How can Universal Design

help to include people in

wheelchairs as users of
Public Urban Space?

Case study: Hasselt Japanese

Garden

Kamila Molina

Abstract

Urban public space is an important element in the development of societies, so its design
must respond to the needs of all its population, including those with disabilities and who use
wheelchairs. As one of the tools to achieve this goal, Universal Design (UD) is presented,
which tries to create environments that are accessible to everyone without major difficulties.
The research presents a qualitative analysis of Hasselt Japanese Garden, in order to
understand how to implement UD in the process to create inclusive public spaces integrating
wheelchair users. It analyzes the study area from a theoretical approach and synthesizes
the perception of the space of these users and their companions. The configuration of the
site is examined through the characterization and measurements of its elements and the
behavior of users with them, but pointing out the present problems and conflict areas that
can be taken as a reference so as not to repeat them again. Finally, the document concludes
by the formulation of possible easy alternatives that can be implemented when designing or
redesigning a public space with similar characteristics.
 1. Introduction

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the community of people with disabilities
is huge and they represent 15% of our population. Their article Disability and health (2021)
explains that over 1 billion people live with some form of disability and the number continues
to increase as well as forms of discrimination to them and the violation of their human rights.
Although there are different reasons or problems for which a person can be considered
disabled, this research focuses on those who use and need a wheelchair to move around,
either temporarily or permanently. It is a fact that they face great challenges to integrate into
society that throughout its history had not taken them into account for its development.
Being the public space where society makes itself visible, it should try to integrate them by
allowing their active participation. This is where UD can be applied as a tool to create
accessible environments, leading this research to analyze how it can help to include people
in wheelchairs as users of public urban spaces and taking the Hasselt Japanese Garden as
a case study.

Providing accessibility to this group of people should be an important point for urban
planners and architects, because as indicated in the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities of the UN, Article 9-Accessibility: “to enable persons with disabilities to live
independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, States Parties shall take appropriate
measures to ensure to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others, to the
physical environment”. As indicated by the Directive (EU) 2019/882: “accessibility should be
achieved (..) through a universal design, (...) which contributes to ensuring access for
persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others”.

2. Theoretical Framework
2.1. Universal Design

Universal design is a term coined by Ronald Mace, a highly influential architect, product
designer and educator. “It means simply designing all products, buildings and exterior
spaces to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible”(Mace, Harde & Place,
1991, p.2). The book Accessible environments: Towards UD established that designers
should try to achieve a sensible and economical design that does not have any kind of
environmental barriers as possible, integrating people with all types of physical or cognitive
disabilities in daily life (1991, p.3).

It is important to point out that: “the broader disability community includes not only the
people with disabilities themselves, but also the caregivers who often must lift, transport,
bathe, feed, or provide therapy or other support to the disabled person” (Mace, Harde &
Place, 1991, p.5). There are always family and friends who want to spend time with them
and look for places where they all can access. Selwyn Goldsmith, in his book Universal
Design, A Manual of Practical Guidance for Architects, explains that the goal of a product is
to respond to the needs of all its potential users including those with disabilities but without
separating them into a group of abnormal people (p. 1). In other words, you need to come
up with a design that is accessible to people with disabilities as well as to people without
disabilities.
A public space that is sufficiently inclusive and which conditions are adequate for a greater
number of people who can participate in it in the most autonomous way possible can be
considered a universal design, but also it must comply with the 7 principles developed in
1997 by The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University led by R. Mace:

1. Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences
and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the
user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information
effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences
of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a
minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for
approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or
mobility.

2.2. Public Space

The term public space, refers to the organizer and articulator of the city, structuring of the
urban region. Fernando Carrión Mena on his book Espacio público: punto de partida para la
alteridad explains: “It has the function of linking (roadways) to the others (commerce,
administration), of creating places for recreation and leisure for the population (squares and
parks)” (2007, p.80).

“Public space is understood as streets, alleys, buildings, squares, bollards: everything that
can be considered part of the built environment” (Gehl & Svarre, 2013, p.2). According to the
book Environment and Behavior series,Public Space (1992) these dynamic spaces provide
the channels for movement, notes of communication, and common grounds for play and
relaxation. Nevertheless, according to Jordi Borja (2003) it also has a sociocultural
dimension, it is the place for interaction, animation and expression of people.

