1st Prize of the “Built Architecture / Architecture and Public Space” section for the Mahmudia waterfront design project.
@ Architecture Annual organised by The Bucharest branch of The Order of Architects: https://www.anuala.ro/en/projects/2024/294/
10 events found.
Events
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1st Prize of the “Research through Architecture / Architecture Books” section for the Inclusive Design Guide
@ Architecture Annual organised by The Bucharest branch of The Order of Architects: https://www.anuala.ro/en/projects/2024/258/
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1st Prize of the “Public Space – Urban Design” category for the Mahmudia watefront design project.
@ Beta – Timisoara Architecture Biennial, organised by The Order of Architects. More info: https://betacity.eu/en/beta-awards/results/inclusive-public-space-promenade-on-the-danube/
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My First URBACT Experience: Inclusive Design for Active Mobility
I was thrilled to contribute as an ad hoc expert on inclusive design for active mobility for the Beyond the Urban Network with URBACT. This experience was incredibly rewarding, as it focused on embedding inclusion and accessibility into both urban and rural mobility solutions. The preparation for my presentation involved online meetings with the lead expert, where I gained valuable insights into the network’s priorities. This helped me tailor the presentation and workshop structure to address the specific needs of the participants. A strong emphasis was placed on accessibility challenges faced by people with disabilities and how inclusive design can bridge these gaps. To enrich the workshop experience, I invited two guests with mobility and visual impairments to share their personal experiences of navigating inaccessible public spaces and transport systems. Their stories were powerful, highlighting the real-life obstacles they face daily and the pivotal role cars play due to a lack of accessible alternatives. Their testimonies deeply resonated with participants, sparking a more engaged and insightful discussion than anticipated. Although we didn’t have time to complete the accessibility analysis during the workshop, we collectively decided to continue the discussion individually. This gave participants additional time to reflect on the challenges shared and develop practical solutions tailored to their contexts. As part of this effort, I also drafted an article, “Turning Accessibility and Inclusion into Measurable Factors in Active Mobility” article direct url https://urbact.eu/articles/turning-accessibility-and-inclusion-measurable-factors-active-mobility The article provides context on accessibility considerations, practical examples of overcoming barriers, and actionable insights to inspire URBACT networks to foster inclusive mobility solutions. This experience has been deeply inspiring, and I’m grateful to URBACT for the opportunity to collaborate on such meaningful work. The feedback from the workshop and the article will play a foundational role in supporting the network’s continued efforts toward accessibility and inclusion in mobility.
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Conference on Accessibility – The French Institute in Bucharest
On October 9th, I was invited to the French Institute to speak about accessibility in the built environment. The conference brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the press, the Romanian National Film Center (CNC), the Romanian Film Office, film distributors, NGOs, embassy representatives, and partners of the French Institute. During my presentation, I shared insights on the current state of accessibility in Romania, the challenges we face, and the strategies we use at AMAIS to improve inclusion. It was inspiring to discuss how we can create a society where people, regardless of ability, can fully enjoy cultural and public spaces. The event was part of a broader conversation about the importance of inclusion, particularly in cultural practices. I joined Ligia Soare and representatives from three associations who shared their incredible work and experiences in transforming our cities into more inclusive spaces. This was an opportunity to showcase the impact of our work at AMAIS, exchange ideas, and advocate for accessibility as a fundamental aspect of urban planning and cultural development.
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Talking about Accessibility and Inclusion on The National Television
On Monday, November 4th, I was guest speaker on TVR Cultural’s “Intrare Liberă”, hosted by Marius Constantinescu, as part of the UrbanEye Film Festival. During the discussion, I shared my insights on accessibility and inclusion in the built environment, emphasizing the importance of designing spaces that are welcoming to everyone. It was an opportunity to bring attention to the challenges and opportunities we face in creating a more inclusive society and to promote the inclusive design guide published last year. I’m thankful to UrbanEye and TVR Cultural for including me in this important conversation and for providing a platform to advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Moments like these inspire us to keep pushing for change. Stay tuned for more updates on my work and AMAIS projects!
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Guest Speaker on Radio România Cultural’s “Vorba de Cultură”
On November 6th, I had the pleasure of being invited to Radio România Cultural, on the show “Vorba de Cultură” with Ema Stere, as part of the UrbanEye Film Festival. During the discussion, I shared my thoughts on inclusive design, focusing on the accessibility of public spaces, the biases that often shape these environments, and how we can use empathy exercises to shift perspectives and drive meaningful change. I also discussed the powerful film “I Did Not See You There” (USA, 2022), which aligns beautifully with the themes of inclusion and understanding explored at the festival. More info on the show: https://www.radioromaniacultural.ro/emisiuni/vorba-de-cultura/in-perioada-4-8-noiembrie-emisiunea-vorba-de-cultura-insoteste-un-festival-dedicat-filmului-arhitecturii-si-urbanismului-urbaneye-film-festival-editia-a-xi-a-id46021.html
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Talk on Public Space Accessibility After “I Didn’t See You There” @ Urban Eye Film Festival
On a thought-provoking evening at the UrbanEye Film Festival, I had the privilege of speaking alongside Alex Tache, an IT specialist and activist for the rights of people with disabilities. The discussion, moderated by Ruxandra Mateescu from Supereroi printre noi, followed the screening of the documentary “I Didn’t See You There” by Reid Davenport. The film, shot entirely from the perspective of the director—who uses a wheelchair—offers a deeply personal and emotional lens on the invisibility of disability, the relationship between individuals and urban architecture, and the societal biases ingrained in public spaces. It also reflects on the history of the “Freak Show,” where atypical bodies were exploited for spectacle, drawing poignant parallels with how urban environments today continue to exclude people with disabilities. Key Discussion Points Our conversation after the film delved into: The accessibility of public spaces and the barriers faced by people with disabilities. How architectural design influences inclusion or exclusion in cities. The biases and stereotypes still present in society and how they are reflected in the built environment. Practical tools and empathy exercises that can help change perspectives and encourage inclusive practices in design and urban planning. A Shared Mission As an architect specializing in inclusive design and founder of AMAIS, I highlighted the importance of creating environments that empower human diversity and possible empathy exercises. Alex Tache brought invaluable insights from his lived experience, reminding us why advocacy and collaboration are crucial to driving change. This event reinforced the need for dialogue around accessibility and inclusion, both in design and in how we, as a society, approach disability. I’m grateful to UrbanEye Film Festival and the incredible team behind this event for creating space for these vital conversations.
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Reflections from the Universal Design Conference 2024 in Oslo
Had the privilege of presenting The Empathy Retreat and The Inclusive Waterfront in Mahmudia at the Universal Design Conference in Oslo 2024! It was an inspiring experience to connect with brilliant minds in the field, including some of the authors whose work has deeply influenced me. Grateful for the opportunity to share our projects, learn from thought leaders like Jutta Treviranus and Valerie Fletcher, and contribute to the global conversation on inclusive design. Let's continue to advocate for a world that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity in every space. #UD2024 #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign
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IHCD Webinar: From Architect to Systems Builder: Designing Inclusion in Difficult Contexts
In this Institute for Human Centered Design Global webcast, I reflect on my journey from architect to systems builder and on the work of advancing inclusive design in Romania. Drawing from AMAIS projects, partnerships, failures, and lessons learned, I explore how meaningful accessibility depends not only on design, but on education, advocacy, community trust, and systems of change.