Abstract
This study explores the ‘people’ and ‘place’ components of the smart city concept in order to inform its third component, ‘technology’, for augmented disability inclusion. The research objective was to reveal the capability of the universal open space design (UOSD) method in classifying key spatial factors according to their type of digital applicability as a channel or subject for information and communication technologies (ICTs). Results were derived from three Hungarian design projects presented as case studies, using the research through design (RtD) method. User needs and usage patterns, open space environmental components and types according to their tolerance towards physical modification, and relevant disability-related concepts linked to UOSD were hierarchized and interrelated to digital technologies that can replace or complement the environmental components. Findings were represented in the spatial Maslow pyramid of user needs related to the relevant spatial design concepts, open spaces public services, and digital technologies. The results showed that upper (less basic) levels of the digital Maslow pyramid related to public services other than transport and concepts other than physical accessibility lack digital completion or replacement. In particular, a more detailed and consistent knowledge about spatial–digital interrelations for sensory accessibility should be incorporated into the practical and theoretical background of “smart” UOSD. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates how the combination of the concepts of UOSD and the smart city support a more complex disability-inclusive experience in an interconnected physical, sociocultural, and digital network of open spaces.
Highlights
The evolving concepts of universal design and assistive technologies as key elements for accessibility are highly prioritized concepts in contemporary urbanism and spatial design
This research focuses on whether and how the universal open space design (UOSD) approach is capable to inform information and communication technologies (ICTs) about the open spaces’ key features and services, which can serve as a basis for the digital layers related to those spaces
This study revealed that upper levels of the spatial and digital Maslow pyramid related to public services other than transport and concepts other than physical accessibility lack digital completion or replacement, these digital layers would be basic for people’s inclusion and for the places’ inclusivity, protection and inviting layout
Summary
The evolving concepts of universal design and assistive technologies as key elements for accessibility are highly prioritized concepts in contemporary urbanism and spatial design. This research focuses on whether and how the universal open space design (UOSD) approach is capable to inform ICTs about the open spaces’ key features and services, which can serve as a basis for the digital layers related to those spaces. This combination of tools can contribute to enriching the citizens’ experience and enhance the overall accessibility for creating inclusive smart cities [10,11,12]
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