Introduction

We see, hear, feel and move through space and the experience and our body is in constant dialogue with the physical form in which we exist. Aware and unaware we constantly register form, texture, scale and movement and in doing so we perceive seen and un-seen architectural intentions and quality in a never ending dialogue with space.

Universal design is a new design concept focusing on physiological diversity and equal rights. Universal design points to the responsibility of the architect to design spaces for all, spaces for participation and social interaction – and spaces for experience! Often functionality is considered the core issue of universal design but in this course we will focus on the senses – vision, hearing, touch and the kinaesthetic senses – and through these discuss the balance between aesthetics, functionality, architectural quality and universal design.

As architects and humans we will look at our potential for inspiring socially sustainable living. We will discuss how to coexist in our complex urban environment, and how to stimulate social solidarities. Social sustainability is the examination of the social processes underlying sustainability: particular, universal and their interdependence.

We will explore the use of our body and our senses in the experience of architecture as well as investigate architecture's invisible details as an enhancing factor for social interaction and bodily awareness.

Studies will be based on universal design theories and methodologies as well as readings on social sustainability, perception, architectural experiences and sensory disabilities. Through 1:1 exercises and collaboration with impaired users we will explore aspects of architectural space which are invisible to the eye.

The semester will take us through 4 phases of studying form and space as facilitator of the meeting between diverse individuals using Universal Design as a design tool to investigate the relation between the individual and the general in architectural design.