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AIDA: Architectural design In Dialogue with dis-Ability.
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This research project is based on the notion that, because of their specific interaction with
space, people with particular dis-abilities are able to appreciate spatial qualities or detect
misfits in the environment that most architects—or other designers—are not even aware of.
This notion holds for sensory dis-abilities such as blindness or visual impairment, but also for
mental dis-abilities like autism or Alzheimer’s dementia. The experiences and subsequent
insights of these dis-abled people, so it is argued, represent a considerable knowledge
resource that would complement and enrich the professional expertise of architects and
designers in general.
This argument forms the basis for a methodological and theoretical exploration of a multisensory
design approach in architecture.
On the one hand, a series of retrospective case studies will be conducted to identify and
describe the motives and elements that trigger or stimulate architects’ attention for the multisensorial
spatial experiences of people with dis-abilities when designing spaces.
On the other hand, the research project will investigate experimentally in real time to what
extent design processes and products in architecture can be enriched by establishing a
dialogue between the multi-sensorial ‘knowing-in-action’ of people with dis-abilities and the
expertise of professional architects/designers.
In this way, the research project aims to develop a more profound understanding of how inclusive design can be realised in architectural practice. At least as important,
however, is its contribution to innovation in architecture tout court. The research results are
expected to give a powerful impulse to quality improvement of the built environment by
stimulating and supporting the development of innovative design concepts.
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Project number:
3E080211
Duration of the project:
01.05.2008 - 30.04.2013
Funded research
Nederlands
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