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To discuss and analyze models of urban design practice based on the examination of an accessibility project developed in Florianópolis, a medium‐sized capital city in the South of Brazil.

The paper describes a design process of a new problem – how to improve access to public urban spaces for excluded groups, such as visually impaired citizens – and examines its development, successes and failures and the relationships between its participants. A reflective analysis is done in order to reach a relational comprehension of the economic, social and political factors involved.

Critical examination of the project revealed three important aspects. The first is that at all stages it is fundamental to create channels of communication that give a voice to users. The second is that technical knowledge is not neutral, and incorporating multiple views can bring innovative technical solutions and also the external support that is necessary to solve complex problems. Third, the fragility of public institutions and the weakening of state services caused by neo‐liberal policies is a key determinant for the success of urban design processes.

The analytical effort needed to extend the boundaries beyond our own actions as architects (in a conflicting urban design project), demonstrated the importance of producing knowledge based on a reflective attitude towards practice.