The challenge of designing
urban spaces is twofold: meeting
the needs of vulnerable population
groups and at the same time taking
into account non-human actors as
integral components of the urban
ecosystem. Conventional, anthropo-
centric planning approaches focus
primarily on the needs of dominant
social groups and often neglect tho-
se who are particularly affected by
social, economic or ecological crises.
This results in systemic marginali-
zation and a fragmentation of urban
spaces, where integrative and sustai-
nable solutions remain absent. At the
same time, non-human actors - such
as urban flora and fauna - are crucial
for ecological resilience, but are often
perceived as disruptive elements. A
balanced consideration of these two
perspectives is therefore essential
in order to develop sustainable and
inclusive urban habitats that meet
the complex challenges of the 21st
century.
Implementing a Universal
Design approach offers the opportu-
nity to conceptualize urban spaces
as heterogeneous co-habitats where
the needs of vulnerable human
groups and non-human actors are
equally considered. Through interna-
tional collaboration with the Warsaw
University of Technology, critical thin-
king, and creative problem-solving,
new integrative design strategies
can emerge. It integrates a hands-on
approach offering a one-week on-
site workshop with Polish students in
order to facilitate intensive exchange
and the joint development of design
solutions. The use of diverse re-
presentational techniques, such as
visual media, drawings, and videos,
supports the transparent depiction
of complex interactions and fosters
intercultural dialogue.
The course aims to equip
students with the ability to analyze
urban spaces holistically through the
lens of Universal Design principles
and to develop innovative, inclusive
design strategies. Theoretical foun-
dations will be complemented by
empirical case studies and participa-
tory methods to establish a balance
between the needs of vulnerable
human groups and ecologically rele-
vant non-human actors. The colla-
boration with the Warsaw University
of Technology and the one-week
workshop with Polish students provi-
de a valuable opportunity to integ-
rate intercultural perspectives and
hands-on methodologies. Ultimately,
this course aspires to establish a
practice-oriented framework that
fosters evidence-based, resilient,
and regenerative urban structures,
contributing to the inclusive transfor-
mation of contemporary cities.