Who Can Access the Future?

When building the world of the future, there are many things that should be kept in mind; a list that should feature accessibility and inclusion on top. However, such factors often get overlooked in plans for future dreamscapes and lead to the question of who gets to live in dreams of the future.

Utopian visions of the future often include gleaming skyscrapers packed with modern apartments that overlook vibrant streets. But who can afford these? These buildings are often exorbitantly priced, pushing low-income communities further into the past. Gentrification and displacement will run rampant as people who have lived in an area for decades will be forced out to make way for venture capitalists and tech giants. This will also create a stark contrast between glittering urban landscapes and dark, sprawling slums.

Another aspect that gets overlooked is accessibility for people with disabilities, limited mobility, or the elderly. Navigating a city designed with a web of sky bridges and automated walkways is a nightmare for people in a wheelchair or the elderly while flashing lights and constant noises can overwhelm people with autism. 

Public transportation systems designed with sleek pods and automated boarding procedures may look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but they leave behind people with cognitive impairments. Such oversights turn “dream cities” into hostile environments for a significant portion of their inhabitants.

When planning a futuristic urban development, diverse voices must be consulted. This includes low-income residents, people with disabilities, the elderly, and other marginalised communities. It is crucial to prioritise affordability and prevent displacement, especially at a time when the wage gap is growing. Every aspect of the city should be accessible to everyone, which will require the incorporation of ramps, elevators, wider sidewalks, and accessible restrooms in the public. Accessibility can further be enhanced by assistive technology and clear signage. 

With the right amount of planning, it shouldn’t be too hard to make sure the future includes everyone, regardless of financial background mobility, or cognitive ability.

Edited By: Josh Reidelbach

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