These are some graphics I threw together quickly for a competition – it kinda shows!
Current pavers and even worse – cobblestones have many problems/effects, some of which are perhaps on purpose.
You can buy mounting hardware at Bunnings – sweet hey?
I so easily get lost, and even remembering the way after looking at information booths or asking for directions…
Like Dr Jac den Houting says, I am not disabled by my Autism, or by Malls, but by a world built only for the Able.
Universal Design takes into account all of our needs, and has been around since the 70’s.
Problem Pavers
And why cobblestones are worse!
From a usability and accessibility point of view anyhow.
I think Canberra’s love for cobblestones and pavers might come from a Karen like nanny-state stance of “Get off my Graasssss!” you pesky teenagers on bikes skateboards and blades. Scooters too now.
Except in doing so, they disadvantage more than 30% of the population.
More on that below
Maintenance Issues
Uplift
weeds
broken pavers
temperature extremes uneven wear
Universal Design and 30% of the population
20% of the Australian population are disabled.
A lot more of the population are either aging gracefully or disgracefully, like myself.
Only a small small portion of that disabled figure are in wheelchairs.
Many more though need alternative forms of mobilisation, for example I need a walker. And all those little bumps on uneven surfaces send jarring bumps up my arms, which wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t have carpal-tunnel and Tennis elbow in both arms now.
Not from any sport though, just part of my condition involves nerve inflammation, on a near permanent basis over the last two years, as I have increasingly been relying on using a walker over badly maintained footpaths.
Fight Against Facism. Or at least Ableism!
Demand Universal Design in new Canberra developments!
Have a lovely day 🙂