Putting accessibility in place: A relational reading of accessibility in policies for transit-oriented development

Abstract

In order to facilitate sustainable development, a shift from mobility-based to accessibility-based planning has been suggested. However, if we rely on the modern conceptualisation of accessibility, such a shift would have limited results. As an alternative, this paper proposes a relational reading of accessibility, which questions the divide between mobility and place upon which the modern definition is based. It argues that the accessibility of a place is characterised by a specific coordination of presences and absences that depends as much on boundaries and exclusions as on mobility. If accessibility changes, so does the place. This interpretation makes accessibility a matter of priorities and provides a critical perspective on arguments for time-space compressions and progress. This is illustrated here using the example of a regional strategy for transit-oriented development in Sweden (Region Scania). For that case, the discourse on accessibility revealed simplified arguments for densification, progress and metropolitan ideals, contradicting the initial inclusive intentions of the strategy. Thus, there is a need to put accessibility in place so that a shift to accessibility-based planning facilitates a move towards social and environmental sustainability. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Accessibility; Density; Mobility; Modernity; Relationality of place; Regional planning

Published in

Geoforum
2015, volume: 58, pages: 166-173
Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

SLU Authors

• Qviström, Mattias

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Human Geography
Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2014.11.007

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/73427