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Description
The main theme of the project is universal design and its application in the public space. Our goal is to explore how designers and architects in the Czech Republic perceive the principle, understand the potential for the development of subsequent projects and support the engagement of the new generation. We want to discuss different approaches to universal design across Europe among the Czech and Norwegian partners and in cooperation with the representatives of the public and private sector. We are going to set the Zlin Design Week festival 2022 and 2023 as a platform for this discussion and exploration.
We see Norway as a leader - providing insight on legislation and strategies supporting the implementation of universal design for more than 15 years, inspiring designers and architects around Europe. This is why the partnership of organisation Design and Architecture Norway on the project is more than valuable. Together with the second partner, Creative Prague, it brings specific problems and challenges we face in the public space, connection to more cultural and creative areas, and an opportunity for a wider application of design processes.
We are going to conduct research on the perception of universal design, conference and discussion panels with eight international experts, a series of workshops and an exhibition presenting the best examples and the impact of implementing universal design across Europe. By engaging young designers and architects from the Czech Republic and Norway, we want to affect the qualification of the new generation in creative industries and connect them with the public and private sector. This cooperation is crucial for implementing solutions to problems that our society is struggling with. The project is offering an opportunity to find inspiration, share know-how and learn from professionals.
Summary of project results
The theme of the project was universal design that at the time of the project''s inception in Czechia
wasn‘t more actively incorporated into public debate, curricula or implementation. This was consequently the biggest challenge of the project – how to arouse the interest of the target groups in this issue and thus in the project activities. It was necessary to develop a longterm continuous activity that would focus on both education of the target groups, media outreach and networking.
All activities were successfully implemented: deepening cooperation with partners, conferences providing inspiration and know-how of experts, research to map the perception of the issue among the new generation of designers, workshops focused on the transfer of universal and inclusive design principles to public services, cultural institutions and tourism, and exhibition in cooperation with Norwegian curators. In terms of the long-term impact of the project, the most beneficial activity is trips for Czech and Norwegian design students and partners. Through intensive learning about experts, studios, spaces and realisations in Oslo and the Zlín region, it was possible to approach how universal and inclusive design can be incorporated into process, support the motivation of the participants, create new opportunities for further collaborations and internships, and integrate the acquired knowledge into other project activities, thus better reflecting needs of target groups. Project research shows that raising awareness, improving information availability, and actively including Universal design in education are crucial for changing the approach in Czech environment. In this context, the project brought about an important change in terms of awareness and media coverage of the topic - 129 media outputs were produced in connection with the project.
It was the first long-term project with an overlap into education, exhibition, research and media coverage that focused on the issue of universal design in Czechia. It succeeded in naming the factors
influencing interest and engagement of target groups and creating a platform that offers insight and case studies. The project had an impact on the overall dramaturgy of Zlin Design Week, which will continue to address the topic and advocate for the creation of an inclusive environment.
Summary of bilateral results
DOGA''s expertise and contacts enabled connections with professional designers who have been working on the issue of universal and inclusive design for a long time and the transfer of their experience to the Czech environment. The partnership was key to reaching out to young Norwegian designers who participated in the trips and actively participated in the development of the project activities and the Zlin Design Week festival program. Creative Prague brought an overlap into public space, services, and cultural and creative industries - i.e. a greater focus on how design processes can be applied to an environment that has been directed towards inclusive solutions by legislation in recent years, but often lacks a deeper understanding of the possibilities and the procedures themselves that can be used. The project helped create a community that understands the importance of universal and inclusive design and is open to future cooperation.