Tillgänglighet och varsamhet i vardagens stadsmiljöer

Abstract

This graduate thesis deals with the challenges facing us as we gradually make our urban environments with their many public buildings, such as shops, cafés and cinemas, more accessible for disabled people. The perspective taken is that of the conservationist, who in her or his profession looks to the cultural and historical characteristics in buildings and building environments. In order to gain better accessibility, changes in the physical fabric need to be made, with consideration for the cultural and historical characteristics. The introduction presents the subject of considarate accessibility. The second chapter deals with the legal aspects concerning the protection of buildings as well as the accessibility for disabled people. Several interviews with different participants are presented here, aiming to tie the legislation to the reality of the conservationist, the disabled, the civil servant working with accessibility issues and the property owner, whose responsibility it is to make the adjustments necessary to improve accessibility. The third chapter presents two case studies, dealing with the challenges of considerate accessibility in two different parts of Gothenburg, Vallgatan and Andra Långgatan. The case studies aim to identify both the cultural and historical characteristics as well as the needs of the disabled, focusing on those with mobility impairments. The concluding discussion in chapter 4 reflects on what was presented in chapters 2 and 3. There is a lack of knowledge of the subject of accessibility and of whose responsibility it is to put the legislation into effect. One conclusion is that the process of making urban environments more accessible does not happen on its own; the municipality needs to take the initiative to evoke change. It is also vital for the process that all participants work towards an explicit, mutual goal. The case studies show that small alterations can make a big difference. In both the examples presented in this paper the street pavement is an important key to making the building environments more accessible. There are also several small alterations that can be made to improve accessibility in a considerate way. Our urban building environments, with their historical and cultural characteristics, are potential storytellers. They also play a recreational and useful role for many of us, in our everyday lives. To make them accessible should be a matter of course, and the participation of the conservationist should be essential in that process in the years to come.