Else Havik

Accessibility of Shared Space for visually impaired persons : An inventory in the Netherlands

Shared Space is a concept that comprises the design and planning process of a public space. There are concerns about the accessibility of Shared Spaces for people who are visually impaired. This study provides a systematic overview of the appearance of Shared Spaces in the Netherlands and the consequences that these spaces may have for the independent mobility of visually impaired persons. Environmental characteristics of ten typical Shared-Space locations in the Netherlands were registered. The level of hindrance that these characteristics could cause visually impaired users of these spaces was judged by a group of experts in the field of orientation and mobility. In addition, compliance of the selected locations with existing guidelines for accessibility was assessed. None of the selected Shared-Space locations were free of potential problems for visually impaired persons.

Accessibility of shared space for visually impaired persons: A comparative field study

Shared Space is a concept that comprises the design and planning process of a public space. There are concerns about the accessibility of Shared Spaces for people who are visually impaired. In a comparative field study, the wayfinding performance of 25 visually impaired persons (VIPs) was observed while they carried out standardized tasks in two Shared-Space locations and two conventionally designed settings. The tasks were followed by interviews regarding the participants’ experiences. In Shared-Space locations, more time was needed to complete routes and the blind participants in particular were less independent compared to conventional locations. The Shared-Space locations were evaluated more negatively than the conventional locations. The most salient problems encountered in Shared Space were related to orientation. The results clearly confirm how complex navigating a Shared Space can be for VIPs, albeit not to the same extent for all individuals and for all locations.