Taichung City Government and Feng Chia University Launch “All for One: Accessibility for All” Initiative to Shape a More Inclusive Future

To advance inclusive and accessible urban environments, the Taichung City Urban Development Bureau, in partnership with Feng Chia University, organized the “All for One: Accessibility for All” Friendly Building Environment Certification Forum, which concluded successfully on March 17 at Hengdao Hall in the Cultural Heritage Park of the Ministry of Culture.

The forum was moderated by Associate Professor Chun-Shuo Hsiao from the School of Architecture at Feng Chia University and featured distinguished speakers, including universal design expert Dr. Hung-Yi Yu, landscape architecture scholar Professor Hsiao-Lin Wang, and practicing architect Chang-Liang Lai.

Professor Hsiao noted that Feng Chia University has long been dedicated to integrating architectural education with social practice. Through participation in this project, the university aims to elevate accessibility beyond regulatory compliance and transform it into a shared social value embraced by the public.

To put this vision into practice, the School of Architecture collaborated closely with the Taichung City Government. During the project period, third-year students in the continuing education design studio course engaged directly with local communities and business districts. Students conducted field investigations and proposed practical design solutions to improve accessibility within the Fengjia Night Market District and the Calligraphy Greenway Commercial District, demonstrating the university’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.

During the forum, Dr. Hung-Yi Yu delivered a keynote presentation titled “Beyond Accessibility: From Universal Design Thinking to Friendly Environmental Practice.” She explained the seven principles of universal design and emphasized that “a friendly environment is a responsibility, not a decoration.” She encouraged the cultivation of more professionals equipped with universal design perspectives through education, public awareness, and attentive observation of everyday life.

Addressing Taiwan’s commonly discussed pedestrian accessibility challenges, panelists proposed several integrated solutions. These included adopting continuous tree-pit design and carefully selecting tree species to prevent root-related sidewalk hazards, while ensuring a balance between pedestrian safety and urban greenery. They also advocated for straighter ramp designs and reducing unnecessary road barriers to discourage illegal motorcycle parking and return public space to pedestrians.

In addition, the speakers emphasized the importance of developing a smart and resilient governance model. Through QR-code reporting systems and greater community participation, citizens can become active contributors to maintaining a more accessible urban environment.

The “All for One: Accessibility for All” Friendly Building Environment Certification Forum was moderated by Associate Professor Chun-Shuo Hsiao of the School of Architecture at Feng Chia University, featuring in-depth discussions among Dr. Hung-Yi Yu, Professor Hsiao-Lin Wang, and Architect Chang-Liang Lai.

Complementing the forum, the Taichung Friendly Building Environment Certification Achievement Exhibition was curated around the theme “All for One: Accessibility for All.”

Through videos, design documents, interactive models, and digital displays, the exhibition showcased both policy implementation and practical results, presenting accessibility issues in ways that could be easily understood and appreciated by people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

One of the exhibition’s most popular features was the Citizen Participation Logo Design Collection, which included creative contributions from more than 500 members of the public. The collection attracted significant attention and encouraged visitors to engage with the exhibition’s broader themes. Its participatory nature also helped transform the exhibition itself into a collaborative civic initiative shaped by community involvement.

According to the organizers, “All for One: Accessibility for All” represents far more than a slogan—it is a collective urban movement that requires participation from all sectors of society.

Moving forward, the Taichung City Government and its partners will continue integrating public resources and community efforts to promote more inclusive and accessible buildings and public spaces. Their shared goal is to ensure that every citizen can move freely and live comfortably within the city, creating a truly welcoming environment for all.

The Taichung Friendly Building Environment Certification Achievement Exhibition used a variety of interactive displays to present policy implementation and practical outcomes, making accessibility initiatives easier for the public to understand and participate in.