Enhancing inclusivity at Jordan's cultural historical sites through participatory urban and architectural design, AI, and immersive technologies

Abstract

Very few studies have explored the application of inclusive design approaches in cultural and historic sites (CHS) with diverse requirements and principles, beyond physical accessibility. Additionally, despite efforts to enhance accessibility in recent years, international accessibility news and local Jordanian newspapers indicate that many historical sites in Jordan still face significant challenges, especially for individuals with disabilities. The main aim underscoring this PhD project is to identify the factors hindering the implementation of inclusivity in Jordanian historical sites from literary, professional, and social perspectives. Additionally, it seeks to develop tools to enhance the development process for implementing inclusivity in these historical sites using interdisciplinary approaches, participatory engagement, framework development, and digital technology. To address these challenges, the research consisted of 16 stages and adopted the Design Research Methodology (DRM). Star􀀁ng with reviewing recent literature, it extracted inclusive design principles related to cultural historical sites (CHS) using a framework synthesis approach. It then developed and tested assessment and decision-making tools based on these principles. The primary methodological tool comprises five phases and employs a traditional participatory approach. This tool was applied and tested at five cultural historical sites in Amman, Jordan, involving 28 persons with access needs and 10 technicians from the ‘’Accessible Tourism‘’ commitee. After identifying limitations of the tool, the tool evolves from an adaptation of traditional participatory methods into digital participatory methods a􀀃er introducing advantages of digital technology in the field and conducting professionals’ insights regarding using technology, such as immersive technologies, in the design and development process. The digital developed tool employs 3D replicas, interactive technology, immersive environments, and AI algorithms to create an inclusive, user-friendly mobile App that enables both professionals and people with access needs to identify and evaluate inclusivity barriers, as well as find proper interventions that align with legislative requirements, technical feasibility, and site appropriateness. The tool was co-tested by groups of people with access needs and professionals at cultural historical sites in Amman, Jordan, using a co-design workshop and real prototype testing. The tool supports tailored solutions for each identified barrier, reduces future maintenance needs, and safeguards the historical integrity of CHS, preserving them for future generations.