessible future.
Tokyo’s Olympic legacy acknowledges population ageing
Although Japan has the oldest population in the world, creating accessible urban spaces is making very slow progress. Tokyo aimed to have all parts of the city that linked to the Olympic venues completely barrier-free. That includes buildings, transportation, services and open spaces. Tokyo’s Olympic legacy is discussed in an open access book chapter.
Deidre Sneep discusses the issues regarding the urban design legacy in the Japanese context and commercialisation. The title of the book chapter on page 91 is, Discover tomorrow: Tokyo’s ‘barrier-free’ Olympic legacy and the urban ageing population. It’s free to download, but if you have institutional access you can access the journal article version.
One interesting aspect is that some argue that the government’s guide to promote a ‘barrier-free spirit’ makes it sound like an act of friendliness. Any kind of patronising attitude or slogan only serves to maintain marginalisation as the norm. Posters focus on young people and make barrier-free a special design. There are no older people in the pictures.
The implementation of the universal design concept is increasingly commercialised says Sneep. This is likely due to the history of universal design in Japan. One of the first international universal design conferences was held in Japan in 2002, and was led by giant product manufacturers such as Mitsubishi. The International Association for Universal Design (IAUD) remains active.
Abstract from journal article
In 2020 Tokyo will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the second time in history. With a strong emphasis on the future – Tokyo’s slogan for the Olympic Games is ‘Discover Tomorrow’ – Tokyo is branded as city of youth and hope. Tokyo’s demographics, however, show a different image: in the coming decades, it is expected that well over a third of the citizens will be over 65. Despite the focus on a youthful image, Tokyo is well aware of the fact that its demographics are rapidly shifting.
Governmental bodies have been actively trying to find solutions for anticipated problems related to the ageing population for decades. One of the solutions discussed and implemented is highlighted by the 2020 Olympics: the implementation of universal design in public spaces in the city in order to make it more easily accessible – in other words, making Tokyo ‘barrier-free’ (bariafurī).
This chapter presents the concept of ‘barrier-free’ in a Japanese setting, critically analyses the history and current implementation of the concept, pointing out that it seems to be increasingly commercialised, and evaluates the purpose of implementing the concept in the light of the 2020 Olympic Games.
Co-design is a term that emerged in the field of accessible and inclusive design. But co-design methods have been around for a long time in one form or another. Academics will recognise this as Participatory Action Research. Citizen science is a version of co-design that has its roots in environmental monitoring. This method is now used in urban planning and design.
Co-design and citizen science have similar principles. The common theme is being inclusive – that the people affected by design decisions help to shape them.
Is citizen science the same as co-design?
Citizen science, participatory action research, and co-design methods are all basically the same, but have roots in different disciplines.
Co-design strategies vary according to the context and complexity of the project as do citizen science projects. The Fifth Estate has an article that discusses citizen science as a method of community engagement in planning. It explains citizen science as a type of research that actively involves members of the public in the research process. Regardless, it makes sense to involve users in the process of the design. This is something the universal design movement has been advocating for some time.
“Citizen science has a long history in conservation and environmental monitoring, but has grown in momentum in recent years across a range of disciplines, including planning and urban design.”
Walkability in Tasmania
A citizen science approach was used in Tasmania. Residents audited the the local environment for barriers to walking. They identified priorities by using a walkability assessment tool taking photos, and participating in workshops. The information gathered was not only useful at a local level, but at state and national levels as well.
“Our use of citizen science is enabling researchers, policy makers and community members to work together to generate data and establish priorities to support walkability that reflects community needs.”
Citizen design science is a synthesis of citizen science and design science that uses a bottom-up approach. The transformation of a car park into a multifunctional public space is the subject of a citizen science paper from Turkey. The authors explain the project and how they went about engaging with citizens. The co-design process relies on communication between designers, residents, visitors and the local authority.
An additional outcome of the project was to establish a Citizen Participation Unit within the municipal authority to facilitate citizen coordination.
