The AIS 1/2023 Standard brings with it a new application modality, Urban Environment, which is officially incorporated into the system after a period of research and testing, facilitating the integration of accessibility criteria in urban planning. This new modality is used for the evaluation of the degree of accessibility of all the elements of urban spaces, pedestrian routes and natural spaces; and of the services provided in them. Like the rest of the modalities of the standard, the requirements that are verified are organised in five functional areas: horizontal itinerary, vertical itinerary, communication and information, evacuation and services; and among the areas that are evaluated are the following:
- Accessible Pedestrian Routes.
- Connections between neighbourhoods.
- Green areas.
- Access and identification of Business Centres.
- Access to and identification of public transport.
- Urban equipment.
Elements analysed with AIS in the Urban Environment
If we go into more detail on the scope of the analysis, some of the elements that are verified in the horizontal itinerary would be the transversal and longitudinal slopes, the pavement, lighting, bollards, fords, zebra crossings, the pavement, any obstacle such as gratings, tree surrounds or covers, among others. It also takes into account unevenness of more than 55 centimetres, as well as ramps, steps or platforms. In addition, this modality includes infrastructures whose purpose is to connect citizens, such as bridges, footbridges or tunnels; cycle paths and transport; and connection nodes or crossings between different types of roads. The approved technicians will also verify, on the basis of the AIS 1/2023 Standard, public services on public roads, car parks and reserved parking spaces, as well as furniture (benches, tables, ischiatic supports, water fountains, litter bins, railings, handrails, fences, skirting boards). When assessing accessibility criteria in urban planning, special importance is given to the communication and information section, in which the signage integrated in the exterior itinerary for location, information and communication (visual, acoustic, tactile), including technological elements, will be analysed. In summary, the AIS 1/2023 Standard is the only accessibility certification that includes:
- A specific mode of application for urban environments.
- A specific protocol for implementation projects.
- Grade vision, assessing and recognising efforts in grades from 1 to 5 stars.
- International vision, following the harmonisation of international, national and local regulations, UNEs, ISOs and codes of good practice.
