Description
Architecture’s Disability Problem explores the intersection of architecture and disability in the United States from the perspective of professional practice. This book uncovers why, despite the profound effect of the Americans with Disabilities Act on the architectural profession, there has been so little interest in design for disability in mainstream architecture. To counter this, the book investigates alternative approaches to designing with disability, through three case studies. These showcase both buildings and how design processes driven by disabled people shape design and professional roles.
Combining historical research, formal and discourse analysis, and interviews with people who design, construct, use buildings, and advocate for access, the book develops a social understanding of how the buildings work at functional, affective, and symbolic levels. Architecture’s Disability Problem is aimed at three primary readers: practicing architects, architectural scholars, and members of disability scholar-activist communities. Grounded in detailed design studies, the author hopes to unearth the social meaning-making of architecture related to disability. Ultimately, the book makes an argument for a focus on disability in its own right—as well as on the body—in place of the dominance of formal, object-oriented approaches.
This book presents and argues for a fundamental shift in the way architectural education, policy, and practice views and engages with disability. It will be key reading for students, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers.
Table of Contents
List of figures
Acknowledgements
Foreword, by Margaret Crawford
Preface
Introduction
PART I: POLICY
Chapter 1 The Americans with Disabilities Act: Architecture, Inclusion, and Dividing Practices
PART II: PEDAGOGY
Chapter 2 Architecture School: Studio, Ableism, and the Body
PART III: PRACTICE
Chapter 3 Making Space for Everyone: The Ed Roberts Campus and Universal Design
Chapter 4 Architecture for People of the Eye: DeafSpace Design at Gallaudet University
Chapter 5 Designing Special Education Land: St. Coletta School of Greater Washington
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
