Abstract

Using the city of Lincoln as a case study, this paper aims to discuss the importance of inclusive design and accessibility in the city, within the context of current global challenges. The relationship between theory and practice has become overwrought, meaning that a dearth of social relevance in design is rife. Practising architects often view theory as esoteric, whilst theorists seldom manifest their ideas into reality and build. With the division widening, this paper is written with aims to convince and encourage that there is real worth and importance in instigating concepts and solutions proposed in this paper, which are not only applicable to the city of Lincoln, but are adaptable and
applicable to all cities. The global paradigm shift in population size, the explosion of urbanisation and widespread increased longevity urgently calls for change in urban design. This is not a subject to be ignored, but to be acted upon at once. Motivated by the vision of a barrier free world, this paper hopes to inspire the spirit needed to eradicate social inequities in urban design. The paper will conclude discussing the complex relationship between societal and spatial dynamics, asserting that segregation is produced through misinformed design.