In this project we approach planning for social sustainability and the inclusive city by studying the implementation of urban planning strategies oriented towards universal design, accessibility and disability issues.
How are Nordic cities working for public transport solutions, public spaces or planning processes that take the interests of people with disabilities as a starting point? What does it mean to plan and design the inclusive city with a particular focus on disability issues? The empirical focus is urban public space and planning and design for accessibility and mobility for all. We will study both planning strategies and solutions in the built environment, and both address good examples and barriers to implementation. A focus on disability issues also makes it possible to scrutinize “smart city” initiatives through a social sustainability lens, and ask questions such as: how is new technology used to increase accessibility, safety and security for people with disabilities? In what sense is the smart city inclusive?
In this project we collaborate with Nordic Welfare Centre.
