Shaping Complete Housing Estates in Wrocław as an Implementation of the Idea of a Short-Distance City; Taking into Account the Principles of Universal Design and Accessibility

Abstract

Aim: Climate change requires cities to act quickly and flexibly. In these realities, the concept of short-distance cities creates the basis for responding to the challenges cities face. The aim of the article is to indicate a possible path to implementing the idea of a short-distance city in a large city that creates conditions of accessibility and in this direction takes into account the principles of universal design.

Methodology: The research methodology is based on a critical review of literature and strategic and planning documents; case study; expert method. The study focused on the example of Wrocław, where a project to create complete housing estates was used.

Implications and recommendations: The basic finding resulting from the study is the need to develop the city of short distances in such a way that it is publicly accessible, inclusive and multifunctional. This is how the project of complete housing estates is being implemented in Wrocław, which is intended to create perfect spaces that meet the needs of all residents. It is recommended that the principles of universal design and striving to make space accessible to those who want to use it should become the basis for design activities.

Originality/value: The description of the construction of a city of short distances and its values has already been relatively well presented in the literature; the originality of the study refers to the connection of the construction of complete housing estates with this idea of the city, along with taking into account the principles of universal design and accessibility.