Disability and Inclusion in Architecture - architeria.eu

RIBA AND UWE LAUNCH RESEARCH INTO DISABILITY AND INCLUSION IN ARCHITECTURE

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the University of the West of England (UWE)
launched a research study into disability and inclusion in architecture


This is the first time that a detailed piece of research has been commissioned into this subject. The year-long
study will seek to identify case studies of good practice in the profession, which facilitate equal opportunities
for disabled people as entrants and practitioners. These case studies will act as a resource for future work,
as well as raising the profile of disabled architects and celebrating existing successes.

Sandra Manley and Ann de Graft-Johnson of the School of the Built and Natural Environment at UWE will be
conducting the research. They formerly collaborated with the RIBA on the influential study, ‘Why do women
leave architecture?’ (2003). This research into disability and architecture is one of the current projects
of Architects for Change, which is the RIBA Equality and Diversity Forum.

The research was launched at an event today at the UWE by Elaine Ostroff, founder of the Center for
Adaptive Environments in Boston, USA and joint editor of the Universal Design Handbook. Elaine
will share the knowledge and experience she gained from running a project to support disabled
designers in the US entitled “Building a World Fit for People.”

David Gloster, RIBA Director of Education said:

“This is an opportunity for all constituencies in the profession of architecture to hold up a mirror to their
everyday attitudes, and re-evaluate the manner in which disability is treated in both architecture
education and practice. We are confident that the results of the research will provoke both debate
and change.”

Conducting the research, Sandra Manley of the School of the Natural and Built Environment at UWE said:

“There are strong arguments for encouraging disabled people to become designers and for finding
mechanisms to support architects who acquire disabilities during their working lives. We feel this is an
important step towards creating a climate of success for disabled designers in the UK.”


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CREDITS:
Text: The Royal Institute of British Architects