Accessible Qualities

The initiative, led by Université de Montréal, focuses on integrating “qualitative accessibility” within urban design to overcome current barriers to achieving inclusive environments for all. The roadmap highlights critical challenges such as the standardization of accessibility requirements that fall below the threshold of quality, the struggle to incorporate lived experiences into design, and the neglect of creativity in accessible design. The initiative proposes a multi-faceted approach to address these issues, including educational, professional, and political actions. In the short term, it advocates for expanding the definition of qualitative accessibility and training future professionals in collecting and incorporating lived experiences. Middle-term strategies include encouraging post-occupancy studies and integrating accessibility values into awards for design excellence. In the long term, the focus shifts to promoting an inclusive approach to quality that transcends public buildings. The roadmap emphasizes the importance of involving diverse viewpoints throughout the design process and seeks to redefine accessibility as a creative and inclusive principle in urban development. By addressing these challenges, the roadmap aims to foster environments that are genuinely accessible and enriching for all citizens.