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Architecture-InsideOut

Exploring creative relationships between disability and architecture

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Why Architecture-InsideOut?

A huge group of people run, walk, wheel and slide down the Turbine Hall ramp

Architecture-InsideOut is an Arts Council funded project bringing together architects with Deaf and disabled artists to explore innovative new ways of designing buildings and spaces which improve the built environment for everyone.

We do this by enabling creative and constructive collaborations between Deaf and disabled artists, architects, educators and related agencies; and by capturing and publicising the best work so as to continually inform developing practices.

News

Architecture-InsideOut aims to keep artists and architects up-to-date with news and events about innovative approaches to disability and architecture.

Partnering

2 artists and an architect sit on the floor together, discussing their collaborative one day design project at Tate Modern.

We are building contacts and networks, hosting events, and providing support for the development of shared projects around disabilities and architecture.

“The Tate Modern workshop was, among other things, a reminder to all of us that the environment is lived with its boundaries for some and its freedom for others and we shouldn't forget to encourage and stop exploring a city with fun and pleasurable spaces for all, the disabled and non disabled.” Natalia Alonso, Fluid Architects

Artists

One of the Inside Out artists drawing directly onto an inQbate wall, whilst another artist looks on.

We work with many disabled and Deaf artists interested in the built environment. We want to promote the quality of work done, and to encourage dialogue and collaboration with architects and other built environment professionals.

“Participating in Architecture-InsideOut has given me an opportunity to have a vibrant dialogue about the built environment with architects and other disabled artists.” Lynn Cox, artist

Projects

A BSL intepreter signs from a stage, with a purple velvet backdrop, to a Johnny Crescendo song.

We are gathering examples of built environment projects which have involved Deaf and disabled artists. These include:

  • artists working with architects on specific building designs
  • artists working with other Deaf and disabled people to creatively express their experiences of the built environment
  • artists working in the fields of public and community arts
  • artists working within architectural education or CPD

Architecture

Two older people look out from the large, glazed and blue tinted volume of the Sage, Gateshead by Foster Associates which has won a RIBA Inclusive Design Award

“Seeing things differently and working in a different way.” Sarah Ernst, Architype

Over the next few months, disabled artist Zoe Partington-Sollinger will suggest some examples of good design practice by architects in the UK and internationally. In the meantime, we are happy to receive examples of good design from disabled and Deaf people. Just send us your pictures and comments.

Education

A disabled artist tutor sits with two interior architecture students in the corner of a sun-lit design studio.

We are developing opportunities for artists’ training, for architectural students, and for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for architects around disability and architecture.

AIO - the next steps

Our most recent Architecture-InsideOut event was at Tate Modern on the evening of Monday 20th October 2008. About 90 people saw and celebrated the work to date; and helped us to explore what AIO should be doing in the future. Information and images from this session coming soon!

Contact us

Lightbox artists-architects workshop, June 08

Architecture-InsideOut has undertaken it's second one-day design workshop - Opening Up 2! - at the Lightbox, Woking on Saturday 21st June 2008. This was part of Architecture08.

View Lightbox Gallery

Tate Modern artists-architects workshop, May 2008

Our first design charrette - Opening Up 1! - was held at Tate Modern on Saturday 10th May 2008. Eight teams of two artists and two architects took part in this intensive, one day design workshop, making interventions into the Turbine Hall and associated spaces.

View Tate Modern Gallery

InQbate artists' workshop, April 2008

Our first 'creating spaces' workshops for invited deaf and disabled artists were held at the InQbate Creativity Zone, University of Sussex, on the 10th and 11th April 2008. Artists responded to the brief: "A space where two people meet".

View InQbate Gallery

Visit our blog

If you would like to add a comment or join in the debate, visit our blog run by disabled artist, Caroline Cardus.

Go to the blog

Who we are

Architecture-InsideOut is funded by Arts Council SE. Its mission is:

‘to promote activity that develops and captures models of new practice for the built environment, led by the creativity and experiences of deaf and disabled artists’

The AIO team is currently Zoe Partington-Sollinger, Mandy Legg, Jos Boys and Sarah Pickthall. With thanks to Stevie Rice (DADA-South) and the Faculty of Arts and Architecture, University of Brighton.

Contact us

Email the team

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