Rethinking the city: envisioning new university campus models through analytical drawings

Abstract

The article presents an overview of a research study that focuses on the use of collaborative methodologies for urban planning to design accessible and inclusive university campus. The study involves a co-design approach where architects work with end-users, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, to improve the resulting urban proposals. Through an extensive review of past co-design initiatives, we have developed our own methodology to enhance outcomes and achieve better results. This includes several phases, such as conducting surveys aimed at end-users, mapping the area to be intervened, developing an empathy map and a comparison between a series of representative university campuses, with the support of people with intellectual disabilities. The research aims to establish a set of criteria linked to the concept of accessibility in urban spaces. The results of the study have led to some relevant conclusions on design criteria, supported by the participatory methodology used. These criteria can help in planning educational spaces in the university environment that are more inclusive.