Universal design in urban public spaces for people with disability. Case study of Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Urban public spaces play important role in providing good quality of life to the people living in the city. This is in line with the social goal on sustainable development, which the purpose is to attain a higher social equity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15% of global population are disabled. During the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq, many of the victims in Iran were left disabled. The war left many people injured and this has significantly increased the impairment rate. Amongst the problems faced by people with disability in Tehran are difficulty traveling in the city, lack of public facilities and accessibility to particular facilities such as urban public spaces. This study first sought a definition of urban public spaces and Universal Design, and then finding solution for increasing interaction of people with disability in urban public spaces through Universal Design approach. This research was based on applied theory and qualitative method of field observation was engaged. One of the city district in Tehran was chosen for a case study. Based on the findings, urban design methods and solutions were suggested to increase the interaction and comfort of disabled people in urban public spaces.