Quality of space in cities respecting requirements of specific target groups as objective of smart city concepts

Abstract

Perception of smart city concept from the point of view of the quality of space in cities has been analysed in relation to specific target groups within urban population. There are the needs of specific target groups that have to be taken into account in the concept of smart city. To the specific target groups belong mainly children and young people (including persons accompanying them), senior people, persons with physical disabilities, persons with sensual disabilities (blind and partially sighted, deaf), persons with mental disabilities. Their specific needs have been analysed primarily from the point of view of urban safety, mobility in public space and social activities. This paper is based on research findings, expert evaluations and social study carried out in 2012 and 2013 in the city of Trenčín under the "Security as a Quality Area", and follow-up projects in cooperation with the City of Trenčín in Slovakia.