Designing Accessibility Public Spaces in Old City Communities Based on the Outdoor Activity Characteristics of People with Disabilities: A Case Study of Chengxian Street Community in Nanjing

Abstract

Urban accessibility construction from a global perspective emphasizes the enhancement of inclusiveness and equity in cities. Community public spaces, as central hubs of daily life, serve as crucial entry points for advancing urban accessibility initiatives. With the aging population and a growing number of individuals with disabilities, the creation of barrier-free environments in the older urban areas of Chinese cities has become a focal issue. This involves analyzing the outdoor activity characteristics (frequency, type, and scope) and variations among individuals with differing mobility levels in these communities, as well as exploring the relationship between outdoor activities and community public spaces. Based on these findings, strategies for enhancing accessibility in public spaces within older urban areas can be developed. This thesis employs questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews to examine the accessibility needs of community public spaces for individuals with disabilities and propose targeted design strategies. Specifically, it focuses on the Chengxian Street community. First, 35 valid questionnaires were collected through surveys, behavioral observations, and interviews with all disabled residents in the community. Additionally, 78 travel trajectories were recorded and analyzed, with the temporal and spatial distributions visualized using ArcGIS. Second, the research identifies key patterns based on travel frequency, destinations, and needs, uncovering trends in time-sequenced travel, spatiotemporal circulation, and public space usage behaviors. These findings highlight significant challenges in the accessibility of community public spaces. Finally, the study proposes an inclusive design framework for improving public space accessibility, addressing five dimensions: target orientation, standard setting, spatial siting, spatial layout, and accessibility facilities. By considering the behaviors and needs of vulnerable groups, this framework seeks to advance the construction of inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities and communities. Ultimately, the thesis revisits the social model of disability studies, offering actionable strategies to enhance the accessibility of public spaces for disabled communities and contributing to the broader goal of fostering equitable urban development.