Age, exclusion and space: in search of a more equitable urbanism for older people

Previous debates on exclusion and age have often neglected the question of space. However, this relationship is currently being readjusted due to a shift in the understanding of space from an absolute concept to a relational and triadic one (Lefebvre, Soja). The article reflects upon this “critical turn”, which is characterized by a fundamental critique of age-related stereotypes, homogenizations and representations. As such, the effects of space-relevant ageism are made exposed and the related standardizations in political programs, urban development and architecture are critically deconstructed. Age is understood as social construction and cultural practice, and age, exclusion and space as mutually constituting dimensions. The planning paradigm “Design for All” is considered to provide a new direction. It is characterized by the disentanglement of age and urban development, and inclusiveness as a main principle. Although this emerging paradigm conceptually aims at individuality and uniqueness and advocates equal opportunities for all, it is also shaped by the search for concepts of normality and its intrinsic mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion.