Universal Urban Designing

Incorporating universal design in urban development is particularly challenging as it involves a number of elements and sectors. While the designing process certainly varies depending on the type and scale of a project, here are some key steps to consider:

• Analyze existing physical conditions -- the sum of natural and urban elements, buildings, equipment (e.g. signage, public phones, traffic lights, lighting, garbage bins, benches), transportation (including conditions of roads and pavements), objects (e.g. trees, sewers) and services on site or being planned -- and obtain detailed measurements through fieldwork.
• Analyze the functions of the site and the activities which will take place there based on criteria of safety, equity, autonomy, and mobility for a broad range of users. Seek input from various users within the community, including people with disabilities, senior citizens, caregivers with strollers, women, etc. It would be helpful to discuss and collaborate with associations of people with disabilities or seniors on issues regarding diagnosis, design and implementation of the work. Check local and country accessibility standards if available. Based on initial design, estimate and quantify any extra costs associated with universal design.
• Establish accessible routes which ensure unhindered, barrier-free travel and integrated priority areas. In urban development projects, it is particularly important to consider universal design at the macro planning level. Effort for “universal design” is often made in vain due to “micro solutions” – such as an accessible road in front of a school for children with special needs in the middle of an inaccessible city, or an accessible washroom in inaccessible buildings.
• Ensure that an intervention is well executed and compatible with other projects. A small gap in a specific spot can ruin an entire, well-planned route – which can make investment useless. In addition, street furniture must be designed and placed in an integrated manner to make sure that all elements in the environment are compatible with each other Curb ramps, for example, cannot be located in front of drains, trees, or any other obstacles. In case of a large project, designers with different expertise must communicate and share information at the very early stages of the project.