How Cities Shape Our Experience

Cities need to be places of inclusion, belonging, and access. Failing to do so leads to social and economic costs for citizens, such as the marginalization and exclusion of persons with disabilities and older persons from participating in important services and activities. The construction industry shapes our built environment and has a significant role to play in ensuring cities are places of inclusion and access to create a more equitable future for us all. However, current practices within the construction industry are failing to accommodate persons with disabilities and older persons. Inclusive practices in construction management require technical approaches that support project delivery. The construction industry can inform and support policy objectives, but it is lacking in its management approach to ensure accessibility for all. There is a need for integrated approaches that are embedded in the standard operating procedures of cities, companies, and the wider construction industry to absorb the costs of accessibility over the life cycle of building or infrastructure developments. City leaders and construction companies must engage local communities in participatory planning and share effective processes and best practices for incorporating accessibility principles into their projects.