Urban accessibility: how to build cities for everyone

La urban accessibility It's not just about putting a ramp here and there: it's about how everyone moves, finds their way, and enjoys the city, regardless of age or physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities. When streets, squares, buildings, and services aren't designed for everyone, the city becomes a daily obstacle course.

Endless staircases, narrow or cluttered sidewalks, impossible curbs, inaccessible bus stops… these are details that many people overcome without thinking, but for someone with reduced mobility, visual, hearing or intellectual disabilityFor older people or families with strollers, these obstacles represent a huge obstacle to their independence. Making our cities accessible is not a luxury or an extra; it's a matter of rights and quality of life.

What is urban accessibility and why does it matter so much?

When we talk about accessibility or accessible urban mobilityWe are referring to the real possibility that any person can move around their urban environment, access public spaces and services, and participate in city life safely, comfortably, and without discrimination. It is not enough to be able to get there "however possible": accessibility must be universal.

This idea involves both elements that promote mobility (well-designed ramps, stable pavements, clear signage, adapted public transport) and architectural barriers that complicate it (steps, uneven surfaces, narrow doorways, sidewalks full of obstacles, lack of visual contrast, etc.). Identifying these barriers is the first step towards eliminating them.

In an ideal scenario, the city's design would be based from the outset on the “design for all people”That is, designing spaces so they can be used by the greatest possible number of users without requiring subsequent adaptations. In fact, some European cities have already been recognized for making significant progress in this direction, such as Luxembourg, Helsinki, and Barcelona, ​​which stand out for their widely accessible public transport networks and their comprehensive approach to urban accessibility.

Unfortunately, in many municipalities, reality falls far short of this ideal: hostile environments, impossible slopes, scarce or poorly understood signage, and unadapted public buildings persist. Hence the need to combine regulations, planning, technical solutions, and a genuine culture of inclusion to transform cities step by step.

Main architectural barriers in the city

Architectural barriers are all those physical or communication obstacles that prevent or hinder a person from using a space independently. When you go out into the street and observe them, you discover that the list is... much longer than it seemed naked eye.

These barriers affect each group differently: getting around in a wheelchair is not the same as using a white cane, a walker, or having a hearing impairment or cognitive difficulties. Therefore, urban accessibility must consider a diversity of situations and not be limited to wheelchairs alone, which is a common mistake.

Barriers in public and private buildings

Buildings, both public and private for public use (shops, offices, health centers, cultural facilities, etc.), often hide many critical accessibility points in their common areas. Some common examples are:

• Counters that are too high in receptions, offices or premises, which make it difficult to serve people in wheelchairs or of short stature.
• Narrow or heavy doors that do not meet the minimum clear width, or revolving doors without an accessible alternative.
• Narrow corridors and passagewayswith tight turns or full of furniture that prevent maneuvering with a wheelchair or scooter.
• Very steep stairs or ramps as the only access to the main entrance, with no accessible alternative.
• Slippery floorswith raised carpets, loose cables, or sudden changes in level that pose a risk of falling.
• Pushbuttons, switches and intercoms placed at heights unreachable for many people.

These problems not only affect visitors, but also those who work in these buildings. The lack of accessibility limits the right to employment, education or participation in cultural and social activities, and therefore becomes a factor of direct exclusion.

Barriers in streets, sidewalks, and public spaces

In outer space, the shortcomings are equally evident: urban roads and public spaces They are often designed from the perspective of the car or the person without a disability, and not from the perspective of groups with diverse needs.

• Sidewalks that are too narrow or with streetlights, signs, parked motorcycles and terraces encroaching on the pedestrian walkway.
• Irregular or poor condition pavementswith loose tiles, unpaved areas or raised surfaces that make it very difficult to move around with a walker, cane or wheelchair.
• Streets with very steep slopes which are unaffordable for many people with reduced mobility.
• "Decorative" ramps that do not comply with regulations: excessive slopes, absence of railings, lack of landings, etc.
• Stairs with no accessible alternativeFor example, in changes of level between squares, walkways or access points to buildings.
• Bus stops, metro or train stations without accessible routes, without elevators, or with large unresolved slopes.
• Traffic lights without audible signal and without clear tactile or visual information for crossing safely.
• Absence of information in braille or relief on billboards, city maps, push buttons or vending machines.

