Co-Creating Inclusive Public Spaces: Engaging Underrepresented and Marginalized

Communities in the Planning Process

Demographic data show that life expectancy is increasing, due to medical developments,
higher living standards, healthier diets, etc. But longer life expectancy also means a higher
proportion of the elderly population with various functional handicaps. The concept of
functionally disabled people is broad and can include people with disabilities, the elderly,
pregnant women, young children and anyone who is permanently or temporarily handicapped
in some way. This paper reviews the academic research in the field of architecture in relation
to the accessibility of public spaces for people with disabilities, with a focus on co-creation
and community engagement.

Every human being has a need for movement and independent mobility. The physical
accessibility of urban spaces and the accessibility of buildings is a prerequisite for ensuring
the independent movement of people with disabilities and their integration into social life.
Universal Design, with its principles and guidelines, has laid the technical foundations for
accessibility design, which must be supplemented by aesthetic value. If people with
disabilities are given access to public spaces, their presence is increased, thus strengthening
their sense of independence and autonomy, and fostering a more positive and understanding
attitude in society. The inclusion of people with disabilities in society also leads to
destigmatization and awareness among professionals and the general public of the need to
adapt the environment and services so that they can be used by all users on equal terms.

However, achieving accessibility and inclusion requires more than technical solutions. Co-
creation and community engagement are essential components of designing accessible and
inclusive public spaces. Co-creation is a process that involves collaboration between
designers and end-users in the design process, where end-users are empowered to co-create
solutions that are tailored to their needs. Community engagement involves the active
participation of community members, including those who are underrepresented or
marginalized, in the design and planning process to ensure that their perspectives are taken
into account.

Architects often associate disability only with the notion of accessibility and compliance with
spatial legislation, but forget the social aspect of disability and the added value it can bring.
Individuals with sensory and physical impairments perceive spaces in unique ways, offering a
distinct perspective and experience of the built environment. By engaging underrepresented
and marginalized communities in the design process, architects can gain a more diverse
perspective on accessibility and inclusivity, leading to more effective and meaningful design
solutions.

In conclusion, this paper argues that co-creation and community engagement are essential for
designing accessible and inclusive public spaces. Achieving accessibility and inclusion
requires more than technical solutions; it requires a social and cultural shift towards valuing
diversity and empowering underrepresented and marginalized communities. The inclusion of
people with disabilities in the design and planning process can lead to a more inclusive and
equitable society.