Similarity in Difference: Bridging Universalism and Particularism in Design through Resonance

Misconceptions of Universal/Inclusive Design (UD/ID) have resulted in a limited uptake in architectural practice. A lack of adequate information formats and associations with legislation further restrict an inclusive mind-set. This project aims to study, develop, and test in architectural practice the notion of resonance, which is underlying but remains implicit in current UD/ID approaches. Resonances are understood as overlaps or similarities across diverse people in particular circumstances. Multiple ethnographic case studies will allow to (1) investigate diverse relations between people and their environments and understand mechanisms of transferability across them; (2) develop resonance principles based on collected empirical material; and (3) explore how, and with what effects, architecture firms integrate these principles in their practices and outcomes. Making resonances explicit holds potential in understanding human beings’ diverse experiences and ways of being, motivating more architects to design inclusively, and enhance the quality of their outcomes.

Keywords:Architecture, Design Practice, Diversity, Social Impact, Universal Design

Disciplines:Disability studies, Design research, Inclusive design, Architectural practice, Human-centred design