Accessibility and Conservation in Contemporary Cities: A(n) (Im)possible Coupling

Abstract

Cities are built by and for able-bodied people and are often composed of a range of elements that make them partially (or not) accessible to disabled people. Architectural barriers within and around buildings can limit disabled people’s access to structures and services, precluding their full participation in a social life. It is not possible to talk about making further social progress until disabled people are no longer victims of marginalisation caused by our urban architecture. In order to identify some specific problems and possible solutions, a qualitative research study was carried out in a city in northern Italy, involving people with sensory and physical impairments. Findings indicate that cities in general, and the oldest ones in particular, can present an important problem: some historic centres and buildings are not (or cannot be) restored to become more accessible. This lack of accessibility will increase the exclusion of disabled people by imposing limitations and restrictions, from mobilising around urban centres, to use of pavements, entry into shops or workplaces, through to accessing treatment and health services. Moreover, this research demonstrates that, in many cases, relatively inexpensive and simple measures and arrangements might be enough to help tackle and solve many of these problems. This paper argues that a first, fundamental step in looking to improve access should be to involve disabled people in participatory planning. These users will be the best experts of their own needs and some of the best informed about the attributes and particularities of any alterations or adaptations needed to help them negotiate, manage and plan the areas in which they live.

Experiencing accessibility of historical heritage places with individuals living with visible and invisible disabilities

“…However, there were some elements that appeared to be problematic for the majority of participants, regardless of disability type and other participant characteristics. Many of these barriers correspond with what is already known from the literature, such as uneven flooring (pavement), steps, particularly at shop entrances ( 9 , 12 , 13 , 18 ), as well as objects on sidewalks ( 9 , 19 ) and the lack of accessible toilets ( 13 , 42 ). However, some participants ignored some obstacles that were obvious for the research team, such as access to certain shops or restaurants with steps at the entrance.…”

“…But also, historic heritage places have different functions associated to several categories such as residence, education, health and research, religion, community, government activities or transportation, among others ( 8 ). Since historic heritage places have various functions, many activities such as tourism and cultural leisure, education, work, participation in the political life, may be restricted for people with disabilities ( 9 ). Moreover, heritage places are usually protected, and they cannot be modified, so adaptations to make them accessible constitute a significant challenge.…”

“…Although there is some literature about access to culture that takes into consideration the point of view of people with disabilities, such museum accessibility ( 16 , 17 ), there are not so many studies that have been carried out in the specific field of historical heritage considering the first-person experience of people with disabilities ( 10 , 12 , 15 , 18 ). Studies that consider the perspectives of people with disabilities in a patrimonial context usually do so through interviews or questionnaires ( 9 , 19 ) or usually only involve people with physical disabilities ( 20 , 21 ). Thus, the propose of this study was to explore the experiences of people with visible and invisible disabilities when visiting historic heritage places considering accessibility issues.…”

Landscape Design: Pattern and Color in Sensory Garden for Disability Justice

“…Whether impaired people are efficiently connected in their micro activity is also a concern. It should be accessible for them to reach the building entrance as uncomplicated as possible [7]. As we know, people have outdoor activities and have a relation with buildings and infrastructure.…”

Completely Accessibility Solutions for Historical Building and Areas in the Multi-Layered City Center of Sivas

“…It is on the importance of evaluating Malaysia's cultural heritage DOI: 10.15320/ICONARP.2022.228 structures in the context of accessible tourism. The study mentions that restorations to make historic cities accessible in Northern Italy have not been carried out (Pretto, 2019). It is also revealed that it is possible to make the necessary architectural arrangements in a very short time and at cheap costs.…”