In short, many environments are still designed for those who can walk, see, and hear without difficulty, leaving out those who don't fit that mold. Changing that perspective and prioritizing the accessible and continuous pedestrian route It is key to real accessibility.

Guidelines, regulations and accessibility criteria in municipalities

Progress in urban accessibility is not based solely on good intentions: there is a regulatory and technical framework that sets the guidelines to follow. In Spain, the following stand out: Order TMA/851/2021, which sets the basic accessibility requirements in urbanized public spaces, and technical documents such as the “Accessibility Guide in Urbanized Public Spaces V.1.0”.

These tools define how streets, squares, parks, and facilities should be designed to be safely usable by all citizens. It's not about imposing a city style, but about guaranteeing certain minimum conditions of use and safety that respect human diversity.

Pedestrian routes and accessible crossings

One of the most important concepts is that of accessible pedestrian routeThe route a person takes to move on foot (or with technical aids) must maintain continuity and minimum conditions.

• Clear passage width of at least 1,80 m to allow two people to cross, one of them in a wheelchair.
• Sidewalks free of obstaclesFurniture, signs, planters or terraces must be located outside the circulation area.
• Adapted pedestrian ramps and crossingswith appropriate slopes, lowered curbs and tactile paving where appropriate.
• Traffic lights with visual and audible signalsand, when necessary, tactile information on the pavement or on pushbuttons.
• Sufficient and uniform lighting to improve the perception of space and avoid dangerous shadow areas.

At complex intersections or very long crossings, refuge islands are recommended where people can stop safely. All of this contributes to making getting around the city less of a hassle. obstacle race for no one.

Parks, squares and green areas

Leisure spaces must also be accessible. Parks, green areas, squares, and other open spaces must have stable and continuous surfacesavoiding loose sand, deep gravel or very uneven terrain as the only option for passage.

Street furniture—benches, litter bins, drinking fountains, playgrounds, bicycle parking—should be strategically placed so as not to obstruct pedestrian routes, to be easily identifiable, and to offer usability for different profiles (benches with backrests and armrests, for example). Inclusive play areas, with accessible elements, are increasingly in demand.

Public buildings, shops and leisure

Town halls, health centers, libraries, sports centers and all types of public facilities must comply with criteria of comprehensive accessibility. This includes:

• Accessible entrances without steps, or with suitable ramps.
• Accessible elevators when there are significant floor changes.
• Clear, understandable signage and, where possible, in different formats (visual, tactile, auditory).
• Interior spaces with wide, unobstructed paths and chromatic contrasts.

In the case of commercial and leisure establishments (shops, restaurants, cinemas, concert halls), the objective is that anyone can access, circulate and use the services under similar conditions to the rest: step-free entrances, accessible toilets, clear information, reserved seats in spectator areas, etc.

Beach areas, parking lots and public areas

In coastal municipalities, accessibility also extends to the beaches and their nearby urban environmentsThis means providing accessible walkways, adapted showers, shaded areas, clear signage and tactile paving where appropriate, so that access to the sea is not a privilege for a few.

Furthermore, urban design must consider:

• Accessible street furniture: suitable benches, ischial supports, adapted toilet cubicles.
• Reserved parking spaces with clear signage and an accessible route to the sidewalk.
• Reserved spaces in venues with spectators (stadiums, auditoriums, bullrings, etc.) with good visibility and safety conditions.
• Shared transit zones between pedestrians and vehicles, properly delimited and signposted, avoiding dangerous confusion.
• Accessible emergency exits in public establishments, with clear visual and acoustic signage and barrier-free routes.

All of this shapes a view of accessibility as a structural factor in urban planning, and not as a last-minute addition.

Tactile pavements: the silent “voice” of the city

For people with visual impairments, the pavement becomes a veritable information system. tactile or podotactile flooring These are surfaces with a specific relief that are perceived with the cane or through the sole of the foot and that transmit key messages about the environment.

These elements can warn of an upcoming crossing, a change in level, the arrival at a subway or train platform, or the location of a safe route. However, to be useful, it's not enough to simply place them haphazardly: their design, location, contrast, and continuity They must follow the regulations and technical recommendations.

