Supported by the Foreign Language Teaching Laboratory (FLT Lab), this innovative project is carried out within the framework of the EPICUR Hubs and is dedicated to making Thessaloniki´s urban environment more accessible and inclusive.
Focusing on the Venizelou Metro Station in Thessaloniki – a unique space where contemporary infrastructure meets ancient heritage – the project aims to develop accessible audio-described content for guided tours, specifically designed to support blind and partially sighted individuals. The station was selected for this project as it uniquely combines an open archaeological site with a fully functional metro station, offering both residents and visitors a rare opportunity: urban mobility and learning about Thessaloniki’s rich history in its authentic setting.
“AD in the CITY” tackles several timely and complex challenges, including the development of inclusive educational materials in public spaces, the use of audio description (AD) as a tool for translating visual content into language, and the broader goal of ensuring access to cultural heritage for all. The project also contributes to sustainable urban mobility and orientation.
Since May 10, the project team has visited the Venizelou and Agias Sofias Metro stations in Thessaloniki, gathering initial data and evaluating the effectiveness of existing accessibility features, such as an Accessible Information Panel installed on-site.
The initiative brings together a team of Early Career Researchers committed to investigating the possibilities of the urban environment in fostering inclusive and universal accessibility. The team consists of postgraduate students Panagiota Fabrikanou and Pantelis Iliadis, and PhD candidate Theodora Psoma, and a group of 20 undergraduate students from AUTh´s School of English Language and Literature. The May activities also included the participation of two international exchange students from the University of Alabama, Mimi Carter and Hannah Johnson.
By bringing together research, education and public engagment, “AD in the CITY” exemplifies the mission of EPICUR: to create inclusive academic experiences with real-world impact. The ultimate goal is clear—to make the Venizelou Metro Station a model of accessibility. The project is currently in progress, and the team is expected to present initial samples of their original material by the end of the academic year 2024–2025.
Photo credits: Theodora Psoma
