Between the 20th-22nd of November, I had the opportunity of participating in the Universal Design Conference in Oslo, where I presented two projects that are very close to my heart: The Empathy Retreat and The Inclusive Waterfront in Mahmudia, alongside my colleague, Iulian Canov. The positive reactions and insightful feedback from the attendees were both humbling and encouraging, reaffirming that I am on the right track with my work.

One of the most emotional highlights of the conference was the chance to meet, in person, some of the authors whose work has inspired me for over a decade. These encounters were both inspiring and motivating, making me even more passionate about pushing for change and inclusion in design.

A special thank you to the Bufdir (The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs) organizing team for their meticulous planning and execution of such a phenomenal event. The entire experience was a testament to the power of collaboration and shared goals in advancing the universal design movement. 🎉

As I journeyed back to Romania, I was filled with mixed emotions. While I am incredibly optimistic and energized by the amazing people working tirelessly to advance inclusive and universal design, I also feel a sense of sadness. Hearing about the substantial investments in research and the strong support from public administrations in other countries has reminded me of the challenges we face in Romania. There is still much work to be done, but this experience has only strengthened my commitment to advocating for change in my own country.

Some key moments from the conference that will stay with me include:

💡 Jutta Treviranus‘ groundbreaking talk on how we can train AI to overcome the human biases that often lead to exclusion.
💡 Jasmien Herssens‘ thought-provoking perspective on incorporating universal design principles into architecture education.
💡 The Bevica Foundation, led by Camilla Ryhl and her team, and their impressive work in supporting a network of impactful researchers in Denmark.
💡 Dr. Janice Rieger Riegler‘s innovative approach to accessibility dis-audits, opening up new conversations about improving accessibility in everyday life.
💡 Reconnecting with my incredible colleagues from UIA’s Architecture for All Working Group, Delfín Jiménez Martín and Christiaan Zandstra.
💡 The inspiring public space accessibility research being carried out by Gaurav Raheja and his team at the Laboratory of Inclusive Design in India.
💡 Yanki Lee‘s workshop on universal design research frameworks and the search for tools to create solutions for inclusive spaces and products.
💡 The powerful message from Valerie Fletcher, head of the Institute for Human-Centered Design, who emphasized the importance of a united front to drive mindset shifts around inclusive design.

While I could write pages about each presentation, these are just a few moments that deeply resonated with me and reaffirmed the importance of collective action and shared knowledge in making the world a more inclusive place.

If you’re interested in learning more about the projects, presentations, and ideas from #UD2024, I’ve shared additional information below. I invite you to explore the Compendium from the conference: Compendium Link, the Proceedings: Proceedings Link, and support the Norway Declaration 2024: Norway Declaration Link.

Together, we can help create a future where inclusion is at the heart of design. 💡🌍