Students from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture conducted a study of popular tourist sites in the capital from the perspective of their accessibility for people with disabilities, particularly those in wheelchairs. They identified existing barriers and proposed practical solutions to improve the comfort and safety of visitors with special needs.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“Researchers highlighted the barriers at the capital’s tourist locations”
Research Subjects and Identified Issues
The study analyzed iconic places such as Landscape Alley, St. Andrew’s Church, the Artists’ Alley, Volodymyr Hill, the Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge, the descent to European Square, and Independence Square. While some locations are partially accessible for visitors with limited mobility, most of them have serious obstacles to movement.
In particular, the descent from Landscape Alley to Volodymyr Street lacks tactile paving, and the damaged surface complicates movement in a wheelchair. Students were unable to reach St. Andrew’s Church due to the absence of a ramp — the only way to the monument is via metal stairs without an elevator. Additionally, the descent from Khreshchatyi Park to European Square is not equipped with appropriate ramps, posing risks for wheelchair users.
Proposed Solutions for Improving Accessibility
The researchers proposed a number of technical solutions that would help make each of the surveyed locations more convenient and safe for visitors with special needs. Implementing such changes could significantly enhance the accessibility of tourist sites in Kyiv.
The presentation featured experts, including architect Marina Melnyk from Big City Lab and curator Anna Denysenko from LUN City. The research was conducted by students: Artem Bazyrin, Anna Shcherbak, Kateryna Velychko, Yaryna Shastun, Anton Fesyk, Polina Didenko, Daria Roschuk, Roman Zborovskyi, and Anastasia Zavyryukha.