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Inclusion of Down Syndrome in Architectural Design: Towards a Methodology

Authors:
Clémentine Schelings
Catherine Elsen

Keywords: disability; Down syndrome; inclusive design; universal design; methodological framework

Abstract:
This paper develops an in-situ methodology to help architects insure better inclusion of people with Down syndrome all along preliminary phases of the architectural design process, and eventually to the designed space. This methodology first offers architects some design keys in regard of how people with Down syndrome interact with two types of spaces: their personal dwellings and some completely unknown spaces. The methodology then unfolds towards more pro-active inclusion of the participants thanks to playful expression of their feelings and perceptions. This paper discusses how this methodology relates to inclusive and universal principles, useful to design smart environments be they ICT-enabled or not. This paper closes on prevalent models of disability in architecture and how they articulate with the model of “architectural handicap”.

Pages: 20 to 25

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2017

Publication date: March 19, 2017

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2519-8378

ISBN: 978-1-61208-589-0

Location: Nice, France

Dates: from March 19, 2017 to March 23, 2017