Ph.D. arch. Iris Popescu

Public Spaces Without Barriers

Part of the guide's cover. An ilustration with a circle and a square connected by dotted lines.

This book has guidelines for accessibility or inclusive design of public space, but it is not an exhaustive list of design requirements. It is necessary to have a solid knowledge base of design norms and standards, to which we must add information received directly from the community through analysis from the concept phase and continued until the in-use phase. At the moment, there are no 100% inclusive solutions in architecture. It also offers information on accessibility analysis and how to conduct them.

Accessibility Analysis – Vacărești Natural Park

A spring scenery in the park with a cherry blossom. Behind there are the silhouette of two people looking at a panel.

The “Biodiversity Trail Accessibility” project aims to make the urban biodiversity trail in Văcărești Natural Park accessible to people with disabilities. The long-term initiative should involve adapting the trail with ramps, tactile cues, and audio guides to ensure an inclusive experience for diverse visitors. This project is part of a broader effort to integrate accessibility into natural spaces, promoting equal opportunities for everyone to enjoy nature.

120 Hours of Community Service – Workshop and Public Space Analysis

A group of people discuss with one of the researcher on a map of the neighbourhood

The project involved mapping four public spaces in Sector 2, resulting in detailed urban assessments, moodboards, and recommendations for improving these areas. Community input was gathered through consultations and surveys, ensuring that local perspectives were included. This initiative was a collaborative effort between multiple organizations and institutions, presented as part of the 2021 Bucharest Architecture Annual.

Inclusive Waterfront on the Danube

The playground of the promenade with the concrete sand-table. In the back there is the watch tower made of wood.

Mahmudia, a commune on the edge of the Danube Delta, is attracting increasing tourism, prompting the Local Council to develop the Danube bank into an inclusive public space for both locals and visitors. The project, created through community consultations, focus groups, and feedback sessions, resulted in an accessible infrastructure featuring the Mineral Park, the Communal Promenade, and the Communal Garden. The design prioritizes accessibility, circulation, and orientation, with ongoing assessments planned to ensure ease of use and accessibility for all.

La Firul Ierbii Community Centre

The big multifunctional hall of the space. It is presented in debate setting with chair arranged in a circle.

The La Firul Ierbii/Grassroots project creates a public, well-equipped and inclusive civic space for city and neighborhood interaction. It aims to evolve into a local civic forum, fostering community engagement.