Jasmine Choucair
"By dividing the population into an abled and normal majority who get designed for first, and separating out a disabled minority whose ”needs” are retrofitted as an add-on to the design process, we reproduce a particular version of assumptions about the relative value of disabled people, and their place in society. (Boys, 2019).

The way we approach architecture and design today retro-fits the needs of disabled people, and we often assume we understand what they require. This project acts as a user led space that allows people to experience the kind of architecture the disabled community is after. Through this, it creates a 'resource' that teaches us through each experience.

Alternative axonometric

As the space is intended to be user-led with the capacity to shift, the two axonometric drawings display the potential of the space and how it has the capacity to be used.

Floor plan

This floor plan demonstrates a sample of spaces that can be utilised, where walls can become makeshift furniture and outdoor spaces can be utilised under the lattice structure.

Movement diagram

As the space shifts, a ‘trace’ of what was previously there is left behind, which allows users to experience and understand how the space can be or was interacted with.

Stage detail

Flexibility in how the space is used is important to the project. Many things can expand and contract to vary the kinds of space that are created or the types of programs facilitated. A stage and ramp can expand from below ground level as demonstrated.
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Ceremony Video

The ceremonial aspect of this project focuses on the way the space is user-led, how it shifts, how people contribute to and learn from this ‘resource’ that is the architecture itself, and how we learn to create spaces that move away from ableism.
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