The social dimension of a sustainable community: understanding of the existing space

A sustainable community, characterized by social equity and inclusiveness is both determined by its environmental as well as its social dimensions. This latter is actually represented by the individuals living in the community, and as such it is the relationship between the individual and the city itself, considered in its entirety, both buildings and connective fabric, made up of streets, sidewalks, pedestrian areas, etc. The liberty of the citizens can be measured by the way in which they are interacting with the public spaces and the manner in which the urban solutions satisfy - or don’t satisfy - their needs. The accessibility of the public spaces should be guaranteed to all different individuals, satisfying their needs and expectations. In fact we could state that an inclusive city is the one that enables all its inhabitants - regardless of their abilities - to move independently and safely and to easily access to goods and services. The first step towards the barrier-free public spaces is the understanding of the existing space, its dimensions and critical issues. Several European municipalities have undertaken this process and they are working on making available information about usability of buildings and public spaces. This is precisely the direction in which also Trieste is currently going thanks to the project LabAc - Laboratory of Accessibility. Therefore awareness in order to guarantee to all freedom of choice, according to the principles of self-determination and non-discrimination. What’s the role of ICT - Information and communications technology? Is it important to involve the users in the evaluative process of existing spaces? Could this process optimize the work in the public administration? The paper deals with these issues; it will present the case study of Trieste which is experiencing the ICT approach, in order to better understand the public space and then act on it.