Urban revitalization is about change, but that change starts with language that often excludes local communities from participating in decision-making processes. As Marta Jaskulska, a doctoral student in sociology, notes, revitalization documents are written in language that is difficult to understand for the average resident of the areas affected. They require competence at the university level, yet it is the people from these neighborhoods who should be the main recipients and participants in the process.
Revitalization is a word that has made a staggering career in recent years in discussions about urban space. It is associated with both renovated townhouses, new cafes in former industrial neighborhoods and paved markets. But there are also less obvious layers behind these visual transformations - such as the one involving language.
Revitalization becomes a tool of middle-class reproduction, a form of violence symbolically applied to residents of marginalized urban neighborhoods.
- emphasizes the researcher[1].
The problem is not an isolated one - similar difficulties arise in cities around the world, where technical jargon, complex planning frameworks and inadequate communication strategies effectively limit the real participation of local communities in decision-making processes[2].
revitalization without exclusion:
why does plain language matter?
In Poland, Local Revitalization Programs (MPRs) have been criticized for their lack of simplified summaries or visuals to familiarize residents with the goals and objectives of projects,[3] but similar criticisms have been made, such as in Los Angeles in the context of river revitalization. Complicated technical language effectively excluded lower-income communities, who were most affected by the changes, from the dialogue[4]. The rapid gentrification associated with the adaptation of space exacerbated fears of forced displacement, in large part precisely because marginalized groups were insufficiently involved. The main barriers have been an over-reliance on legal language and a lack of tools to help understand revitalization plans.
In our country, the situation is similar - public consultations are often limited to formal meetings that rarely attract a wide range of residents. Traditional methods do not encourage, often have abstract terms and are not tailored to the diverse needs of the community, and thus do not serve their purpose[5].
Systemic barriers also stand in the way. Unclear regulations make it difficult for residents to have a real say in decisions. A case in point is Novgorod Bobrzansky, where a lack of clear communication about infrastructure changes has left residents confronted with unexpected, dangerous consequences[6]. In that city, although the original urban layout met the needs of residents, the changes led to restrictions on access to some areas of the city, especially through the existing railroad embankment. Residents, lacking access to safe and convenient passageways, naturally began to make their own paths across the railroad tracks. It's not hard to guess that this led to accidents. There was a classic patching of the hole - only the subsequent construction of a tunnel under the railroad embankment improved the situation. Properly planned prior dialogue with residents could have shortened the process. Unfortunately, the lack of consideration of the needs of local communities in urban planning has highlighted significant shortcomings in participation.
Revitalization planning is often disconnected from local realities. When communication fails and residents don't feel part of the process, distrust ensues. Revitalization is not just about changing a space, it is a process that should be understood and accessible to those most affected - local residents.
Accessibility in revitalization: from infographics to interactive tools
Is it possible to do things differently? The first example will be slightly different, but will give us a fresher perspective on accessibility. In London, while still preparing for the Olympics, the "Easy English" initiative was introduced. - a simple language in city and official communications, which was supposed to make life easier for tourists[7]. However, it proved useful for locals as well. Not every resident speaks a sophisticated language. The city noticed that language accessibility had increased enough to effectively improve functioning in the city. The official strategy was to use plainlanguage as a key to inclusiveness. Everyone benefited.
Cities such as Canada's Merritt and Barrie have redesigned their street signage systems using the principles of "progressive disclosure" - from zones to landmarks to specific services. As a result, even people with cognitive difficulties can more easily navigate urban spaces[8] [9].
Nowadays, we can find similar solutions, part of the broader trend of accessibility, as Easy to Read and Understand Texts (ETR). Such initiatives are also emerging in Poland. For example, the General Directorate of Environmental Protection publishes its materials in a simplified version, with clear headings and bullets, which makes the content much easier to understand[10]. The Malopolska Institute of Culture, which has its website available under the ETR tab, operates similarly. If we assume that the first step to understanding is language, we are closer to the viewer.
ensure accessibility
The first step is to simplify the language and structure of documents. Instead of technical jargon and convoluted regulations, opt for simple summaries in the form of bullet points or infographics that clearly show goals, timelines and expected results of activities[11]. Dividing materials into clear thematic sections, with clear headings, makes navigation easier[12]. Australian cities such as Bunbury have also introduced translations of documents into the languages spoken by local communities - this has naturally increased their understanding and improved engagement in processes[13].
