Students Experience Urban Barriers Firsthand

On Monday 26th October 2026, architecture and building engineering students from the Barcelona School of Building Engineering (EPSEB) took part in an experiential accessibility walk organised by the CASBA (Accessible Commerce Without Barriers) project. The activity, led by the Municipal Institute for People with Disabilities (IMPD), involved using wheelchairs and mobility support canes for people with visual impairments to navigate the Bòria-Carders commercial axis in the Ribera neighbourhood of Ciutat Vella. The exercise allowed future building professionals to confront physical and sensory barriers in public spaces and shop entrances, offering direct insight into the challenges faced by people with disabilities in daily urban life.

This walk helps students understand the real difficulties of autonomous mobility in a historic urban environment.

Learning and Service Model for Inclusive Design

CASBA operates through a learning and service methodology. Students first attend classroom sessions where people with disabilities share their lived experiences of navigating Barcelona’s built environment. This is followed by the experiential walk, which translates those discussions into real-world understanding. After the assessment, students analyse the accessibility of local businesses and develop practical improvement proposals. These are then shared with shop owners, who may choose to implement changes to enhance access.

Bòria-Carders as a Case Study in Historic Accessibility

The 14th edition of CASBA focuses on the Bòria-Carders axis, a commercial route with over 1,000 years of history. Its mix of dense heritage architecture and active retail makes it a complex but representative site for evaluating universal accessibility in older city areas. By engaging future technicians in inclusive design early, the IMPD aims to foster long-term improvements in Barcelona’s urban accessibility. The project reinforces the city’s commitment to creating a more livable and equitable environment for all residents. More information on the CASBA project is available via the Ajuntament de Barcelona’s Info Barcelona portal.

Sources: Diari de la Discapacitat, barnadiario.com, Ajuntament de Barcelona.