Urban and building accessibility diagnosis using 'accessibility app' in smart cities a case study

Abstract

In the context of economic and technological changes arised from globalization, cities face the challenge of conceiving models capable of combining both competitiveness and sustainable urban development. The increasing body of knowledge in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offers methods to exploit the huge potential of technological advances, enabling to increase productivity of industrial and business processes and improving the liveability of cities. One of the most important aspects that influence the liveability of cities is the ability to be an inclusive city. Thus, Smart Cities require an inclusive urban life, and they are characterized by being accessible cities. In this regard, this paper describes a method using the latest ICT for the analysis and diagnosis of the accessibility in buildings and urban environments. This method allows the collection of information on accessibility issues through the collaboration of citizens, as well as to organize and display it, so that administrations and institutions responsible for addressing accessibility issues can use it in order to take actions. In this context, a practical application of the method has been performed through a case study in the University of Alicante, with the objective of showing a real diagnosis of urban and building accessibility. © 2017 by SCITEPRESS Science and Technology Publications, Lda. All Rights Reserved.