The architectural challenge for physically disabled people

A research through the eyes of the physically disabled

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

S.I. Smorenburg Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

R.R.J. van de Pas History, Form & Aesthetics - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
E.J.G.C. van Dooren History, Form & Aesthetics - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 2)
R.R. van den Ban Teachers of Practice / AE+T - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 2)
M. Bilow Architectural Technology - Architecture and the Built Environment (coach)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2023 Sanne Smorenburg
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Published Date

09-11-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

Currently people with physical disabilities do not have the option to be away from home for a short or longer period of time to relieve themselves from the medical situation at home. This creates a feeling that there is currently a building typology missing in society and forms a challenge to be further investigated. The objective is to gather knowledge about how physically disabled adults experience a place and in what way an architectural design can influence this in a positive way.
The focus for this research is on the physically disabled adults who live at home, are dependent on a wheelchair and daily care. The following main research question has been formulated to answer the problem statement above: “In what ways can architecture overcome the limitations that adults with physical disabilities face in daily life?” To be able to answer the main research question literature research was carried out and interviews were conducted among 5 participants. Two physically disabled, one informal caretaker and two medical professionals. All these participants are representative for both the interview as well as physically disabled adults in the home situation. The interview responses showed that there are 4 main important themes: spatial, social, independence and healthcare. This indicates that these themes are important for all participants. To conclude, the current built environment is missing an accessible building typology, a place that provides care without feeling so for both physically disabled adults as for able bodied people to spend time away from home.
Based on this my advice for follow-up research would be how to create awareness among architects about the life of physically disabled adults and how they can design for them?