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Title Universal Open Space Design to Inform Digital Technologies for a Disability-Inclusive Place-Making on the Example of Hungary
ID_Doc 41597
Authors Szaszák, G; Kecskés, T
Title Universal Open Space Design to Inform Digital Technologies for a Disability-Inclusive Place-Making on the Example of Hungary
Year 2020
Published Smart Cities, 3, 4
DOI 10.3390/smartcities3040063
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.
Author Keywords universal design; universal open space design; inclusive urban design; inclusive smart city; landscape architecture; disability; accessibility; Hungary
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)
EID WOS:000682790900009
WoS Category Engineering, Electrical & Electronic; Urban Studies
Research Area Engineering; Urban Studies
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/3/4/63/pdf?version=1605168585
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