Anyone who walks through a city will recognize the examples: a bicycle blocking the sidewalk, a broken elevator at the station, or the noise of a construction site that completely disorients someone with impaired vision. For most people, these are at most minor inconveniences. But for more than two million Dutch citizens with physical or cognitive diversity, such obstacles can mean the difference between being able to independently reach school, work, or an appointment – or not at all.
What is often seen as a temporary problem turns out to be structural in reality. Together, these everyday hindrances create a permanent reality of exclusion. The BEAT project seeks to break through that reality by making barriers visible and developing solutions that truly reflect people’s daily experiences.
BEAT focuses on identifying and removing mobility barriers as they are encountered in everyday life. The first focus is on Dutch cities and towns, but the ambition reaches further: ultimately, the approach should be applicable worldwide. After all, mobility is experienced differently by everyone. That is why the project does not limit itself to one specific mode of transportation or a single obstacle, but instead takes a holistic approach in which people’s daily routines, travel behavior, and frustrations are central – along with the impact that barriers have on their personal, social, and professional lives.
Where many research projects end with knowledge and insights, that is precisely where Ink’s work begins. Within BEAT, we take on an active role in translating research into practice. In the Living Labs – places in the city where residents, researchers, policymakers, and organizations work together on solutions – we help co-design and test new ideas in the everyday reality of the city. Our strength lies in transforming research outcomes into concrete applications: tools, services, and policy proposals that are not only innovative but also practically usable and sustainable. We ensure that solutions truly take root, so they don’t remain stuck in reports but find their way into streets, neighborhoods, and organizations. In this way, we develop interventions that directly connect to daily practice and empower municipalities, social organizations, and communities to make the city more accessible for everyone.
With BEAT, we are taking a step toward cities where everyone can participate – regardless of age, background, or ability. Accessibility is not only about elevators or ramps, but about freedom, dignity, and connection.
We look forward to working with all partners to build inclusive, resilient, and livable cities, where everyone can feel at home – in the Netherlands and beyond.
Consortium: Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, TU Delft, University of Groningen, Municipality of Amsterdam, Municipality of Enschede, Bartiméus Fund, Accessibility.nl, Stichting Mensenkenners, Envision, CROW, BNSP, KWS, Bavelaar Advocaten, Evelien Hogers Photography
Read here the official press release. Illustration by Beyza Durmuş.
