2008

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RIBA and UWE launch research into disability and inclusion in architecture

Date:

06 November 2008

Press office contact:

Mina Vadon
T: +44 (0)207 307 3761
E: mina.vadon@inst.riba.org

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the University of the West of England (UWE) today 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."

Notes to editors

  1. For further information please contact Mina Vadon in the RIBA Press Office on 020 7307 3761 or email mina.vadon@inst.riba.org
  2. Practitioners who are interested in contributing to this study, please contact Lucie Gibson in the RIBA Education department on lucie.gibson@inst.riba.org
  3. 'Architects for Change' (AfC) was founded in 2000 as the RIBA equality and diversity member forum. As such, AfC advises and challenges the RIBA on equality and diversity issues, initiates research and development projects, and provides a support network and a voice for under-represented groups within the profession. In terms of organisation, AfC operates as an 'umbrella group', with representation from Women in Architecture, Society of Black Architects and ARCHAOS Student Forum. AfC member networks sit alongside, and increasingly link to, other specialist and branch RIBA networks. AfC activity is directed and coordinated by the AfC Executive Group. Whilst formally a subcommittee of the RIBA Education Committee, and receiving staff support from RIBA Education, it has links with RIBA staff and members throughout the RIBA.
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