Going up the neighborhood

alvaro granero moreno Open House Bilbao 2024 · Accessibility and Inclusion

This audiovisual work reflects on urban transformation and its impact on residents’ daily lives. It emerges from genuine dialogues with elderly women from the neighborhood, who, unscripted and through a lifetime of experiences, recount how recent infrastructure changes have reshaped their connection to their environment. The protagonists emphasize the role of elevators and escalators—key initiatives for improving Bilbao’s accessibility in a city known for its steep hills. These additions not only facilitate mobility but also embody an inclusive vision catering to often-overlooked voices in urban planning discussions. Through these personal stories, the video invites reflection on accessibility beyond aesthetics or monumental architecture, aiming instead to address the real, everyday needs of the local community. This work explores how inclusivity and accessibility become tangible in the city, transforming both public spaces and the lives of its inhabitants.