Design for All

The "design for all" has been established as the key principle for each administrative body of the City of Helsinki. Eliminating architectural barriers to enable free access to public Me or make people's Me easier is an example of such an activity.

Housing. Already 12 years ago the City Council decided that elevators shall be built in all residential three-storey or more buildings. As still more than 5 000 staircases need new elevators, the city administration launched the Elevator Project. This project guarantees 40-50 % subsidy from the State Housing Fund and 10 % from the City of Helsinki for those companies which build new elevators in residential buildings.

Public Transport. During the past 10 years Helsinki City Transport has built new trams stops. Since 2002 the city has had also 40 new trams designed specially for the city. In new trams the floor was designed about 15cm lower than in the older ones to be on the same level as new platforms. The similar situation was with the buses. Now the new ones can lower the floor when you going in on board with a pram. Then, the Helsinki tube begun to operate in 1982. Again, the main principle was to design and construct the metro trains and stations for all. Hence, all metro stations were equipped with elevators, escalators, barrier free paths, and pedestrian sidewalks.

Public Space. One of the Helsinki's projects is "Public space for all". By 2010, all streets, squares and parks will be designed and built or renovated with a purpose to ensure an access for all inhabitants. The pilot areas are Toolonlahti bay area, Aleksanterinkatu and the centre of Vuosaari. A city designed for disabled is a nice place to live for men with children and baby carriages or for a single lady taking care of her old mother in her own apartment.

The article concentrates on the physical environment which is only a part of the activities of Helsinki to make this city for all. The Social Service Department and the Health Department have their own programmes which are finnaced by the city and by the Finnish Governement.