When installed correctly, tactile paving allows many blind or visually impaired people to move around much more independently, without having to constantly rely on assistants. Conversely, poor placement or a chaotic implementation creates confusion and can even increase the risk of accidents.

The key is to understand these pavements as a “silent language” of the city that must be coherent, continuous, and legible. Interrupting them without reason, mixing them with very similar decorative textures, or encroaching on them with street furniture destroys their functionality and disrupts the chain of safety.

Unique platforms and safety for people with visual disabilities

In recent years, many cities have promoted the design of unique platformsThat is, streets where the difference in height between the sidewalk and the roadway disappears. The idea is to create more welcoming and shared spaces, but its implementation has raised concerns about safety and accessibility, especially for people with visual impairments.

The Spanish National Organization of the Blind (ONCE) has studied this topic in depth in its work on “Types of Single Platforms: Accessibility Conditions”, where the risks arising from unclear design are analyzed and solutions are proposed. specific criteria so that these spaces are truly inclusive.

Types of unique platforms

In general, two main types of unique platforms can be distinguished in the urban environment:

• Single shared transit platformPedestrians and vehicles share the same space, with priority given to pedestrians. This is common in traffic-calmed streets.
• Single platform for differentiated transitThere are no curbs, but pedestrian and vehicle zones are differentiated by means of paving, alignments or design elements.

The problem arises when this differentiation is not clear or is based solely on visual cues, which makes it difficult for people with visual impairments to understand the difference. cannot easily identify where it is safe to walk and where cars drive.

Safety issues and design criteria

According to ONCE, the indiscriminate use of single platforms without clear accessibility criteria leads to situations of disorientation and riskThe absence of a physical curb makes it difficult to know where the pedestrian space ends and where the roadway begins, especially for those who use a walking stick for orientation.

To reduce these risks, the study proposes a series of essential criteria:

• Real priority of the pedestrian throughout the area, providing traffic calming measures and adequate signage.
• Differentiated tactile-visual pavements that allow clearly distinguishing pedestrian and vehicular space, with contrasts in texture and, where possible, color.
• Higher security zones for pedestrians, with a minimum width of 1,80 m, identifiable by continuous tactile pavement strips.
• Removal of obstacles in the guide strips and absolute respect for the tactile routes, without invading them with terraces, parking lots or furniture.

Without these elements, single platforms can turn a theoretically friendly urban space into a confusing environment for those who depend on them. tactile and auditory references to move.

Stairlift and short-rise elevator solutions

There are situations where simply building an accessible ramp is not feasible, whether due to lack of space, excessive slopes, or architectural constraints (for example, in historic buildings). In these cases, accessibility features become crucial. stairlift solutionsdesigned to overcome differences in level and connect levels safely.

Stairlift platforms

Stairlifts are lifting systems that allow people to overcome flights of stairs in buildings or public spaces, both indoors and outdoors. folding or collapsible platform on which the person is positioned, either in their wheelchair or seated in an integrated seat.

Among its typical features are:

• Capacity to transport wheelchairs of different sizes.
• Adaptable to straight or curved stairs, indoors and outdoors.
• Discrete integration in existing architecture, taking up little space when folded.
• Installation is generally simple, without major construction or deep pits.
• Multiple parking and folding options to clear the passageway.

They are very useful for access to apartment building entrances, buildings with stairwells, commercial premises with few steps, or facilities where a conventional elevator is not feasible. Specialized companies have been installing these types of solutions throughout Spain for years, helping thousands of people gain access to better living conditions. autonomy and security in their daily commutes.

Vertical or short-rise elevators

Another commonly used solution is the short-rise vertical liftsDesigned to overcome limited height differences, typically between 3 and 4 meters, these elevators, unlike traditional elevators, are usually installed practically at ground level, without the need for a deep pit.

This makes them an ideal choice for:

• Existing buildings with little space for a full elevator.
• Historical spaces or museums, where a minimally invasive intervention is sought.
• Commercial premises, restaurants or facilities with a small change in level.
• Uses both in indoors and outdoorsthanks to models designed for outdoor use.

