Accessibility and Ancient Cities
In Jerusalem, designer Coco Raynes talks with accessibility expert Dr. Avi Ramot about money, politics, culture, and the balance between authenticity and accessibility.
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The ancient, sacred city of Jerusalem is located on the Judean Mountains. The City of David, a part of Jerusalem, was built by King David and dates 4,000 years BCE. Enclosed by ancient walls, the “Old City” is dated “only” 1,000 years BCE. The streets, walls and houses are built homogeneously in Judean stones. The cream color glows in the natural light and the street paving has been slowly rounded and polished through the centuries. In such a setting, nothing can be removed, and very little can be added. Accessibility used to be the erasing of physical barriers, through design that follows the codes. And for a few of us, it was to think and design beyond the codes. However, in the Holy City of Jerusalem, where the streets do go up and down, with steep slopes and stairs, accessibility is far more complicated and a delicate matter: it mixes with politics, religions and cultures.
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Dr. Ramot shared an unusual anecdote. When he discussed a plan to improve the accessibility of the Muslim Quarters with ramps, handrails and other means, the acting “mayor” asked him to present drawings. He happily complied. The plan was approved with enthusiasm, and he was asked to start the work the following day. That same day, a complaint was filed with the UNESCO. Alarmed, he went back to see the “mayor” who instructed, “Do not worry, just continue the work, I do what I have to do!”
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Excerpts from my conversation with Dr. Avi Ramot
CR: When making decisions regarding design, aesthetic and technology, what prevails? What are the main challenges?
Dr. Ramot: The main challenges are to make an accessible environment in a very old city and holy city, keeping in mind the people who do live there, the tourists, and reaching an understanding with all the political parties involved. To make it possible for everyone to walk and enjoy the city. To design a new standard of accessibility for old cities.
CR: Funding?
Dr. Ramot: There are two ways: either we ask funds from agencies that will give money but have no responsibility in the projects, or work for the government. For instance, for the work achieved on public transportation, I was a consultant to the Ministry of Transportation. Two billion Shekels, or US $600 million, were allocated over five years. Started in 2009, the project was implemented in 2010 and completed in 2014.
The work achieved with the Public Transportation system is remarkable; there is now no difference of level between the doors and the platforms! And in Jerusalem, the trolleys transport 160,000 passengers per day. There is a wide gap between technology and laws. The technology keeps evolving, while the law moves slowly. Happily, there is no technology written into the regulations.
CR: What is more difficult to deal with: The religious communities, or the city agencies?
Dr. Ramot: In the Old City, it is more complicated to deal with the various religious organizations.
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Then on to the beautiful Israel Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept, among other precious documents and art.
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Some sites do have exterior elevators for wheelchairs.
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Petra was a different adventure. The Nabataean city, built between 3rd century BCE and the 1st century AD, is a huge archaeological site, which can be reached by foot, camels, horses, horse carts, or electrical carts. I choose the latest, not wanting to break my other leg on the treacherous paving and stones. Again, technology—and a hefty fee—solved the situation.
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Looking back at this journey, there is a very delicate balance that must be respected between authenticity and full accessibility. It takes the dedicated work of experts like Dr. Ramot, to understand that full accessibility cannot always happen because it would destroy the authenticity of these cities, which—beyond the local politics—are first Patrimony of Humanity.
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Coco Raynes, born and educated in France, studied interior architecture and graphic design at the prominent École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. In 1969, she founded Coco Raynes Associates, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. A leader in the field of experiential graphics, the firm has received worldwide recognition for its contribution to universal design. Ms. Raynes’ philosophy to work beyond minimum requirements—with regard to quality, aesthetics, and client expectations—has resulted in many innovative designs in North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.
She has worked with some of the most prominent architects in the U.S. and received prestigious awards including the Gold Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) in 1994, Honor Awards from the Society of Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD) in 1994 and 2002, the CLIO Award in 2003, and the Women in Design Award of Excellence from the Boston Society of Architects.