Accessibility as a criterion of quality in an architectural spatial environment (on the example of the city of Almaty)

The main function of architecture is to arrange living space for everyone regardless of their citizenship, social status, age, and physical abilities. The quality of a settlements’ architectural and spatial environment depends on various conditions where one of the key criteria at present is the need to consider interests of specific groups of people and explore architectural planning solutions that will ensure accessibility (safety and convenience) for low-mobility groups of the population. The article shows architectural planning aspects of forming an environment in terms of its convenience for low-mobility groups of the population. Also, it offers directions for the improvement of a settlements’ environment considering a criterion of accessibility. The article’s conclusions prove that accessibility (barrier-free space) is one of the key criteria of developing a high-quality architectural spatial environment