This space is in the public domain, so its use is a right of the entire population. It is essential
to promote the creation of spaces that allow access to all, including minorities and
marginalized groups that are not commonly included. Accessibility is a fundamental factor in
its design, therefore, citizen participation must be taken into account in the production
process of a good public space that guarantees equality and stimulates social relationships
between different groups in society. (Borja.J, 2003, p.51). In effect, “public space defines the
quality of the city because it indicates the quality of life of the people” (Borja.J, 2003, p.16).
Designing adequate public spaces where people can safely express themselves and
participate, gives greater opportunities for an inclusive society to develop. A good society
develops around a good public environment.
 2.3. Japanese Garden

The book The Art of the Japanese Garden history /

culture / design (2005) by David and Michiko Young
explains that a garden in the western societies of Europe
is considered as a place where flowers, trees and shrubs
are grown and arranged in an artistic way to provide
aesthetic enjoyment. By the other hand, for the
Japanese community it is seen as an important artistic
form to create spaces for ceremonies honoring spirits,
meditation and reflection.
Figure 1: Hasselt Japanese
Garden logo

In 1985, Hasselt and the Japanese city of Itami signed a friendship charter. To establish their
relationship, both cities decided to impose their symbolic presence. Hasselt donated a tower
carillon and Itami the Japanese Garden aiming to bring the Japanese culture in and around
Belgium (VisitHasselt.be, 2022). In this way, the Japanese Architect Takayuki Inoue
designed a small city garden for Hasselt with the basic building elements of this gardening
grammar such as rocks, vegetation, water and lanterns. After 250 working days, it was
inaugurated on November 20 of 1992 and since then, it has been one of the biggest tourist
attractions of Limburg according to its official website VisitHasselt.be (2022).

Thus, the Japanese Garden has been working as a public space where citizens and tourists
have the opportunity to increase public life with recreational activities. Its trails connect all its
attractions and provide spaces to sit, rest and connect with nature. It is a space that
encourages meditation but also family enjoyment.

As stated above, it is essential for the development of a good society the design and
creation of public spaces that guarantee inclusiveness and welcomes social relationships
between different social groups. In this case, universal design and its 7 principles helps us
to define the quality of this public space observing if the environment is accessible and
usable to the greatest extent possible and showing important aspects thats should be taken
as reference for further projects.

3. Methodology

To carry out this analysis of the Hasselt Japanese Garden the methodology that was applied
is composed of three phases. First, the field study of the site where information was
collected to then be used in the analysis. Followed by the transcription of the observations
and sketches into maps and illustrative architectural plans, using them as a tool that helps to
explain the characterization and problems found in every space. Finally the presentation of
viable alternatives and important elements that should be taken into consideration when
designing or redesigning subsequent projects of public spaces with similar characteristics.
For the field study, visits were made on different days of the week and at different hours in
the day in the months of April and May. Due to the short time with which it was counted to do
this investigation, it was just workable to carry out eight visits of one and a half hour each
one. Taking into account that the park does not open on Mondays and according to its
opening hours, the first two visits were carried out on the weekend in the morning. Then
taking advantage of the availability of time for the holiday, it was possible to visit in the
middle of the week at midday. Finally, the last visits were made in the afternoon in the last
days of the week. The following table shows the specific days and times of these visits.

Day Date Time of arrival

Saturday 09/April/2022 10h00

Sunday 10/April/2022 9h00

Wednesday 13/April/2022 12h00

Friday 15/April/2022 12h00

Tuesday 26/April/2022 12h00

Thursday 28/April/2022 15h00

Friday 6/May/ 2022 15h00

Sunday 8/May/ 2022 15h00

This field research was focused on wheelchair users and their companions who were visiting
the place at the moment. Due to the low number of these users who were visiting the site, it
was not necessary to apply a specific system to choose who to analyze. It was possible to
interview six of them and observe their behavior and interaction with the space emphasizing
in the design of the paths and their accessibility to the park attractions. Points of conflict and
spaces in which these users cannot access were determined by following them around,
leading to determine if this space is really inclusive but from the point of view of universal
design and its 7 principles.

