Participation of people with disability in the co-design of public built environments: a scoping review

This review aims to map and synthesise existing literature on how people with disability participate in the co-design of public built environments and what factors influence participant experiences and outcomes gained.

The review employed Arksey and O'Malley's [1] methodology. Evidence was identified via a systematic search of peer-reviewed databases. Publications were included if they discussed participation of people with disability in the design of public built environments, were published between December 2006 and June 2025, and available in English.

The search identified 391 publications, 40 met inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that participation of people with disability commonly occurs in early design stages within projects that aim to improve existing environments. Facilitators include sustained collaboration, inclusive, creative methodologies, and systemic support. Barriers include structural constraints on decision making power, challenges in reconciling divergent values and translating lived experience into design, and inaccessible methodologies. Perceived outcomes include enhanced design and accessibility, personal growth, and broader social benefits.

Engaging people with disability in the co-design of public built environments is perceived to enhance design processes and outcomes and may generate personal and social benefits. Further interrogation of practice and the factors that strengthen co-design is needed.