This study examines the contribution of architectural accessibility in enabling human-nature interactions with the marine environment. The existing literature indicates that exposure to the marine environment can have positive effects on mental and physical health, a phenomenon previously observed in the context of green spaces. Nevertheless, it has also been observed that the accessibility of marine environments can have a significant influence on the quality and diversity of experiences derived from them. It is proposed that the concept of accessibility of blue spaces should be understood as encompassing an active engagement with water, which requires different considerations due to the challenging context of the marine environment. The study analyses how urban marine spaces can be fully experienced by users with impairments if consideration is given to their right to participate in leisure and sport on an equal basis with others. An introductory literature review was conducted, and instrumental cases were examined to illustrate the concepts discussed and see how the topic explored in this research was managed in different contexts. The findings suggest that in order to impose safety and enrich the spatial experience of the marine environment, accessibility design should consider the characteristics of the seascape. Finally, it demonstrates why establishing supportive infrastructure that includes a range of water use facilitators is just as important as eliminating architectural barriers on land.

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Experiencing Saltwater: Architectural Accessibility and Active Participation of People with Impairments in Urban Marine Spaces

  • L. C. M. M. de Medeiros Raposo

摘要

This study examines the contribution of architectural accessibility in enabling human-nature interactions with the marine environment. The existing literature indicates that exposure to the marine environment can have positive effects on mental and physical health, a phenomenon previously observed in the context of green spaces. Nevertheless, it has also been observed that the accessibility of marine environments can have a significant influence on the quality and diversity of experiences derived from them. It is proposed that the concept of accessibility of blue spaces should be understood as encompassing an active engagement with water, which requires different considerations due to the challenging context of the marine environment. The study analyses how urban marine spaces can be fully experienced by users with impairments if consideration is given to their right to participate in leisure and sport on an equal basis with others. An introductory literature review was conducted, and instrumental cases were examined to illustrate the concepts discussed and see how the topic explored in this research was managed in different contexts. The findings suggest that in order to impose safety and enrich the spatial experience of the marine environment, accessibility design should consider the characteristics of the seascape. Finally, it demonstrates why establishing supportive infrastructure that includes a range of water use facilitators is just as important as eliminating architectural barriers on land.