Sense-able transit: bridging the gap between human ability difference and the built environment through GO Transit Gateways

Abstract

Transportation has played a pivotal role in shaping cities while creating gateways within societies providing technological, economic, social and political growth. The Mimico GO station is one of many within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area providing its community with socio-economic opportunities through a series of accesses. A substantial number in population today require accessibility accommodations due to visible and invisible ability differences. Through critical analysis of disability studies, it is evident that the learnt environment greatly affects perceptions on the right to being and perceived as human. Therefore, the transformation of the mind and built environment combined sets a new framework for universal design. The framework investigates alternative technologies, adaptive reuse, sensorial enhancement, and spaces within the public realm that go beyond the minimum requirements. Focusing to capture moments of transition with detailed connection, ultimately delivering fluidity, adaptability, independence and pride to each individual user experience.