OVERVIEW
Social, physical, and mental barriers within the built environment are faced daily by people with disabilities. My thesis pointed out the shortcomings of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how "accessible" design tends to focus on those with physical (visible) disabilities in architectural design.
Utilizing DeafSpace, a concept that demonstrates how to improve the built environment for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, I wrote, designed, and illustrated a manual to educate readers on the importance of inclusive design.
ROLE & DURATION
Thesis Student
As a person with a hearing disability, it was important and personal to me to research a topic that brings awareness to the issues of "accessible" architectural practices today.
Duration
2021-2022
"Normal" is the standard
The built environment privileges ideal scenarios; therefore, nondisabled experiences are accepted as the norm by which the built environment is defined.
Lack of importance for inclusivity
ADA = Compliance and regulation
In our society, “accessible” design signifies a narrow, bureaucratic approach tailored towards those with physical disabilities.
THE SOLUTION
To build upon the foundation of DeafSpace research, the proposed design solution took the form of a manual - a handbook that demonstrates how to design for inclusivity in the built environment. The book dissects the ADA code, making additions and revisions to sections that could be improved for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Additionally, utilizing the DeafSpace Guidelines, an architectural typology was developed to highlight various spaces and scenarios - interior and exterior - that are prevalent but not user-friendly for those who are deaf and hard of hearing. These conditions were redesigned as an exercise to show the step-by-step process of how to make the space more inclusive - whether temporarily or permanently. The manual serves to educate, encourage, and establish inclusive design as the new standard for architecture.
WHAT IS DEAFSPACE?
THE MANUAL
As stated above, the manual demonstrates how to design for inclusivity in the built environment. Below is a breakdown of what is covered.
Case Studies
Architectural Typology
Site Critique
ADA Breakdown
