Thread by @globeandmail

Who are public spaces – like parks or transit systems – designed for? 🌳

They are often the best parts of a city. But during the pandemic, many of us started to realize how our public spaces weren’t quite working for us.

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In the latest episode of #CitySpace, @AdrianKLee talks to three experts about how public spaces are failing people in ways we might not often consider.

"Truly accessible and public spaces should be our number one priority."

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🔊 Adri Stark, @Park_People project manager: "Parks, at their worst, are really places for no one. We see that with defensive design – the classic example is a park bench with an extra arm rest in the middle that prevents people from lying down."

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🔊 @LellyK: "If they're not really aware of the experiences of women, they might not be able to think two or three steps ahead. How will this public space function for someone pushing a stroller or someone who needs a different kind of restroom facility?

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🔊 @AnnaZivarts: "There are lots of way our built environment is not designed for people who are low-vision, who are blind, who are deaf, have sensory disabilities, have physical disabilities. We aren't thinking broadly or inclusively enough."

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The #CitySpace podcast delves into questions of how to make our cities better. 🌳

Listen and follow on your favourite streaming app:
▪️ Apple: tgam.ca/3hsFh6D
▪️ Spotify: tgam.ca/3og4OlR
▪️ The Globe's website: tgam.ca/3bX4TFC