Page 199 - Design Thinking C11

Design Challenge:
These jetty terminals needed to be accessible, safe, and welcoming to locals, especially women, elderly, and
daily commuters—many of whom had never used such transport before.
Design Solutions:
• Inclusive Ramps for elderly and wheelchair users

• Clear signage and real-time display boards
• Solar-powered lighting for night safety

• Waiting areas with seating, plants, and weather protection
• Minimalistic, open architecture to connect with the water views
This case illustrates how public transport spaces (like jetties) are also public spaces that require
thoughtful design. It broadens our view beyond parks and roads to include multi-modal,
climate-sensitive design. Watch the video https://www.keralatourism.org/video-gallery/kerala-
water-metro-kochi/1712/ to see these boats in action!

Make Space for Girls (UK Initiative)
Many public parks and recreational spaces are designed with boys in mind—such as skate parks and football
fields—leaving teenage girls feeling excluded. The Make Space for Girls initiative in the UK works with
communities and designers to create inclusive public spaces that girls feel safe and excited to use.
They gather feedback from teenage girls, conduct observational studies, and co-design features
like quiet seating zones, swings, art walls, and sheltered areas for socialising. This project shows
how gender-responsive design can transform public areas into spaces where all users feel valued.
For more information visit https://www.makespaceforgirls.co.uk/

21 st #Media Literacy
Century
Skills #Communication
Watch the YouTube shorts How can we design better streets -
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/od-j3T1DFs0
After watching the video discuss with your classmates about why is it important to consider
different types of users when designing a street or public space?

The Raahgiri Day Initiative
Raahgiri Day started in Gurugram and
later spread to many Indian cities. Roads
were closed to traffic on certain days, and people were
encouraged to walk, cycle, or play games in the street.
This initiative showed that people enjoyed open public
spaces that were safe from traffic. The idea helped cities
think about how streets could be designed to be more
people-friendly.

Design for Public Spaces
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