Unikt Publikt

How can a city become more accessible, inclusive, engaging, and beautiful—all at the same time? Everyone should be able to use public space on equal terms, regardless of ability. In Unikt Publikt, four teams—made up of designers and people with disabilities—worked together to develop new solutions for public spaces in Gothenburg. The project aimed to show how a user-centered design process can help create better cities for everyone.

Unikt Publikt (Uniquely Public) was initiated by ArkDes and GIL ↗ and was grounded in the principle of universal design: creating environments, products, and services that can be used by all people without the need for special adaptations. Four individuals of different ages and with various disabilities participated as experts, contributing everyday knowledge about accessibility and inclusion. Site visits, meetings, and open dialogue were key parts of the process. The teams focused on three central locations in Gothenburg: Lejontrappan, Järntorget, and Drottningtorget. These are important public spaces and transport hubs, but also present significant challenges when it comes to accessibility and inclusion.

At Lejontrappan—a popular meeting place and gathering spot—the project highlighted how wheelchair users are currently excluded from both social interaction and access to the water. The proposed solution was a playful redesign: transforming the staircase into Lejonrampen, a ramp that retains the classic look of the original but reshapes it with new levels and landings so that everyone can socialize at eye level.

Järntorget presents a different set of challenges: uneven cobblestones, hard-to-reach seating, and a cluttered square that limits mobility. One team proposed a bench designed to be used by both wheelchair users and those who walk. Another team envisioned a flat, even, obstacle-free square—radically rethinking the space by moving the cobblestones from the square to the surrounding streets.

At Drottningtorget, the focus was on clarity and contrast. The proposal included a circular structure to separate the square from traffic and create a calmer environment. Bright portals and clear markings would help people with visual impairments navigate the space, while the geometric design was intended to harmonize with the square’s classic character.

Through close collaboration between people with different disabilities and designers, the teams were able to identify a wide range of obstacles and propose solutions that also promote social inclusion. The results, published in a final report, bring visibility to these important issues and show how public spaces can be transformed to welcome everyone, regardless of ability.