How do we make public spaces truly accessible? The AccesS project in Gabrovo.
What does it mean for an environment to be truly accessible? Is it about ramps and elevators, or is it something deeper – something that shapes the way people move, connect, and experience a shared space? These are the questions at the heart of AccesS, a European project that explores new approaches to urban accessibility, active mobility, and inclusive design. Gabrovo is one of six locations in Europe where innovative accessibility solutions will be tested, and the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center has been selected as a key pilot site. Unlike the other cities in the project – located in Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland – Gabrovo’s site has not yet undergone renovation. This makes it a special opportunity: instead of adapting an already completed space, we have the chance to integrate accessibility from the very foundation of the redesign.
But how do we define accessibility in a way that is meaningful? To answer this, we conducted a series of in-depth interviews with key figures whose perspectives shape the reality of urban spaces. These included architects, urban planners, social workers, disability rights advocates, and cultural leaders, each bringing useful insights into the challenges and possibilities of inclusive design.
Some key takeaways emerged from these conversations. Accessibility is not just about technical compliance but about how people experience a space. Many urban environments, including in Gabrovo, are designed with the assumption that most people move in the same way. But what happens when someone uses a wheelchair? When a person with visual impairments tries to navigate an unfamiliar area? When a parent with a stroller finds themselves faced with a series of high curbs?
Architects pointed out that accessibility is often treated as a regulatory obligation rather than an essential design principle. Instead of integrating it seamlessly, projects tend to “add” accessible elements as an afterthought. One of the most striking observations came from an architect who noted that most designers have never truly imagined what it feels like to navigate a space with mobility restrictions – a perspective that, if adopted, could radically change the way we build.
Social workers and disability advocates highlighted the lack of real social integration for people with disabilities. Beyond the physical challenges of urban mobility, there is an even deeper issue: the way society includes or excludes individuals from public life. They shared stories of how differently abled children often lack opportunities to engage in creative and cultural activities simply because the spaces are not designed with them in mind.
From these discussions, it became clear that accessibility must be approached holistically. It is about the space itself, the way people reach it, and how they interact with it. For the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center, this means rethinking the entire visitor experience, from arrival points and pathways to staff training and programming that ensures true inclusivity.
This is just the beginning. As the AccesS project progresses, the insights gathered will inform the architectural brief for the Center’s renovation and contribute to broader urban planning discussions in Gabrovo. Real accessibility is not about making small modifications – it is about shifting perspectives. Follow our journey as we continue to explore how cities can become truly accessible and inclusive to all. What does accessibility mean to you? Let’s start the conversation.