Universal Design in Public Spaces. A case of Inclusive Parks in Tirana

Abstract

Albania, demanding to be part of the European Union, ought to fulfill the main conditions needed to affiliate. Among the conditions defined within the urban planning is the Universal Design issue. Universal design as a concept has a global significance. This is due to the great importance that is given to the human rights by offering equal opportunity for all. People with disabilities have full right to participate. Physical barriers of the public spaces and the built environment urban and design issues that should be taken into consideration. This research is seeking to bring standards to the design of public spaces specifically on parks. As a case study is the study of design guidelines for "The hole of Hajdin Sejdia"in Tirana notion of the principles of universal design. Such a research will lay some ground for developing solutions to enable everybody to use Tirana’s main public spaces by promoting an inclusive park. iv This research is a qualitativeand quantitative case study approach with surveying, interviews, and observations. Furthermore, the research is going to compare strategies that Albanian government has declared to standards defined by European countries Results expected are about bringing all users’ view in comprehending the city situation to be a source for future possible improvements.