Accessibility as a factor in assessing urban public spaces: a case of Kannur, Kerala

Urban public spaces are critical elements of the urban environment, serving as venues for social interaction, cultural exchange and community engagement. In examining these venues, accessibility is critical in judging their functioning and inclusions. This study focuses on the urban core of Kannur, Kerala where significant public spaces are assessed for accessibility. Congestion, underutilization and poor connectivity hinder the ability of these public space locations to serve as vibrant, inclusive community hubs. While accessibility in public spaces has been widely explored globally, studies within the Kerala context rarely examine public spaces through the lens of physical, visual or symbolic dimensions of access. Moreover, even in global literature, these dimensions are often addressed individually rather than as an integrated framework. This study addresses that gap by applying a multi-dimensional accessibility framework that integrates spatial mapping, photographic documentation and qualitative comparative scoring to evaluate key public spaces in Kannur. The findings show that improvements in accessibility such as pedestrian-friendly pathways, enhanced visual access and better safety measures can significantly transform these underperforming spaces into more engaging and inclusive areas. By drawing comparisons with global examples and combining local insights, the study emphasizes the benefits of accessible spaces. It underscores the need for developing well-connected public spaces that cater to the social, cultural and economic requirements of different metropolitan populations. Furthermore, the research promotes policy interventions and urban design strategies that prioritize accessibility. By doing so, it envisions public spaces as dynamic, multifunctional and equitable environments that respond to diverse user needs.