A key element of successful co-design is finding ways to design with non-designers through every stage of the project. Establishing a common language is essential for understanding the needs and thoughts of all participants. The authors break down the process into three parts:
Citizen science – type of data collected from participation
Citizen design – citizens actively design
Design science – translation of citizens’ ideas into designs by expert designers
The study showed that people without prior design knowledge are able to work constructively with professional designers.
Citizen Design Science is a co-design strategy for urban and architectural systems that uses design tools for citizens’ observation, experience, and local knowledge. The strategy improves the planning, design, and management of cities, urban habitats, and architectural structures.
This study is about the transformation of Atakent Car Park Area into a public space using a co-design process. Using design science data, two conceptual urban design projects were prepared. This included 178 local citizens’ wishes, needs, and suggestions about the area. Participating citizens were asked to vote for their preferred project and the selected conceptual design was implemented. Laypersons without prior design knowledge were able to establish a common language with a professional designer.
Age-friendly green space by citizen science
In many cities at least a quarter of the population will be over the age of 65 years by 2030. Adelaide in South Australia has one of the oldest populations at 37% over the age of 50. So this is a good place to run a citizen science pilot with older residents.
The method involved the use of smart phones to collect data, and the development of audit tools. The participants were encouraged to go about their daily lives so that the data reflected their natural life.
While the data were not the main focus of the project, several important design elements emerged. In order of importance they were: seating, street trees, natural bushland, park trees and lakes/river/ocean. The researchers noted that public green spaces in local neighbourhoods may be seen as “green corridors” – a conduit to everyday life rather than destinations in themselves. They conclude that citizen science methods are a good way to implement age-friendly urban design at a detailed level.
The quality of public green spaces is mostly measured through expert assessments by planners, designers and developers. A disadvantage of this expert-determined approach is that it often does not consider the appraisals or perceptions of residents. Daily experience, often over long periods of time, means older residents have acquired insider knowledge of their neighbourhood, and thus, may be more qualified to assess these spaces, including measuring what makes a valued or quality public green space.
Age-friendly university with citizen science
And a university campus provides a neat environment for a case study. Researchers at the University of Manitoba went about examining the age-friendliness of their campus using specific citizen science techniques. This is all documented in their article,Exploring University Age-Friendliness Using Collaborative Citizen Science.
The main aim was to test the method, but the data collected were useful as well. The data revealed physical accessibility, signage, and transportation as being the most important for improving overall age-friendliness.
The age-friendly university initiative began in Ireland at the Dublin City University and has turned into a global network. Academic institutions looking to complete assessments of their age-friendliness, particularly those exploring physical barriers and supports, could benefit from incorporating older citizen scientists into the process of collecting, analyzing, and mobilizing findings. You can read more about this global movement in a Forbes article.
Despite laws and policies, new building projects are still creating barriers that exclude people with disability. So where does it all go wrong? Urban design choices essential to ensure a universal design outcome are left too late in the process to deal with them. Conflicts between city departments as well as city and private developer goals are part of the problem. Their goals don’t match.
“…it was clear that the earlier phases, especially the planning and projecting phase, were critical, where most decisions and design choices took place that could result in either an inclusive or exclusive design.”
Three Swedish researchers delved into the design choices made in the the development of major built environment projects. They wanted to find out when universal design concepts fell through the gaps.
Conflicting visions and goals in the design process
The researchers found that the city itself had clear competing goals between private and public interests. There were even different views and goals within different departments about desirable design choices.
There are conflicts between the amount and the quality of urban development and how an ideal densified city should be designed. This is a serious challenge to universal design solutions as well as basic accessibility.
Balancing conflicts of interests and ideas between green and socially sustainable development also arose in the research. Urban design trends also challenge design choices that support universal design.
“There is no focus on who will live in the new homes, only how many new citizens the city will get.” This does not support the obligations for the Sustainable Development Goals, or the UN Convention for people with disability.
