The RIBA and the University of the West of England (UWE) have 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, students 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).
The research was launched on 06 November 2008 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."
"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."
Sandra Manley of the School of the Natural and Built Environment at UWE.
RIBA and UWE hope that the questionnaire will be completed by the following groups of disabled people;
-
architects,
-
students of architecture,
-
people who embarked on an architecture course or career in architecture but did not complete,
-
people who considered a career in architecture, but were deterred from pursuing this ambition.
The researchers are also interested in hearing from anyone who is interested in the research and considers that they can make a useful contribution. Further details about the research and the questionnaire are available on the following website:
https://environment7.uwe.ac.uk/projects/riba |
Alternatively, please contact Lucie Gibson: lucie.gibson@inst.riba.org |