Language of Accommodation

Abstract

Language is a system of communication made up of syntax and semantics. The syntax of a language of accommodation is a series of design gestures made within the building, whereas the semantics are the meaningful moments created by these gestures. This thesis is an exploration of the language of accommodation in design. Accommodations in the building were approached through the social model of disability lens. The social model of disability is a framework in which to view the world developed by disabled activists. This lens is based on the idea that a physical impairment does not disable someone, but rather that the artificial barriers we, as a society, create are the factors that truly disable someone. If we as architects approach the world through the social model point of view, we can remove access barriers before they are ever built. We are in a unique position to shape the world around us so why not create an architecture that everyone can enjoy.

If we as architects designed with the social model as their point of view, there would be fewer debilitating barriers and no need to go back and make accommodations once needed. An inclusive building is one that includes disabled users, not one that goes back to adapt to users with different needs. A building that is designed for the group with the highest specialized needs, will work better for every user. This project aims to use language, a system of syntax and semantics, to discuss accommodation in architecture. Currently there is an abundance of inaccessible barriers in our public schools system. The early childhood center proposed in this thesis was designed to accommodate disabled users as the main users creating a building of inclusivity instead of accessibility.