Image from the research paper
The research paper includes examples with photos to explain how universal design would have been easy and cost effective to include from the outset. They conclude with seven recommendations, many of which are based on education and coordination of effort.
Refurbishment projects, however, appear to be better at including universal design concepts. Perhaps experience is not an educator – the rectifications on one project do not always result in better outcomes next time.
Despite laws, policies and visions to create cities and societies for all, barriers still exclude people with disability from using buildings and public places. We wanted to find out what choices were made and when they were made in the development process. We also wanted to know how and when these choices arise during the process. Our other question was what is needed to implement universal design as a strategy to include everyone.
The study involved employees and private actors in city development processes. They were asked to identify impediments and support of universal design in completed building projects. We wanted to know what choices were made and in what conditions universal design could be implemented in the process.
The analysis was based on qualitative data from workshops and interviews. The findings show that accessibility for all users is dealt with (too) late in the process, often giving rise to special solutions.
Urban trends such as densification and high exploitation can cause the exclusion of some users. An unbalanced view of sustainable development that prioritises ecological aspects puts high demands on users’ abilities.
The findings also show that universal design appears more clearly in remodelling projects than in new constructions. Other factors such as pre-studies that include human diversity, allocation of resources and experts’ early opinions also prove to be clear drivers for universal design. We conclude by providing seven recommendations for addressing these challenges.
Are the lives of children really considered in our planning processes? The main reason for not walking to school is not the distance. There are several other factors at play here, particularly safety. However, getting to school and other activities is not a priority in land use and transport planning. Consequently, many schools are not conveniently and safely accessible by footpath or public transport. Result – they are reliant on cars.
Traffic, personal safety, convenience in busy schedules, lack of safe, reliable public transport are key issues. Consequently, driving is seen as the only viable option to ensure children arrive safely and on time.
Hulya Gilbert and Ian Woodcock discuss the issues in an article in The Fifth Estate. Road trauma is the leading cause of death for 1-14 year olds. That’s one issue. The other is that using the car for safety and convenience reduces physical activity. Getting to school on foot is good for gaining independence and opens up opportunities for social interaction.
School drop-off danger zone
Poor planning on the placement of schools often results in chaotic and dangerous school drop-offs. Gilbert and Woodcock say the afternoon pick ups are the most dangerous of all. Local school travel plans attempt to overcome some of the issues, but it is a piecemeal approach.
An alternative approach: Child Friendly Index
With a focus on population ageing there is a risk of leaving children out of urban planning decisions. However, what is good for children is good for everyone. Gilbert and Woodcock have devised a Child-Friendliness Index which combines social and built environment attributes. The Index demonstrates that areas with higher levels of friendliness have higher levels of walking, cycling and public transport when accessing schools.
The Index enhances understanding of what attributes make a ‘local school’. It provides concrete pointers towards specific actions and interventions. As such it supports the development of clear polices so that children can reach a wider range of environments.
Once again, designing for a marginalised group has benefits for everyone. Children should always be part of a universal design approach. Their experiences matter too.
Universal design in its broadest sense is about social sustainability. As such it links closely with other sustainability concepts such as “green” building and healthy cities. Sustainable design is like universal design because it is good design. That means it is less likely to be noticed until it’s not there. Four articles explain more on this topic.
Can universal design create social sustainability?
Applying the principles of universal design at the formation stage of planning can lead to harmonious, accessible, sustainable and healthy cities. This is the conclusion of a European study.
The study looked at the design and development of city space from the perspective of the varying levels of human capabilities. The overall aim of the research was to raise the quality of urban planning, and to develop tools for healthy cities compatible with the principles of sustainability. You can download the PDF of Sustainable Urban Development: Spatial Analyses as Novel Tools for Planning a Universally Designed City, by Joanna Borowczyk.
Forgotten social sustainability
When it comes to sustainability, how many people think about social sustainability as well? Environments and people are inter-linked. The Sustainable Development Goals make this clear and one unifying factor is universal design. A new book chapter investigates the issues further.
