Visualization for universal design in planning and building processes

The project will develop visualization tools intended to be used in order for universal design to be better taken into account throughout the planning and building process. Additionally, we strive to make possible goal become more visible, and as a result, be better managed. The core of the project will be to explore which/which types of visualization work in different stages of the urban planning process, and based on the obtained results we will develop visualization tools with associated educational materials.

The goal of the project is to create tools that can:
•Make visible how planned environments work based on different people's abilities/disabilities. Also via different types of visualization make it possible for a wider range of citizens to participate in planning processes.
•Facilitate taking both social and environmental sustainability into account, by making visible also the social consequences of different designs.
•Educate actors in human diversity and different types of needs/requirements.
•Provide good practice examples.

The project is planned for four years to allow for evaluation over time in real processes. The backbone of the project consists of various types of co-creative activities and workshops. The project begins with an analysis, followed by iterative concept development, development of tools, evaluation and finally dissemination of the results. The work is carried out in collaboration between Lund University, the Department of Design Sciences, the City of Gothenburg and Lund Municipality.

The project aims to develop visualization tools intended to be used so that universal design is better taken into account all the way through the urban planning process. The core of the project will be to explore which/which types of visualization work in different stages of the urban planning process, and based on the obtained results to develop visualization tools with associated educational materials.