4. Hasselt Japanese Garden site analysis

This section seeks to analyze the current state, use and issues of each of the components of
the space using the information obtained on the visits described in the methodology section.
It begins with space zoning to determine its attractions, meeting points and strategic areas
that will be used to carry out subsequent studies.It continues with an analysis of the
infrastructure focused on the paths, bridges and furniture but already taking into account the
needs of wheelchair users. Finally it presents the observations of the behavior and
perception of interviewed users of the site.
 4.1. Space Zonnig

Figure 2: Hasselt Japanese Garden Illustration Map, by Kamila Molina (2022)

Main attractions

It was possible to identify numbers 2, 3 and 7 as the most active spaces of the Japanese
Garden. To begin, The Dragon Gate Waterfall (3) is the biggest attraction. As it is located in
the first part of the garden, all visitors come to appreciate and photograph it from the wide
space that is provided in zone 4. Users can get closer to the waterfall and almost touch the
water by crossing the path of rocks in front of it.

As a connector of the waterfall and zone 4, is situated the Yatsuhashi (2), a bridge with
slopes characteristic of Japanese gardens. It creates a zigzag path over the river allowing to
see and feed fishes. In the back of the park is the Koi fish (7), this is the river bank full of
small stones. It allows an approach to the river and with this, a space for feeding fish and
water games, being the main attraction for children accompanied by their parents. It should
be noted the good views of the Ceremonial House(16) that someone can have from here.

Meeting points

Four meeting areas were identified on the

site. Meeting point 1, as the busiest of ​the
garden because it is the central point
where the input and output converge and
is where people gather to take pictures
and appreciate the Dragon Gate Waterfall.
Also this area is full of benches where
people can rest and eat their lunch in the
Figure 3: Hasselt Japanese Garden Meeting middle of the day.
points Map, by Kamila Molina (2022)
The second meeting point is more crowded on weekends with families and big groups of
people. It is a strategic area because it has direct relation with the cafeteria and the
bathrooms. This open space allows multiple recreational activities, good views to the
Ceremonial House and an approach to the river.

The third is quieter, used more for rest and relaxation. This is a small hill where the cherry
trees and the peace bell are located. It is full of trees that provide shade allowing people to
sit or lie on the grass.

The fourth meeting point is isolated and on the other side of the river making it more difficult
to access. However, in this area is the Ceremonial House for meditation and special
activities. Here is the second dining room but as it does not have a direct connection with the
main trail it is not fully used.

Areas

For this investigation, in order to facilitate the analysis the garden was divided into three
areas that have different characteristics and uses. First the Rest area, a quiet space with
many benches where people usually sit, eat lunch and get close to nature. This area is an
important point where the entrance and exit converge. From here it is also possible to
observe the Waterfall and enter the bridge that approaches it.

The next, determined as the Ceremonial area, is where characteristic elements of Japanese
culture are located: the Teahouse, the Ceremonial House and the Waterfall. However, this
area is somewhat isolated because to access it you must necessarily cross one of the 3
bridges, of which 2 do not allow direct access being this a disadvantage that makes it lose its
appeal.

The last one, the Recreational area, where the dining room, the cafeteria, the W.C. and a
large multifunctional space are situated. This open space gives the opportunity to be used
for a variety of recreational activities and also allows the enjoyment of the river in the Koi fish
and nature in the cherry trees area. From the entrance it has a direct relationship with the
Rest area, connected by the main path.

Figure 4: Map of the determined areas of the Japanese Garden, by Kamila Molina (2022)

4.2. infrastructure
This section is an analysis of the set of elements necessary for the proper functioning of the
Japanese Garden focused on accessibility and its furniture based on measurements and
characteristics needed for wheelchair users. It is a study of the paths, bridges, ladders,
benches and tables of the dining rooms using the information obtained from the visits.

Figure 5: Hasselt Japanese Garden Infrastructure Map, by Kamila Molina (2022)

4.2.1. Paths

The transition paths are the ones that indicate the circulation flows of all public space and
are also the ones that link the different areas that compose it. In the case of the Japanese
Garden, these are made of earth and are well defined with stones on the edges as
delimiters. The main trails that connect the entrance with the back of the garden, the exit and
the called Recreational area have a width between 2.1 and 2.65 meters, which allows the
free movement of large groups of people and people in wheelchairs without inconvenience.
On the other hand, the Ceremonial Area mentioned above, is full of trails with smaller width,
0.9 meters, which make circulation still comfortable but it just allows the passage of one
person at a time.

