Inspiring Event and Panel at Union by Emergency Architecture & Human Rights The Friendly City Many, including myself, perceive Copenhagen as an inclusive city. However, to my surprise, there is more to every space than meets the eye. While our public spaces may seem welcoming, they are often designed in ways that exclude homeless and other marginalized individuals—such as adding dividers to benches to prevent sleeping or removing seating from areas where less privileged people tend to gather. These subtle yet intentional design choices reveal a harsh reality: in a capitalist world, those who are not seen as consumers (homeless individuals, the unemployed, and other socially marginalized groups) are often pushed aside and left out of the conversation. The panel, featuring a representative from the municipality, a human rights activist, and a social justice advocate, offered valuable insights into the complexities of urban design and inclusion. Some take outs from today: It’s easy to point out problems, but real change comes from listening to one another and taking action. Ignoring issues doesn’t make them disappear. Voicing concerns puts pressure on decision-makers to enact policies. Empathy fosters understanding and drives meaningful change. I think as long as people and organizations continue to speak up and take action, the future remains bright. #thefriendlycity #inclusivedesign
Haya Termanini’s Post
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I'm thrilled to share that my latest research, Perception to Design: Shaping Safer Public Spaces for Women, is now published! 🤩 This study delves into how urban design influences women's sense of safety, using case studies from Europe, Africa and the Americas. By examining cultural differences and design strategies, we aim to provide practical recommendations for creating safer and more inclusive public spaces. This work is deeply aligned with the “Right to the City,” which advocates for urban environments accessible to all, especially women. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ekS4wF87 (PDF) Perception to Design: Shaping Safer Public Spaces for Women. #UrbanDesign #WomensSafety #InclusiveCities #RightToTheCity #PublicSpaces #Research #UrbanChallenges #WomenPerception
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I have some more great news to share. We have just released a report on Inclusive Urban Greening: https://lnkd.in/gpWRBX6u This is the culmination of research for the National Environmental Science Program, as part of the Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub. There are lots of cities preparing #urban #greening strategies. But a closer look at these documents and how they are developed shows that much of their community engagement misses issues of inclusion, diversity, and equity, despite this being a key target of the Sustainable Development Goals. In this report we identify ways to improve engagement with people from all works of life, including First Nations #Indigenous people, people with #neurodiversity, #LGBTQIA+ folk, people with a #disability, older people, people experiencing marginality and disadvantage, youth and others, and we look to some case examples of how inclusive urban greening might be achieved. We don't have all the answers, and this is very much a call to partner in advancing best practice.
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Reflecting on today’s insightful update from the project team for the Inclusive Place-based Planning for LGBTQIA+ Communities, a project I launched during last year’s World Pride 🌈, I’m filled with excitement. Hosted by UDIA NSW and Queers in Property, the presentation emphasized our planning for LGBTQIA+ communities must go far beyond just safety. We need to create spaces that foster a true sense of home and belonging, ensuring everyone in our diverse communities can fully experience, connect with, and enjoy our cities 🏙️. Key takeaways included: ▶️ Many in the community still face discrimination and barriers to connecting with others and accessing our cities’ spaces, facilities, and events 🤝. ▶️ Fundamentally, many in our community do not feel welcome in our communities 🏳️🌈. ▶️ The need to build environments where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel welcome, safe, and belong 🏡. ▶️ There will be a crucial role of training and awareness in driving the desired changes 📚. I eagerly anticipate the final report, with its detailed insights and practical recommendations to guide urban policy and practice in NSW. This will be valuable for delivering social infrastructure that truly supports inclusivity 💡. A big thank you to the project partners at UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures, WSU, UNSW, Arup, and the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Jason Prior Edgar Liu Rebecca Cadorin Mia Tulumovic Nicola Nelson Karen O'Donnell-McGrane Jenny Rudolph Let’s continue to push for inclusive, welcoming spaces for all! 🌍 #LGBTQIA #InclusivePlanning #UrbanDevelopment #cityplanning #CommunityEngagement #WorldPride #placebasedplanning #publicspaces #sydney
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Great to see an all-female panel the Healthy City Design 2024 conference. 👏 The case has been made over recent years that women can save the planet, and I suspect they may be right. Clearly, in the UK we've had proof recently that not all women can be included in that mass generalisation. Liz Truss? But men have clearly had their shot. At the very least, I suspect there would be far less conflict / much more collaboration, which seems so essential at the moment. More immediately, it should also make our streets safer for our sisters and daughters. More power to their elbows. 💪 Panel: Nuala Gallagher Samantha Campbell Elspeth Anwar Beatrice Fraenkel Dagmara Wojciechowic from MERSEYSIDE POLONIA A specific policy point made by a contributor today: can we include within 'health in all policies' - 'women in all policies'? 👏 TRUUD (Tackling Root causes upstream of Unhealthy Urban Development) Sarah Ayres Jack Newman Geoff Bates
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We are excited to announce the release of CIL's 2024 Annual Report, "Accessible Futures." This comprehensive report highlights the meaningful impact of our work over the past year, featuring a personal message from CEO Kent Schwendy, a photo essay of The Gloria House, and an in-depth impact report showcasing our contributions to accessible housing and inclusive community initiatives. Explore insights into the future of universal design, updates on innovative bathroom designs, and significant team achievements that have propelled our mission forward. Dive into the full report to discover how CIL is building a more accessible and inclusive future for all. https://lnkd.in/ePptbu84 #AnnualReport #CILDevelopsHomes #CILDevelopsCommunities #Community #Relationships #Inclusion #RealEstateDevelopment #Accessibility #Advocacy Image Description: The front cover of CIL's 2024 Annual Report, "Accessible Futures."
