Steringa, Gerben (2024) Navigating Urban Spaces: Mobility Experiences of Wheelchair Users at Groningen’s Vismarkt. Master thesis.
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Abstract
This thesis aims to explore the mobility experiences of wheelchair users while moving around Groningen’s Vismarkt. Focuses of this research have been the challenges and perspectives of wheelchair users while navigating the Vismarkt and its surrounding areas. The Vismarkt, known for its marketplace, as well as nearby cafes and restaurants, presents an interesting case for individuals making use of a wheelchair. Through semi-structured interviews, this thesis aims to research the mobility experiences of wheelchair users in this specific urban area. Focusing on physical, social, and spatial barriers, insights have been gathered from various wheelchair users. The findings highlight physical, as well as spatial constraints encountered by wheelchair users, most prominently uneven pavement, lack of public transport reaching the market area, and uneven distribution of market stalls on market days. Additionally, this research explores potential spatial measures that could be undertaken to improve mobility on and accessibility to the Vismarkt, aiming to create a better public space for everyone. In conclusion, the proposed measures are: removing the current cobbled surface of the Vismarkt, and creating a flat space where wheelchairs can move comfortably; reinstating alternative transport modes so that wheelchair users can reach the Vismarkt by public transport, and redistributing market stalls on market days, reducing busyness and alleviating congestion on the market itself.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Population Studies |
| Supervisor: | Lowe, T.A. |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Apr 2024 09:42 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Apr 2024 09:42 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4496 |
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