Figure 6: Hasselt Japanese Garden Path Map, by Kamila Molina (2022)

 According to what is established in Guía De Soluciones
Accesibles Para Espacios Públicos Y Viviendas, the minimum
width of an accessible route in public spaces such as parks and
squares must be at least 150 cm wide to allow turning (2018, p.
30). As can be seen on the map, the Japanese Garden is formed
mostly by paths with the appropriate width that allow free
movement. However, in the Ceremonial area, the Yatsuhashi
bridge and the waterfall, the movement of people in wheelchairs is
a challenge and the necessary measures to allow comfortable
circulation are not complied.

Figure 7: Esquema N° 2 / Turning

Radius, by Ministerio De Vivienda Y
Urbanismo, Chile

4.2.2. Bridges

There are 3 types of bridges among the gardens. Most of them have a slight inclination that
does not affect the use of wheelchairs as it is shown in figure 8. They are wide enough to
allow free circulation without the need for high railings on their sides. Instead, the Yatsuhashi
(figure 9) is made up of 0.9m wide boards placed one on top of the other at different levels
and creating a zigzag circulation over the lake. The longest bridge in the Garden (figure 10)
has a greater slope and railings on both sides. The bridge is elevated 60 cm from the ground
and has stairs at both ends for entry. These last two bridges are the ones that present
conflicts for people in wheelchairs and even for strollers, because crossing them would be
dangerous and difficult due to the height differences. While these elements are characteristic
of Japanese gardens, they are also a barrier to inclusion and access to certain parts of the
site.

Figure 8: Hasselt Figure 9: The Figure 10: Hasselt Japanese Garden’s

Japanese Garden Yatsuhashi in the bridge, by Kamila Molina (2022)
bridge, by Kamila Japanese Garden in
Molina (2022) Hasselt, by Kamila
Molina (2022)
 4.2.3. Ladders

The Tea House is located on a small hill and the only way to access it is to go up the
ladders, either by the ones on the side or the ones in front of it. They are set into the ground
and are delimited by stones with risers made of the same material (figure 11) . The Koi Fish
river bank (figure 12), mentioned above, is characterized by its stairs that are used by
visitors to sit and contemplate the garden, but are also a barrier for those who use
wheelchairs. As it is notorious, a wheelchair can not circulate through them so these would
be the only two attractions of the park to which it would be almost impossible for these users
to enter.

Figure 11: Tea House Figure 12: Koi Fish attraction in the Hasselt
ladders in the Hasselt Japanese Garden, by Kamila Molina (2022)
Japanese Garden, by Kamila
Molina (2022)

4.2.4. Benches

Around the entire site it’s possible to find benches to rest on, which comply with the
measures established to provide comfort with a depth of 0.4m and a height of 0.5m . They
don't have limitations to their ends, which allow people with wheelchairs to position
themselves next to them and share the view of the seated person.

Figure 13: Wheelchair user next to her Figure 14: Wheelchair user next to her companions in the
companion in the Hasselt Japanese Hasselt Japanese Garden.
Garden.
 4.2.5. Dining tables

The dining area 1 is equipped with 8 spacious tables that are connected with the chairs in a
single square structure (figure 11). As the chairs do not move, wheelchair users could not
approach the table. The space left at the ends of the benches are small and uncomfortable
to allow them to get closer. Alternatively, it was observed that these users had to be lifted out
of the wheelchair with assistance to position themselves correctly in the chairs, an action
that is not viable for unaccompanied persons.

In the dining room 2 tables are more flexible, they give the possibility to move the chairs and
integrate more when necessary (figure 12). However, due to the accessibility barriers
presented above, this dining room is not frequently used.

Figure 15: Tables in the Dining area 1 of the Figure 16: Tables in the Dining area 2 of the Hasselt
Hasselt Japanese Garden. Japanese Garden.

5. Wheelchairs users

Although the site is classified as accessible to these wheelchair users, the frequency with
which they visit the garden is low. Only six people were interviewed and their behavior in
relation to the trails and the use of recreational spaces was analyzed. The interviewed group
was composed of four wheelchair users who have the ability to move by themselves, of
which one was a teenager and three elderly and two parents of a disabled person who
needed them to move around.

5.1. Perception of space

Despite not having access to all the attractions of the garden, the six people interviewed
were able to say that they are satisfied with the space. They highlighted the ease with which
they could move along the trails, cross the low bridges and access the toilets and dining
rooms.
Eline, 52 years old: “It’s a nice park, you know, it is not difficult to move around and have a
great time. I sometimes come with my daughter or my friend to have lunch. We sit in front of
the waterfall and just talk about our lives”.

