comfort:zone

USTP – University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten

About this app

comfort:zone aims to give groups that are little taken into account when planning transport infrastructure (both stationary and moving traffic) a greater voice. The needs of these groups are to be sustainably anchored in a participation process with Austrian municipalities. In detail it applies:

- To strengthen inclusion and intersectionality (i.e. taking into account the concerns of different interest groups) in the planning of sustainable mobility. Underrepresented groups are included in the planning processes and “weak areas” are examined from their perspective.
- To give more people access to active mobility than before.
- Promote sustainable forms and patterns of mobility.
- As a democratic policy goal, to achieve broad participation in the development and management of inclusive mobility systems.
- To reduce emissions and immissions as well as energy and resource consumption through active and sustainable mobility.
- When it comes to requirements for transport routes, the habitat and the ecosystem should also be given due consideration.
The app is intended to help everyone get along well in their cities and feel comfortable on their journeys.

Features
You can use the app to send us information. You can take photos and videos of obstacles and mark the locations. This shows us the problem areas on your paths. But you can also send us praise.  You can see what obstacles there are for other people and support them. 

background
Designing public spaces in which all users feel equally comfortable is a complex task because different wishes and needs often have to be weighed up against each other in lengthy processes. While established groups (middle society, car users) are traditionally well represented in these processes, other groups remain underrepresented or have little opportunity to lobby for their specific interests. Measures are therefore needed to create a balance here.