The Syntax of Equality, A Tool for Expressing and Implementing Equality and Inclusion

Purpose and goal:

The project aims to iteratively develop "The Syntax of Equality", a tool that can support municipalities´ work with equality goals and how to achieve them in their development processes. Objectives: 1. To identify patterns in the physical environment that support equality and inclusion.

2. To define and test the patterns in ongoing and planned planning and construction projects selected by the municipalities taking part in the project.

3. To compile and publish "The Syntax of Equality" in an open format that suits the needs of municipalities and one scientific article per project year. Expected results and effects:

We will design “The Syntax of Equality” to be used in early phases and support equality and inclusion throughout the city development process. Developing a syntax that is grounded in empirical studies will also help in understanding what is site-specific, and what can be taken as a general quality of place that supports equality. The iterative character of the project is a major driver for dissemination and implementation, as the project results are tested by and disseminated in the participating municipalities already during the project´s implementation.

Approach and implementation:

The project is conducted by a transdisciplinary team from two universities and five Swedish municipalities. Its heartbeat consists of a series of co-creative workshops, used for joint problem formulation, data collection, and analysis based on development projects selected by the municipalities. The four-year project length provides us with opportunities to follow municipal city development projects longitudinally and work together with the staff through several iterations of identifying, formulating, and trying out the syntax supporting equality in the projects.