Complete refurbishment as an opportunity for an inclusive Parliament building

The Inclusive Parliament refurbished Austria’s 19th-century Parliament for equitable access: enlarged visitor centre, lifts, accessible toilets, tactile guidance, Braille, induction loops, plain- and sign-language and tactile tours, and accessible online debates; reopened 2023.

The complete renovation of the Austrian Parliament building removed architectural barriers and has enabled physical access to all areas of the building for everyone. In addition, several parts of the building were opened to the public for the first time, laying the foundation for the main objective: providing citizens access to what is happening in their Parliament and communicating democratic values through various channels and methods.

Problems Targeted

Historic parliament buildings often lack access and opportunities for public participation, restricting especially the engagement of people with disabilities.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The Inclusive Parliament project was part of a major architectural, sensory, and digital upgrade of the 19th-century Austrian Parliament building. The visitor centre on the ground floor has been enlarged to 1,500 m², and the library and reading room are now open to the public. Equal access to the building has been ensured by installing several large lifts and enough accessible toilets at all levels and in all areas of use. Renovation has established tactile floor guidance systems, information in Braille, induction loops and better visual contrasts as standard in the building. These measures include inclusive democracy education, working with students in democracy workshops and an annual youth parliament. Some workshops and other activities offer information in simple and plain language, induction compatible audio guides, guided tours in plain and sign language and tactile tours. A democracy workshop for persons with learning difficulties is called ‘Parliament - easy for you’. After its reopening in 2023, a new 2,000-square-metre Visitor Centre offered accessible educational activities, guided tours, and digital learning resources. Online parliamentary debates and legal documents are now accessible to all citizens. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of all visitors use accessible services, regardless of whether they have a disability.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The Inclusive Parliament project was part of the complete renovation of this landmark building in Vienna, and was fully funded by the authorities in charge of public buildings in Austria, a total investment of €500 million over a period of five years. Parliament authorities are regularly sharing their efforts with parliamentarians and parliament representatives from around the world. (#ZeroCall26)

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