Access by Design: Accessibility in Scandinavian Cities

When it comes to urban design, which puts people first, Scandinavia often leads the way. Cities like Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm are widely celebrated for their inclusive infrastructure, from thoughtfully placed ramps and tactile guidance systems to quiet zones and seamless public transit access. But while we can admire their achievements, it’s equally important to recognize the strides Singapore is making in similar areas, proving that accessibility by design isn’t just a Scandinavian dream, but a Singaporean reality.

Ramps and Seamless Movement

In Copenhagen, curb-free streets and strategically placed ramps make moving around in a wheelchair, with a stroller, or with mobility aids feel natural rather than exceptional. According to the City of Copenhagen's Accessibility Guidelines, all new constructions are required to include step-free access points and clear navigation paths.

This commitment to accessibility isn’t limited to public transportation or city centers—it extends into residential zones, commercial buildings, and even historic landmarks. In older parts of Copenhagen, retrofitting has been done sensitively to preserve aesthetics while making spaces usable for everyone. For example, the accessible walkway at the Tivoli Gardens blends harmoniously with its historic design while providing mobility support.

Similar to Copenhagen, Singapore has executed the Barrier-Free Accessibility (BFA) programme, spearheaded by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Today, 100% of MRT stations and over 95% of bus stops offer barrier-free access, with ramps, lifts, and tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) installed.

Source: SGTrains Blog

Notably, the "Accessibility Master Plan" by BCA also mandates universal design features in new developments, aiming to promote inclusion not only in transportation but across residential and commercial environments. The plan integrates Universal Design Guidelines into the mandatory Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment (2019), ensuring accessibility is a key design consideration from the outset.

Public spaces like Gardens by the Bay and National Gallery Singapore also offer accessible pathways and well-positioned ramps, ensuring inclusive access for all visitors.

Universal Signage and Wayfinding

Stockholm is often praised for its high-contrast signage, large readable fonts, and consistent placement that allows both locals and visitors, regardless of vision or cognitive ability, to navigate its public infrastructure with ease. The city’s public transport stations also use auditory cues, visual displays, and Braille signage to help commuters stay oriented.

A hallmark of Stockholm’s accessibility success is the integration of universal design into the broader urban landscape, ranging from signage in museums to street maps at tram stops. Stockholm’s City Library, for instance, uses floor guides with tactile elements and clear zone labeling, allowing individuals with different abilities to feel empowered while moving independently.

In Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has introduced new accessibility signage across the MRT network, including Braille and tactile maps at selected stations such as Redhill, Tiong Bahru, and Punggol.

Source: Land Transport Authority

These efforts are not isolated but part of a national movement, supported by public-private partnerships and social enterprises like SPD Singapore and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH). LTA’s ‘Inclusive Service Delivery’ training also helps frontline staff better assist passengers with special needs, ensuring that accessibility is not just about infrastructure but also human interaction.

Source: Ludus Lab

Landmarks like the Enabling Village in Redhill showcase exemplary wayfinding systems — blending color-coded zones, clear signage, and sensory cues for users of all abilities.

Quiet Spaces for Neurodiverse Needs

Oslo is making headlines with its “quiet zones” in libraries, transit hubs, and even public parks, offering a retreat for those with sensory sensitivities, including members of the autism community. The idea is simple: a calm, noise-reduced environment to relax, regulate, or take a break from the sensory overload of city life.

These spaces are often equipped with noise-dampening materials, soft lighting, and minimal signage clutter to accommodate neurodiverse users. Oslo's Deichman Library is a prime example, offering sensory-friendly reading areas and designated rooms for breaks, which are essential for inclusivity beyond physical accessibility.

Source: South China Morning Post

In the same way, the Changi Experience Studio has implemented low-stimulation sessions and quiet hours, and more inclusive attractions like National Gallery Singapore, Science Centre Singapore, and ArtScience Museum are piloting similar initiatives. Retailers and malls, including IKEA Alexandra, have also trialed sensory-friendly hours in collaboration with groups like SPD Singapore.

These programs not only reduce stress for neurodiverse individuals but also foster a culture of awareness and acceptance. By building inclusive environments for people with invisible disabilities, Singapore is broadening the definition of accessibility to truly include everyone.

Why It Matters

Accessibility is not a “bonus feature” of modern cities; it’s a fundamental right. While Scandinavian cities have long been recognized as global leaders in accessibility, Singapore is emerging as a significant and proactive contributor to this vital mission.

The ripple effects of accessible design extend beyond disability communities. When urban spaces are created with inclusivity in mind, everyone benefits—whether it’s a parent with a stroller, an elderly person, or someone recovering from injury. This is often referred to as the “curb-cut effect,” a term coined in the U.S. to describe how a solution intended for one group ends up helping many.

Both regions offer valuable insights: Scandinavia with its established frameworks, and Singapore with its dynamic and rapidly evolving infrastructure, evidenced by initiatives like:

• Inclusive hawker centres, such as the one in Marsiling Mall, are designed with ramps, anti-slip tiles, and spacious walkways.
• The "Happy Toilet" program by the Restroom Association of Singapore (RAS) promotes accessible and dignified sanitation facilities.
• The Minds app helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities navigate daily tasks.
• NAVH’s wayfinding tools provide mobility and orientation support for the visually impaired.

In the years ahead, as more cities look to redesign themselves for resilience, climate response, and demographic shifts, accessibility must remain at the core of these plans. The Scandinavian-Singaporean lens shows us that inclusion and innovation can go hand in hand.

By examining the approaches of both Scandinavia and Singapore, we can gain a richer understanding of the diverse pathways to creating truly inclusive urban environments, where accessibility isn’t a feature, but a default.