Ole B. Jensen
Winner of travel grant of DKK 30.000.
Tokyo Mobility Transfers
Ole B. Jensen’s problem statement is: What can we learn from Tokyo in relation to universal and inclusive ways of designing and organizing human mobility within public spaces, using a mobilities understanding instead of an accessibility framework?
This project is based on ethnographic field studies in urban spaces combined with user-interviews and observations as the main methodological approaches. Ole plans on mapping and registering Universal Design or UD inspired approaches in public spaces related to physical features (e.g., curbs, platforms, ramps etc.), wayfinding (e.g., different mediums from signs to technologies), signs and semiotics (e.g., traffic signs and posters). Firsthand/practice experts (‘users’), disability activists, NGOs, planners, architects, professionals, academics, and researchers.
Ole plans to conduct his investigation in the spring of 2024 in Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan.
Watch the pitch below.
Follow
Ole B. Jensen
's investigation
Ole has started his investigation in Japan. Below you can read posts along the way from his journey, in which he details his experiences and the insight he has gained thus far.
March 9 2024
March 11-12 2024
March 13 2024
March 14 2024
March 15 2024
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Ole B. Jensen: I learned the nuances of Japan’s use of Universal Design
By traveling to Japan, Professor at Aalborg University Ole B. Jensen gained knowledge on how universal design can inform human mobility in public spaces.
Main findings
“In Japan’s public spaces, inclusive design and Universal Design-inspired solutions are very present in the form of tactile signs, audio signals, and curb cuts to meet the needs of people with physical and functional challenges. These are found everywhere from rail stations to private shopping malls. Furthermore, train drivers and staff are educated in how to assist and meet the different people in their systems.
Their approach to enabling and informing mobility is at a higher level than in Denmark. For example, children in kindergarten and schools in Japan are taught Universal Design. This is an exciting project, which could potentially be implemented in a Danish kindergarten or elementary school.”
The use of Universal Design
“From my research trip, I also learned that there are nuances to Japan’s use of Universal Design. While walking in a park, I stumbled upon drinking fountains with room underneath, so people in wheelchairs could access. 50 meters away, there were benches with big concrete blocks in the middle, so homeless people couldn’t sleep there.
Within those 50 meters, these were two physical examples of inclusion and exclusion. This is why I wish to travel back to Japan to speak with users and disabled people about how they truly experience existing in these systems.”
Why others should apply
“While the experience has been great for me as an educator, it has been particularly interesting to see students come together and create an interdisciplinary network in studies from clothing design to industrial design.”