Robbie, 16 years old: “ I like the garden and it’s no problem for me to move around, I’m used
to it”.

Mark, wheelchair user’s companion: “ I like it because it’s a peaceful place with beautiful
trees and a lot of ways to move around. I believe it’s a pity that it’s difficult to access
everywhere but I enjoy coming here”.

6. Difficulties and observations

This section summarizes the difficulties found within the garden after analyzing the
information obtained in the field study. First, the site establishes a route on its guide maps
which is marked with arrows along the paths and with the attractions numbered in a specific
order to visit, however people with wheelchairs must take a different route because they
cannot access the Yatsuhashi. It is here where they must take an alternative route and on
certain trails in the opposite direction to the signposted one. This is where the first principle
of Equitable Use of UD is not fulfilled, which establishes that the design must be useful and
marketable for all people with different abilities.

It was observed that the behavior of people also depends on age. The elderly, as well as the
person who needed assistance to move around, spent more time in the meeting areas,
resting, talking, or having lunch and used only the main paths without approaching the
Ceremonial area. Only the teenager went all over the site, also approaching the Ceremonial
House but going against the route established by the site.

Figure 17: Map of the Circulation of users, by Kamila Molina (2022)

Recapping the previous section, the width of the Yatsuhashi's paths, its slopes and the
stones of the waterfall make the road dangerous. Even if a person were to make the effort to
carry a person in a wheelchair across this bridge, they would encounter the stones of the
waterfall which are not together, giving the only option to cross them on foot. Here it also
breaks with the fifth principle of error tolerance because the design does not minimize the
dangers and adverse consequences of accidental or unintentional actions.
As the Tea House is in a small mound connected just by stairs to the path, it is not possible
to access it easily with a wheelchair. This problem is also repeated in the Koi Fish. Some of
the bridges also, instead of fulfilling their function as connectors, are presented as barriers
for these users due to the stairs at its entrances or the unevenness between its boards. The
use of ladders in these spaces, in addition to making them less inclusive, also breaks with
the sixth principle of Low Physical Effort, which establishes that the design must be able to
be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

Also chairs and tables of dining room 1, as well as the paths that were mentioned, break with
the last principle of Size and Space of Approach and Use, since those do not provide an
adequate size or space for the approach, reach, manipulation and use, regardless of the
user's body size, posture, or mobility.

6.1. Alternatives and important aspects

To make the Japanese garden a more inclusive urban space, all the areas should be linked
through ramps, giving free access to people with and without wheelchairs. In spaces such as
the Teahouse or the big bridge, the steps can be replaced by ramps since the space is large
and would not have a major impact. The Yatsuahshi and the rocks of the waterfall are a
bigger problem because although they do not allow the circulation of all people, their design
and presence represent an attraction of the garden. Consideration should be given to
making a large bridge that crosses this lake and allows people in wheelchairs to also have
an approach to the waterfall.

Thus, from this study we can learn that there are important aspects, such as accessibility,
that must be taken into account when designing a public space to ensure that it is an
inclusive design. All areas should be connected by paths that are of adequate width to allow
not only free movement but also turning movements for all users. Elements such as stairs
should be well thought out, as they limit access for certain users and could be substituted or
combined with ramps. Bridges, benches, tables and other furniture should meet the needs of
all people. In this design process it is necessary to work, as far as possible, with the 7
principles of the UD to design a public space that can be used by everyone.

7. Conclusions

Although the Hasselt Japanese Garden at first glance seems very inclusive because of its
wide paths and accessible bridges, it is not a space that corresponds totally to Universal
Design since it does not comply with some of the principles as previously mentioned. Public
spaces should be designed for a wider group of people, including those who can move
around without difficulty and those who need elements such as wheelchairs, either because
of a disability or because of their age. However, it should be noted that from the point of view
of the users interviewed, the garden is a very friendly place for everyone that, although it has
problems, can be appreciated and enjoyed without major inconveniences.

Although the investigation did not have a long period of time to be carried out and taking into
account the difference in the native language of the interviewer and the interviewees, this
research can be used as a basis for new and more in-depth investigations of the same
Garden and as a reference for the analysis of public spaces with similar existing
characteristics or in the process of being designed.
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