Open Buildings of Europe: Good practices collection as tools for accessibility audits

The project aimed to improve understanding and practice of accessibility in the built environment by developing practical learning tools for professionals and community members. The partners set o...

The project aimed to improve understanding and practice of accessibility in the built environment by developing practical learning tools for professionals and community members. The partners set out to document examples of accessible buildings across Europe, highlight architectural diversity and successful accessibility solutions, and promote innovative, sustainability-oriented approaches to building design. Another objective was to raise awareness of physical barriers and inclusion among a wider population, ensuring that people with disabilities and other stakeholders could actively contribute to identifying challenges and shaping solutions. Through the OBLIGE Publication and the accompanying assessment toolkit, the project sought to provide clear, user-friendly resources that support vocational education, strengthen professional skills, and encourage more inclusive practices at local, national, and European levels.

The project was implemented through four main activities. First, a transnational Kick-off Meeting brought the partners together to agree on the methodology, responsibilities, and timeline. Each organisation then carried out Focus Group Meetings with professionals, socially engaged individuals, and people with disabilities to shape the content and structure of the publication. This was followed by nine building inspections across Austria, Romania, and Türkiye, using a unified methodology that combined digital tools, national standards, and partner-developed checklists. Based on these findings, the partners drafted and designed the OBLIGE Publication and the accompanying Accessibility Assessment Toolkit. The project concluded with an in-person launch event in Vienna, where the publication was presented to local authorities, Disabled Persons’ Organisations, experts, and community members as part of the wider dissemination strategy.

The project produced two main outputs: the illustrated OBLIGE Publication, which presents nine accessible buildings from Austria, Romania, and Türkiye, and one accessible public event (The Diversity Ball in Vienna) together with practical explanations of the applied architectural solutions, and the Accessibility Assessment Toolkit, a simple method that helps users assess buildings in their own environments. Both outputs are written in clear, user-friendly language so they can be used by professionals, students, socially engaged individuals, and people with disabilities. Additional results include a unified accessibility assessment methodology, strengthened cooperation among the partners, increased local awareness on the importance of inclusive architecture, and active involvement of people with disabilities in all stages of the project. The final presentation in Vienna connected the project with local authorities and community stakeholders, supporting long-term visibility and future use of the results.