“In this chapter, Rieger and Iantkow discuss socially sustainable design, especially its emphasis on universal and inclusive design. They present a history of thinking on accessible design in Alberta, which has moved toward greater inclusion. They also explain the incorporation of these concepts in design education and a greater social consciousness toward the need for accessibility. However, they stress that this isn’t enough.
Sustainability from an ergonomic perspective
The focus of sustainability has been on energy efficiency and all things “green”. But sustainability should have a broader context argues Erminia Attaianese. She claims that this narrow focus is paradoxical as maximising the building’s efficiency is not always maximising the comfort and efficiency of the building’s occupants.
“Green” buildings are often labelled and measured as “sustainable” but social sustainability is missing from the list. True sustainability includes social, economic and environmental factors. The US LEED green building rating system uses the term “sustainable throughout but is focused more on environmental factors. This is confusing because green is not the same as sustainable.
Stella Shao in a thesis poster says that as a consequence we are getting “energy efficient buildings that are not designed for people”. Prioritising social sustainability is good for people and the planet.
Using the Tulsa City-County Library as an example of sustainable design Shao lists three key factors for social sustainability
Comfort rooms for people who are neurodivergent, nursing, overstimulated, or need privacy for religious rituals.
Universal wayfinding to help orient people to make the space legible for people of different cultures, languages and abilities.
Comfort options for visual, acoustic and spatial comfort so every visitor can find a space comfortable for them.
Image from the poster
Shao’s literature review for this study revealed very few research articles on this topic which meant there was no best practice to refer to.
While green buildings today are labeled as “sustainable,” many fall short on social sustainability metrics. This study examines what the current state of research and development is on social sustainability in green buildings and what the best practices are.
Green building rating systems are a major trend in the academic research. However, they are criticized for valuing environmental sustainability over social sustainability. Document analysis confirms that LEED, the most widely used green building rating system, does not adequately address social sustainability.
The LEED-certified Tulsa City-County Library demonstrates how to properly balance social and environmental sustainability in a building. Recommendations are made for future green buildings based on the data collected.
An article focused on the social dimension of sustainability says that universal design is the way to go. It argues that there are promising results for a better future for social sustainability. In doing so, it presents universal design in all its formats in a clear and informed way. The way in which universal design is presented and discussed has particular clarity. For example,
“Universal design is always accessible, but because it integrates accessibility from the beginning of the design process, it is less likely to be noticeable.
Universal design sometimes employs adaptable strategies for achieving customization, but it is best when all choices are presented equally. Some universal design is transgenerational, but the approach is inclusive of more than just age-related disabilities.
Universal design is sometimes adaptable and sometimes transgenerational but always accessible. Universal design, adaptable design, and transgenerational design are all subsets of accessible design. Sometimes a design can be considered to be two of these subsets, and some designs are all three. Not all accessible design is universal. Universal design is the most inclusive and least stigmatizing of the three types of accessible design because it addresses all types of human variation and accessibility is integrated into design solutions.”
The paper concludes that design schools should include the philosophy of universal design throughout their education program.
Despite of the number of people injured in the Iran-Iraq war, and legislation for accessibility, urban spaces in Tehran still have a long way to go.
Hence this article outlining research on finding solutions for increasing access in the built environment. The research asks: What is causing inefficiency in the regulation of universal design, why is social participation by people with disabilities limited, and which factors are contributing to universal design? It seems the issues are worldwide regardless of whether the population is affected by war.
The consequences show that many of problems are rooted in cultural issues. The people must attend to disability as a public concern which can involve everybody. They must comprehend that all members of society, regardless of their physical condition, have the right to use public facilities independently.
The second problem is related to lack of any integrated approach to applying universal design. This research proposes some solutions such as preparation a universal design master plan, an integrated approach for implementation project in all organizations, and public education for improving citizens’ knowledge about universal design.
Although Japan has the oldest population in the world, creating accessible urban spaces is making very slow progress. 
