“(Inclusive)Design – Everything Begins with Listening.” is based on the research carried out by Iris Popescu within AMAIS’ activities and on the doctoral thesis publicly defended in 2020 at the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urban Planning, in Bucharest. Following the defense, Iris Popescu received the title of Doctor in Architecture, Summa cum Laude distinction. The book focuses on the social responsibility of the architect, examines the benefits of using empathy in design as a way to enrich the individual/community relationship with the built environment, and defines a new architectural program based on an “inclusive social context” for segregated communities.

It follows a gradual transition from understanding the current context and problems we face, to the sensory & spatial features that architects should be aware of and master in their professional activity. The research is also complemented by thorough case studies on projects that follow an inclusive approach in architectural design and also emphasizes their intrinsic benefits.

PREAMBLE/ ARGUMENT

The built environment can limit or amplify our abilities, so people with disabilities are among those most affected by the lack of an inclusive approach in design and those who feel the most the physical barriers created by architects with or without their will. This topic is a good starting point to understand inclusive design and the benefits it can bring. 

RESEARCH METHODS

a.Empirical research through AMAIS’ experiments.

b.Observation and comparison using personalized tools like models and tactile maps;

c.Surveys, questionnaires, interviews, focus groups with able-bodied and blind participants;

d.Urban Mobility Club – “skill-sharing” community for the blind and able-bodiedpeople.

THE SPACE AND THE SENSES

This chapter aims to:- understand society’s relationship with people with disabilities and the different ways of perceiving them in order to dismantle biases;- have an objective presentation of the various visual defects to illustrate the differences in users’ perception;- explain the direct relationship between space and each sense in order to enrich the way we currently design.

THE ARCHITECTS’ SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

This chapter aims to:- establish the differences between the many design typologies for all the anthropocentric approaches to clear up the confusion between terms;- explain why we should use empathy in design;- present inclusive social contexts as a possible starting point for understanding vulnerable groups and developing listening and empathy skills.CASE STUDIES. 

INTERACTION CONTEXTS & THEIR OUTCOMES

Inclusive, international projects and socializing contexts created in the research with the AMAIS team in order to emphasize the benefits of applying an inclusive approach in design.

CONCLUSIONS. EVERYTHING BEGINS WITH LISTENING

The Urban Mobility Club as an “intersectional” and complementary tool for the continuous development of architects, social integration of people with disabilities and practice necessary for students of architecture, psychology and sociology.