Shira Baker

“I’m afraid I’m going to be turned away and rejected from the NDIS because my disability isn’t visible. The NDIS buildings usually feel judgemental with their harsh features and bright lights. However, as I approach I can see this centre is different from the rest. The structure of the renovated building puts me at ease, it’s not impending anymore. A large open street façade, together with the interior spilling out on the street audibly and visually beckons me in. I have never been in public without thinking about my disability. Today finally feels different, this building is for me..” Sarah thinks as she reaches her arrival point.

“A corner surrounded by books, an oasis in my opinion. Naturally my eyes are drawn to the grand arched window embedded within the bookshelf; the ledge is large enough for me to sit on and wedge myself away from other residents, immersed into the views beyond. This space feels safe, relaxing and like my own.” David settles into the window nook for some evening reading.

“It’s not my turn so I join in the crowd surrounding the pods to see what is going on. It’s amazing! People are utilising all spaces and surfaces to create art in the waiting room and I can see people like me making some interesting objects. It’s now my turn. Whilst the fear of the needle is still there, I am distracted and intrigued by what is going on around me. 1, 2, 3…Oh wait it’s over already? Wow the engaging atmosphere created by the architecture here together with the activities that inhabit it really is a good distractor.” Rachel is happy to have received her 4th vaccination and looks forward to participating in the next art workshop.

This mixed media model aims to capture occupation scale moments that enabled the exploration of tactile human experiences. The resultant architecture, both a critique of the current disability healthcare system and a glimpse to a possible inclusive future.