Their ability to integrate into architectural design and their lower civil engineering requirements make them a key piece of accessibility in established buildings. In combination with ramps, elevators and stairlifts, they allow for the resolution of many of the level differences that were previously an insurmountable barrier for many people.

Accessibility, responsible design and smart cities

Accessibility can no longer be understood as an add-on placed at the end of a project "just to tick a box." It is increasingly clear that it must be an integral part of the project. DNA of urban and architectural design From the planning phase: thinking about accessibility from minute one improves both people's lives and the quality of the design itself.

For architecture, engineering, and urban planning, this means making decisions that take into account the diversity of users: people with visual, hearing, or intellectual disabilities, people with reduced mobility, children, the elderly, occasional users, etc. Designing for this variety not only doesn't diminish quality, but actually generates more intuitive, legible and comfortable spaces for everyone.

In the context of the smart citiesAccessibility extends beyond the physical environment to encompass the digital realm as well. A truly smart city integrates technologies and services that leave no one behind: understandable e-government, accessible applications, clear digital signage, and real-time information systems that support different formats and approaches, such as... digital humanism, etc.

Smart mobility—connected vehicles, advanced traffic management, on-demand transport—must be accompanied by accessibility criteria for stops, vehicles, user interfaces, and information channels. Furthermore, urban robotics It can contribute to more inclusive solutions. Otherwise, technological innovations risk widen the gap between those who can take advantage of them and those who are left out.

Energy also plays a role: energy efficiency and self-consumption projects not only reduce environmental impact, but can also help to decrease economic and access barriers to basic supplies, especially for vulnerable groups. And without affordable and reliable energy, it's difficult to guarantee autonomy (think of elevators, stairlifts, alarm systems, etc.).

Urban accessibility projects and best practices

Beyond theory, many Spanish cities are promoting concrete plans and projects to improve the accessibility of their urban spaces. This work is often carried out in collaboration with specialized organizations and companies committed to inclusion.

Some representative examples are:

• Accessibility tourist guides, such as the one developed in Fuengirola, which compile in detail what resources, services and spaces are accessible, allowing residents and visitors to plan their stay according to their needs.
• Comprehensive municipal accessibility plans, such as that of the Alcantarilla City Council, which comprehensively analyze the state of accessibility in public spaces, buildings, transport and services, and define a short, medium and long term intervention strategy.

These projects show that accessibility is not just a technical issue, but a cross-cutting approach that impacts tourism, commerce, employment, culture and coexistenceFurthermore, they have the participation of expert companies and organizations (such as ILUNION or ONCE itself in the field of visual impairment) that contribute specialized knowledge and experience in the field.

The result is not just compliance with the law, but building fairer, more competitive and attractive municipalities, capable of welcoming all kinds of people and harnessing the economic and social potential of a diverse population.

Access to rights, aid and citizen participation

The responsibility for improving urban accessibility does not fall solely on government agencies and urban planning professionals. People with disabilities themselves and their families play a significant role, both through the vindication of their rights such as participating in diagnostic and design processes.

An important step is the official recognition of disability through the Disability CertificateThis is requested from the relevant administration in each autonomous community. Once an assessment exceeds a certain threshold (for example, more than 33% or, according to specific scales, certain minimum points), access is granted to social and economic resources and benefits that can help alleviate some of the environmental barriers.

These resources include the parking permit for people with reduced mobilityThis allows the use of reserved parking spaces and facilitates access to essential facilities and services. However, this is only a starting point: the rest depends on administrations, companies, and professionals assuming that accessibility is a mandatory criterion in the daily management of the city.

Citizen participation, actively listening to associations and organizations of people with disabilities, and continuous evaluation of implemented policies are key to ensuring that urban accessibility doesn't remain merely theoretical. A city that incorporates the perspective of those who encounter the most barriers It is a city that learns, innovates, and becomes more livable for everyone.

Looking at the city through the lens of accessibility reveals that many of the obstacles that seem “normal” today are, in fact, avoidable. With clear regulations, responsible design, well-targeted technology, and the joint involvement of government, businesses, and citizens, streets, buildings, and services can be transformed into environments where Moving, orienting yourself and participating should no longer be a challenge and become as simple as it should always have been.