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Urbanistik - Public spaces: can a city be inclusive?

Public spaces: can a city be inclusive?


This strategic intelligence note explores the issues related to the construction of an inclusive city, by going beyond the public approach and by considering the city in its diversity of uses. Also on display will be several inspiring approaches taken by cities around the world to achieve this ideal of inclusion. What is this ideal? What are these steps put in place? Answers by downloading this note.

  • « It’s no longer up to individuals to deply all their resources to « access » but rather up to the city (…) to create the conditions for generalized accessibility. » Jean-Marc Berthet, Education Policy Professional.
     
  • Historically, Michel Foucault, a French philosopher, introduced the notion of exclusion, as early as the 1960s, through the prism of the process of marginalizing categories of the population through the increased rationalization of the social order. In the 1980s, the notion of integration emerged. Then inclusion gradually became the focus of concerns with the law on disability passed in France in 2005 and the 2013 law on the refoundation of schools, which evoked "inclusive schools".
     
  • The Europe 2020 strategy defines three priorities: smart growth, sustainable growth and inclusive growth.
     
  • The inclusive city = a space where local authorities commit to fighting discrimination and ensuring access to essential services (education, employment, housing, culture) for all, especially for marginalized groups. Definition given by UNESCO’s International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR).
     

What do we mean by an "inclusive city"?

As an approach that aims to limit social exclusion and create a successful coexistence in the urban space, the construction of the inclusive city must guarantee, for all, without discrimination, access to all its spaces and services. The inclusive city requires adherence, involvement and the assurance of solidarity within its territory.

Is an inclusive city possible? What would be the conditions for it to see the light of day?

For a city to be inclusive, it must move from mere consultation to active citizen participation, thus transforming the city into a participatory space. This means rethinking urban spaces to be multi-use and hybrid, allowing all residents to interact in them in an equitable and flexible way. By regularly assessing its inclusion performance using accurate indicators, the city can identify its strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring an environment where every individual can thrive and actively contribute to the community.

Towards an "urban planning of care"

The creation of an inclusive city is part of the nascent, more global movement of "care urbanism". This urbanism of attention to others prioritizes human relationships, solidarity, consideration for others and the response to local needs. Initiatives and good practices are emerging to make cities more inclusive. Examples such as the Danish concept of "hygge" or Mariahilferstrass show that solutions exist to bring about a more inclusive city. 
 

Extract of the note:

Extract of the note: Public spaces: can a city be inclusive?

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