Images and interactive tools can work wonders where words alone fail. Maps, on which residents can mark their comments or preferences, have worked well in Polish towns belonging to the Cittaslow network. Three-dimensional models or AR simulations allow one to see what planned changes will look like in reality, which is especially helpful when projects are difficult to imagine. Short explanatory videos, recorded with voiceovers, translated into minority languages or PJM and shared on social media, are another way to reach a wider audience. Ambassador programs have worked in many cities, with trained members of the community - religiously affiliated, for example - explaining the intricacies of the documents. Temporary displays in meeting places such as markets, bazaars, schools and transportation hubs, with staff ready to answer questions, also contribute to a better understanding of the planned changes.
Language accessibility in the city is not a luxury, but a necessity. The Law on Ensuring Accessibility for Persons with Special Needs, dated July 19, 2019, imposes an obligation to publish information in an accessible version - that is, one that is easy to read. Without adaptation and accessibility design, we can say goodbye to the idea of an equality city. A city of equality is one that does not exclude and seeks to reach out to those who should have a say - especially on the issue that affects them most, such as revitalization. It's a way to include all residents in the community, regardless of education level, age or health status. Cities that speak to their residents in simple, easy-to-understand language are cities that are more open, inclusive and welcoming- much more so than those with a paved marketplace and a soy latte.
Magdalena Milert
[1] Jaskulska, M. (2019). Revitalization-in search of utopia or the ideal city. Contemporary Culture. Theory. Interpretations. Practice, 106(3), 136-147.
[2] Stasiak, A. (2018). Problems of language accessibility in revitalization processes in Poland. Regional Studies, 50(6), 89-103. Accessed at: https://www.ersa.org.pl/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/studreg-50-06.pdf on 02.02.2025.
[3] Kowalski, M. (2010). Contemporary Understanding of Revitalization in Poland. Institute of Public Affairs of the Jagiellonian University. Dostęp za: https://isp.uj.edu.pl/documents/2103800/139368467/Contemporary+understanding+of+revitalization+in+Poland/f6dcf609-e413-4244-969e-be78455200ff na dzień: 02.02.2025.
[4] Wenlin, L. (2017). Bringing Local Voices into Community Revitalization: Engaged Communication Research in Urban Planning. Accessed at: http://www.liuwenlin.org/uploads/2/2/9/6/2296623/bringing_local_voices_into_community_revitalization_engaged_communication_research_in_urban_planning.pdf on: 02.02.2025].
[5] Noworól, K. (2019). Using New Media in Planning and Managing the Revitalization Process-By the Example of Cracow. International Journal of Contemporary Management, 18(4), 33-52.
[6] Laskowski, J., & Juszczyk, A. (2016). Impact of communication barriers on urban development of Nowogród Bobrzański. Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports, (22 (3)), 103-110.
[7] Inclusion Europe. Easy-to-read guidelines. Accessed at: https://www.inclusion-europe.eu/easy-to-read/ on 02.02.2025.
[8] City of Merritt. (2016). Wayfinding Strategy Report. [Accessed: https://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2016-Merritt-Final-Wayfinding-Strategy-Report-03.15.2016.pdf][as of: 02.02.2025].
[9] City of Barrie. (No date). Wayfinding System Improvements. [Accessed: https://www.barrie.ca/planning-building-infrastructure/current-projects/municipal-infrastructure-projects/wayfinding-system-improvements][as of: 02.02.2025].
[10] General Directorate of Environmental Protection. ETR - Easy-to-read texts. Accessed: https://www.gov.pl/web/gdos/etr---tekst-latwy-do-czytania as of: 02.02.2025.
[11] National League of Cities. (2022). Mayor's Institute Brief: Effective Communication in Urban Planning. accessed at: https://www.nlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mayor-Institute-Brief.pdf on 02.02.2025.
[12] Jaszczak, A., Kristianova, K., Pochodyła, E., Kazak, J. K., & Młynarczyk, K. (2021). Revitalization of public spaces in Cittaslow towns: Recent urban redevelopment in Central Europe. Sustainability, 13(5), 2564.
[13] Universal Design Australia. (2022). Accessible and Inclusive Cities: Case Study of Bunbury and Geelong. Accessed at: https://universaldesignaustralia.net.au/accessible-and-inclusive-cities-case-study/ on 02.02.2025.
