Inclusive and Accessible Public and Semi-Public Spaces
The concepts of Inclusion and accessibility are nowadays impossible to imagine without, even when designing public and semi-public spaces, it is necessary to pay attention to them. We would like to give you some more information
Contact usAccessibility and Inclusion: Why This Is the Foundation of Every Public Space
A public or semi-public space is only truly accessible when everyone can move freely and independently, regardless of mobility level, age, or sensory impairment. This means that not only people without physical limitations should be able to use the infrastructure comfortably, but also that seniors, wheelchair users, and families with young children must be considered.
Accessibility goes beyond just avoiding physical obstacles. A well-designed space also considers visual and auditory accessibility. This can be achieved through tactile markers and high-contrast signage to help visually impaired individuals navigate, as well as through acoustically optimized environments that help people with hearing impairments orient themselves better. Additionally, well-planned lighting enhances safety and usability, especially at night or in poorly lit areas.
The Social Impact of Accessible Public Spaces
A poorly accessible public space can lead to social isolation for people with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. When public and semi-public spaces are not designed inclusively, certain populations are excluded from social life, negatively impacting community building and quality of life. A well-designed space encourages interaction and participation in social life, making everyone feel welcome and strengthening social cohesion.
Accessible infrastructure also provides economic benefits. Research shows that inclusive cities and shopping districts attract more visitors and extend the time they spend in these areas. This not only increases the revenue of local businesses but also improves the overall attractiveness of an area for investors and residents.
From Design to Reality: The Importance of Sustainability and Maintenance
An accessible space should not only be functional at delivery but must also remain durable and low-maintenance over time. This means that the materials used must withstand heavy use and weather conditions. Additionally, installations must be easy to maintain by municipal or facility management services. By incorporating ergonomic and robust materials from the design phase, public spaces remain usable for a long time without requiring frequent and costly repairs.
How Street Furniture Shapes an Accessible Space
A public space is only fully accessible when its street furniture is adapted to the diverse needs of users. A poorly placed bench or an ergonomically inadequate waste bin can become an obstacle rather than an aid. Therefore, street furniture must be not only visually appealing but also ergonomic, accessible, and functional.
Street furniture plays a crucial role in mobility equity. This concept emphasizes that every user, regardless of physical ability, must have equal access to public amenities without requiring additional adjustments or tools. Wheelchair-friendly benches, picnic tables with side openings, and tactile guidance integrated into street furniture ensure that people with disabilities can move and use public spaces just as independently as others. Additionally, sustainable materials such as recycled wood and stainless steel contribute not only to the longevity of the infrastructure but also minimize maintenance, making public facilities both cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Ergonomic Benches:
Comfort and Functionality for Everyone
Seating areas are essential in every public space, but not all benches are equally accessible. Benches with the correct seat height, armrests, and back support make it easier for seniors and people with limited mobility to sit and stand. At the same time, these benches should be low-maintenance and resistant to heavy use.
Strategically placed benches, for example, every hundred meters in a walking area or near public transport points, ensure that a city, campus, or hospital setting remains inviting and user-friendly.
Multifunctional Use:
More Than Just Seating
Modern street furniture can offer more than just a place to sit or eat. Designs such as the Prat Chess and Genève benches function not only as seating areas but also as social hubs where people can gather, play, and interact.
The Prat Chess bench integrates a chessboard into its design, inviting residents to play outdoors and fostering social interaction and mental stimulation. The Genève bench has a modular design with rounded edges, providing comfort while encouraging creative use, such as lying down, leaning, or playing.
These multifunctional designs make public spaces more dynamic and attractive for a broad range of users, including parents with children and young people.
Wheelchair-Friendly Picnic Sets:
Inclusion Without Barriers
A picnic area is a place for meeting and relaxation, but standard designs often fail to consider wheelchair users. A well-designed picnic set provides enough space on the sides, allowing wheelchairs to roll in seamlessly without requiring adjustments. This enhances inclusion and ensures that everyone can participate in social activities.
Moreover, these designs promote a sense of equality, ensuring that all users can enjoy the same facilities without distinction. This strengthens social cohesion and community spirit in public spaces.
Drinking Fountains:
Accessible for Everyoner
A simple amenity like a drinking fountain can make a significant difference. Fountains at different heights ensure that both children and wheelchair users can access them. Additionally, they contribute to sustainability and comfort during warm periods, while their strategic placement makes them an inviting element in public spaces.
By providing easily accessible water points, the use of disposable plastic is reduced, contributing to environmental conservation. Moreover, these facilities encourage healthy hydration habits among all visitors..
Illuminated Benches:
Safety and Comfort, Day and Night
Public spaces must be functional not just during the day but also at night. Integrated lighting in seating areas enhances both safety and accessibility during evening hours. This is particularly relevant in city parks, university campuses, and hospital environments, where visitors and staff must feel safe after dark.
Additionally, illuminated benches create a pleasant atmosphere and can serve as orientation points in larger spaces. They combine functionality with aesthetics, enhancing the overall experience of the environment.
What You’ll Discover in Our White Paper
These are just a few basic principles of accessible street furniture. But how can you effectively implement them in your project? Which strategies make a difference? And how can accessibility, ergonomics, and aesthetics go hand in hand?
In our comprehensive white paper, we explore:
• How ergonomic street furniture increases the lifespan and usability of public spaces.
• The impact of accessibility on social cohesion and economic activity.
• Which design guidelines and best practices work best in cities, healthcare environments, and commercial areas.
• Concrete case studies and measurable results of successful inclusive infrastructure projects.
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Do you have specific questions or need tailored solutions for your project? Contact us and let us help you choose the best ergonomic and accessible street furniture.
Our Range for Inclusive and Accessible Spaces
At Servibo, we offer a wide range of products specifically designed to make public and semi-public spaces more inclusive and accessible. Our portfolio includes ergonomic benches, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, inclusive drinking fountains, illuminated seating solutions, and more. Each product in our collection is developed with a focus on sustainability, usability, and aesthetics, ensuring they fit seamlessly into environments ranging from urban parks to healthcare facilities. With our solutions, cities, municipalities, businesses, and institutions can not only meet accessibility standards but also create welcoming and comfortable spaces for all users, regardless of age or mobility.
Our products are built around the core values of inclusion and ergonomics. Durable materials, such as tropical wood and steel, ensure a long lifespan and low maintenance, while the designs are tailored to the needs of users like wheelchair users, seniors, and children. From benches with armrests that facilitate standing up to picnic sets where wheelchairs can easily join, our solutions foster interaction, well-being, and independence. Choose Servibo to equip your space with innovative street furniture that enhances social cohesion, safety, and overall accessibility.