#whereintheworld Breaking Barriers
“I had to try to adapt. I had to fit into this world that wasn’t built for me.” – Jimmy Lebrecht, Crip Camper
Barrier: something that prevents or blocks movement from one place to another.
One of the problems we solve as architects is to readapt spaces by removing barriers. Reasons range from space for growth, change of use or updating to reflect current building codes. We solve these needs by thoughtfully designing with form, function and programmatic goals in mind. And yes...making it all beautiful. We also design for equity in the built environment. It’s hard to believe that there were not minimum design standards for public facilities to accommodate those with disabilities until the 1990 American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, an Academy award nominee this year for Best Documentary Feature, showcases campers experience at a camp for youth with disabilities and how this sparked advocacy work that led to groundbreaking legislation like the ADA. This law prohibited discrimination including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public against people with disabilities in all areas of public life. It required reasonable accommodations and physical modifications of parking lots, entry into and throughout buildings, restrooms and Braille signage to name a few. Barrier free became our new normal.
Ensuring access for all is reflected in how we focus on human centered design. What is the experience of someone who uses a wheelchair, walker or cane through a building? How about the placement of grab bars to assist with getting up or down or lever handles to ease the opening of doors? What about dual height counters and drinking fountains that serve everyone well? Good design is in the details of understanding the who and why then developing the how. Something special happens for the greater good when everyone can feel welcomed into a space.
Our design decisions influence the built environment and can either hinder or improve access. March is Women’s History Month and we honor those barrier breakers who have shattered systems that prevented or blocked access for all: Judy Heumann, Disability Advocate; Katherine Johnson, mathematician for NASA; Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Executive Producer of Crip Camp and Vice President Kamala Harris. We also acknowledge our mothers Malulee Grant, (Alicia’s mom) and Lauren Holmes (Jessica’s mom) who have nurtured our dreams through sacrificial love and unconditional support so that we can break barriers for others. It is in this spirit that we seek to create a more perfect union where access is equitable for all.
