The city of Auroville, conceptualized as an ideal
township based on human unity in diversity, invites participation from all
people of goodwill. It falls short however, with regard to accessibility. Most
of the roads, buildings and public spaces are difficult to negotiate not only by
the old and infirm, but also by the disabled. In its early years, the nature of
its pioneering work saw to it that most Aurovilians were young and able-bodied.
Little or no thought was given to the persons with disabilities (PwDs). Today,
a significant number of Auroville’s population is over 60, making it
increasingly urgent to consider the needs of those who, temporarily or
permanently, are disabled.
Awareness of the need to do something has been growing
over the years. In 2001, under the auspices of the Asia-Urbs project, a
proposal to make Auroville ‘barrier-free’ was considered, but, it did not
materialize. It was not until October 2009, that the first workshop to make
Auroville accessible was conducted. Samarthyam,
a civil society and research organization working towards making buildings,
public spaces and transportation systems accessible, conducted workshops
towards this goal.
The first workshop comprised of three parts. In the first
part, basic concepts were clarified. The need for “universal access” to ‘create
and maintain environments wherein people can participate in ways which are
equitable and dignified, maximize independence, conserve energy, are safe and
affordable’ was stressed. The wider user-group it serves was emphasized- not
only PwDs, but anybody with reduced mobility. To drive home the point,
simulation exercises were carried out. For example, a blindfold walk in the Town Hall brought home to many participants what
vision impairments feels like.
The
second part of the workshop focused on the technical aspects of accessibility
and how architects and engineers could tackle these issues. Barrier-free access
involves more than constructing a ramp or an accessible toilet. Emphasis was
placed on considering accessible design holistically, including the need for
signage, anti-skid flooring, lighting, colour contrasts and emergency
evacuation routes.
The final
part of the workshop involved Samarthyam’s access auditors (two in wheelchairs), conducting an
accessibility audit of key public buildings including the famous Matrimandir.
While Auroville was making some efforts towards creating
accessible environments these were found to be insufficient. Samarthyam
recommended that all public buildings and guest houses in Auroville be made
barrier-free and in each ‘community’ at least two ground floor living spaces
should be made fully accessible. A subsequent Access for All campaign with the
motto “Accessible Auroville” in 2011 by Samarthyam marked the beginning of a
comprehensive inclusive urban development strategy. Codes specifying what
should be done in all public buildings in Auroville to ensure full
accessibility need to be framed and implemented by the department-in-charge.
As a
result of the campaign, Auroville architects have taken up the motto “we start
today”. Access regulations for public buildings and large blocks of apartments
are being drawn up and put into practice. This commendable movement towards
universal accessibility is in keeping with Auroville’s vision.
Author:
Dr. Anjlee Agarwal (Ph.D.) (She/Her)National Awardee, 2003
Universal Accessibility and Mobility SpecialistCo-founder Executive Director
In Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council, 2015
Member:NITI-CSO-Standing Committee, NITI Aayog, Government of India
Bureau of Indian Standards, Government of India
Indian Roads Congress, Government of India
Transport Research Board, USA
Empaneled Accessibility Auditor: Government of India
Dr. Anjlee Agarwal (Ph.D.) (She/Her)
National Awardee, 2003
Universal Accessibility and Mobility Specialist
Co-founder Executive Director
In Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council, 2015
NITI-CSO-Standing Committee, NITI Aayog, Government of India
Bureau of Indian Standards, Government of India
Indian Roads Congress, Government of India
Transport Research Board, USA
Bureau of Indian Standards, Government of India
Indian Roads Congress, Government of India
Transport Research Board, USA
Empaneled Accessibility Auditor: Government of India
