RU
2025
Project: Towards an Inclusive City through Universal Design
Kazakhstan, Almaty

The Public Foundation "Urban Forum Kazakhstan"
In Kazakhstan's cities, the needs of people with disabilities are often overlooked, limiting environmental accessibility for a significant portion of the population, including those with limited mobility. Current changes, with the adoption of framework documents and action plans to promote inclusion at the national and local levels (particularly in Almaty), offer hope for meaningful improvements in urban areas.However, the lack of preparedness of the professional community to implement new approaches and to develop and adhere to new standards remains a significant obstacle.
Overeall Objective:
Raising awareness and enhance the professional competencies of architects, designers, and public officials in matters of inclusion and universal design of urban infrastructure as solutions that serve interests of low-mobility groups of people and all residents.

The aims of the project:

  • Exchange of knowledge on the best practices of value-driven, responsible and up-to-date approaches to adapting existing urban infrastructure to meet the needs of low-mobility groups.
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  • Advocate for integration of the inclusive practices through targeted training of the professionals and decision-makers, and promote the principles of universal design.
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The main activities of the project are:

  • Workshop for decision makers

    On June 12, 2025 (15:00–17:00)  a workshop with Jörg Fischer on “Inclusion in Architecture and Urban Design” was organized. It was made specially for representatives of the Almaty city administration, members of the Maslikhat, and members of the Public and Urban Planning Councils. There were 25 participants. The goal was to start a conversation about inclusive approaches at the decision-making level.

  • Public Lecture

    On June 12, 2025 (19:00–21:00), Jörg Fischer gave a public lecture titled “Inclusive Architecture”. It was open for everyone and gathered 51 participants. The lecture helped to increase public interest and understanding of inclusive design. Video of the lecture can be found here.

  • Workshop for professionals

    On June 13, 2025 (09:30–16:30), a full-day workshop for professionals — architects, designers, engineers, and municipal contractors from the Almaty Akimat was conducted. Together with Jörg Fischer, they discussed real examples and ideas for inclusive urban design. There were 41 participants.

  • An interview with Jörg Fischer

    An interview with Jörg Fischer were published in the online magazine Vlast.kz, which can be found here.