The European Concept For Accessibility 2003

1.7 Cities Evolution As Example of Accessibility Improvement

The primary need of the first population settlements was protection against threats from outside. Since then, cities have evolved to respond to needs which have arisen during the course of history. Thus, the development of towns and cities is led by social demand i.e., the needs of the population at different points in history. However, the way in which towns and cities develop also has a direct effect on social awareness. An environment which excludes a certain group leads the population as a whole to exclude that group from their day-to-day activities. As a result, the group marginalizes itself and forms ghettos and specific group spaces.

Therefore, bearing in mind that the development of towns and cities depends upon social demand (work, education, leisure, trade, economy, etc.), and that social demand is currently moving toward equal opportunities for everybody, regardless of whether they live in or outside the city, then it becomes essential that all built environments include those characteristics necessary to provide such equality. That is to say, they have to be accessible.

To sum up, Accessibility is the characteristic of an environment or object which enables everybody to enter into a relationship with that environment or object and make use of it in a friendly, respectful and safe way. This means equal opportunities for all users, regardless of their capabilities, cultural background or place of residence, in all those activities which form part of their individual and social development. Therefore, accessibilityPromotes equal opportunities uniformity of the population (in terms of culture, customs or habits).

As an evolution of this approach, the concept of "Design for All" is used nowadays. This is understood as the intervention in environments, products and services so that everybody is able to participate in the creation of our society, providing them with equal opportunities to take part in economic, social, cultural and leisure activities. Furthermore, enabling them to access, use and understand the various parts of the environment independently, irrespective of their age, gender, abilities or cultural background. In addition, Design for All ensures that future generations enjoy, to the same extent, a favourable environment that is built with everybody in mind (sustainability). Thus, Design for All can be said to be a philosophy and planning strategy whose aim is universal access.