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🌍 Rethinking Accessibility: Building Inclusive Cities for All 🏙️ The UK’s cities are some of the world’s most dynamic and inspiring urban spaces, rich in heritage, culture, and opportunity. Yet, for many, these spaces remain inaccessible. One in four people in the UK lives with a disability, and countless others face temporary mobility challenges every year. It’s clear that accessibility is more than just a feature—it’s a necessity that many built environment professionals have yet to fully address. Inclusive design is not simply an add-on; it’s about creating environments that are welcoming to everyone. From practical design changes like multi-height reception desks to tactile wayfinding for the visually impaired, these adjustments are essential steps toward making our spaces truly accessible. Inclusive design also carries significant benefits, fostering more positive experiences and encouraging greater community and customer engagement, which leads to sustainable growth for cities and businesses alike. The Inclusive Spaces and Places report from the Crown and Grosvenor offers a forward-thinking approach, encouraging higher standards of inclusive design and introducing inclusive design panels that prioritize lived experience in the planning process. By integrating these perspectives early, we can ensure that accessible design becomes part of the foundation rather than an afterthought. This is a moment for the industry to come together, led by initiatives like the Accessible and Inclusive Places Industry Group. With early commitments from major players, the goal is to set new standards that prioritize accessibility across our built environment. Let’s use this opportunity to share knowledge and drive change that reflects the needs of all. It’s time to rethink our approach to accessibility, ensuring our cities and spaces are places where everyone can thrive. #AccessibleCities #InclusiveDesign #BuiltEnvironment #UrbanDevelopment https://lnkd.in/dgfhfAWP
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Last month we published a joint report, Inclusive Spaces and Places, with Grosvenor highlighting the need, barriers, benefits and recommendations for inclusive design in the built environment. In the EG article below, our Sustainability Director, Deborah Clark, reflects on how the industry can design out inequality in urban environments by listening to lived experiences, embedding inclusive design throughout project lifecyle and industry-wide collaboration. You can also find the article in the print edition of EG published today. https://lnkd.in/ea53vc_P To access the Inclusive Spaces and Places report and tools, find link in comment below. #InclusiveDesign #Accessibility #LivedExperience #Diversity
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amaneh ekrasardashti, a Master’s student in Urban Studies at Malmö University , has conducted a qualitative study through our project, exploring perceptions of green space accessibility in Lindängen, a low-income neighborhood in Malmö. Using interviews and literature reviews, the study examines how residents experience access to urban green spaces (UGS), as well as the barriers and opportunities for equitable use. The research highlights that UGS are vital for public health, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. However, access to these spaces remains uneven, particularly in lower-income areas. Urban densification policies often exacerbate these inequalities unless inclusivity is prioritized in planning. Key insights from the study include: 💡 Proximity to green spaces alone does not ensure accessibility. 💡 Safety concerns, maintenance quality, and inclusivity influence usage. 💡 Women emphasized the importance of safety and family-friendly features, while men prioritized proximity and functionality. 💡 A lack of age-appropriate facilities for teenagers and adults limits green space usability. 💡 Residents expressed a desire for diverse activities and organized events to foster community ties and create vibrant social hubs. The study also sheds light on systemic issues, such as gender inequality and environmental barriers: 💡 Women’s safety concerns in Lindängen reflect broader patterns of exclusion, emphasizing the need for inclusive planning to promote equity and empower marginalized groups. 💡 Environmental factors, such as poor weather and inadequate infrastructure, combined with a lack of community programming, further hinder engagement with green spaces. These findings underscore the importance of addressing both physical and social dimensions of green space accessibility to ensure UGS serve as equitable and inclusive resources for all. For a deeper dive into the key findings, read the full report attached. 👇 *This project has been funded under the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership, which has been co-funded by the European Commission #15minutecity #Urbanplanning #Justice
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As the global population ages, the need for thoughtful, inclusive design is more critical than ever. By 2050, nearly a quarter of the world is expected to be aged 60 or older and the built environment must evolve to meet this demographic shift. At Sweco, we’re actively involved in creating spaces that foster intergenerational connections, sustainability and community engagement. Two of our Danish projects exemplify this vision: ➡️ Gauerslund Community Centre integrates a nursing home and daycare into a single vibrant hub. This innovative design promotes daily interactions across generations with shared activity spaces, outdoor playfields and even a mini zoo. Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, it’s a shining example of inclusive, eco-conscious public architecture. ➡️ The House of Generations redefines urban living in Aarhus Docklands. By combining homes for youth, families and seniors with community spaces like cafes and daycare, it encourages meaningful connections across age groups while meeting diverse residential needs. Click the link to read more about these projects: https://lnkd.in/dW38We8g #SwecoGroup #TransformingSocietyTogether
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A recent article highlights key insights into creating safer urban spaces for women and girls. While it’s a common belief that addressing public safety is solely a matter of law enforcement, the truth is much broader. Myth: Women only face safety issues at night. Fact: Safety concerns can arise at any time, and urban design plays a huge role in accessibility and security for women throughout the day. Myth: Only police presence can ensure safety. Fact: Effective urban planning, such as well-lit streets and safe public transport, is crucial for fostering a secure environment for everyone. Myth: Women's needs are secondary in city planning. Fact: Involving women’s voices in urban design not only enhances safety but also elevates community contributions. The more inclusive our cities are, the stronger our community can become. Each of us can play a part in advocating for policies that prioritize safety and equality. Let's engage with our communities and local leaders to make these critical changes happen. Collaboration is key! https://lnkd.in/ehWHi3r4
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