| dc.description.abstract | Purpose: This thesis aims to identify the accessibility barriers and provide a sustainable solution in the built environment for all users while keeping the heritage value of the buildings. The study focuses on the accessibility barriers of Trondheim's Elgeseter street, which was built in the early twentieth century. The area's accessibility, including the main street and the old buildings beside the street, is unpleasant for all users, especially those with mobility limitations. The thesis covers the main Elgeseter street, including pedestrian lanes, bike lanes, intersections, and the internal and external environment of one residential building. Also, the parking spaces in the neighborhood are included.
Design/methodology/approach: The thesis was conducted using qualitative and quantitative methods to achieve the study objectives, including site observation, semi-structured interviews, an online survey, and document analysis (archival records). The methods used to identify the accessibility barriers in Elgeseter street and develop user-friendly solutions by engaging all users while keeping the heritage value of the buildings. In addition, a literature study was carried out to achieve the aim of the study in autumn 2021 for the specialization project, the preparation course for the master’s thesis. The scientific papers were chosen using Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Emerald, published only in English.
Findings: The result shows that the current accessibility of Elgeseter street is riddled with barriers that make it difficult for everyone to use. The main reason is the less attention on the area and different viewpoints of the decision-makers on the development of the street, including the old buildings. Regarding sustainability, the future development of the main street and the old buildings should consider everyone. The thesis includes sustainable solutions for the current accessibility barriers while keeping the heritage value of the old buildings.
Limitations: Future development should involve all stakeholders to make the street pleasant for everyone. However, in this thesis, only the public is included.
Practical implications: This thesis demonstrates the accessibility barriers for all users in the built environment, and they are sustainable solutions while keeping the building's heritage value.
Keywords: Accessibility, Sustainability, Built environment, Universal design, Elgeseter area. | |
