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courses

ARCH6953-1 / Spring 2024

Zarina Farmer-George

Invis-abilities: Enhancing Accessibility in Design for Mind and Body

Canvas

Bulletin

Critically examine architectural design standards, like the American Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design, and explore ways in which they can be enhanced to better accommodate and celebrate the diverse needs of individuals, especially those with “invis-abilities”. While the ADA, and texts like it, primarily focus on the inclusivity of people with physical impairments, it often over looks neurodivergency and unique body types. This course will empower students to advocate for design that takes into account all people, not just a standard mold.

Through a phenomenollogical approach, using AI technologies such as Midjourney, Dall-e, and Pika, students will embark on a journey where they will critically analyze the current state of architectural design standards, by way of an audit, and learn how to develop a new set of images in an updated design guidebook that enhances the inclusivity of ADA-compliant spaces. By examining case studies, using peer-reviewed research, engaging in practical design exercises, and exploring artistic influence, students will identify the various ways in which architecture and design can be more inclusive.

The course will draw on both AI-generated insights and human analysis to inform students about sensory experiences, cognitive differences, and design considerations for both safety and comfort. This course is designed for students interested in architecture, interior design, urban planning, disability studies, graphic design, or anyone seeking to make a positive impact in creating more inclusive and accessible standards.

Students will use images of artworks that study light, color, texture, and body types to create a new set of images that will replace the drawing sets currently found in architectural design standards. Students will experiment with AI image blending and text-based image generation using Dall-e and Midjourney, graphic designing and image editing using Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, image animation using Pika and Adobe After Effects, and research-based 3D modeling and rendering using Rhino

Location & Time

504 AVERY

M 11 AM - 1 PM

Session & Points

FULL SEMESTER

3 Points

Sequence

Visual Studies

Representation

Call Number

14168

Programs

Master of Architecture

M.S. Advanced Architectural Design

New York / Paris

M.S. Historic Preservation

M.S. Real Estate Development

M.S. Architecture and Urban Design

M.S. Urban Planning

M.S. Computational Design Practices

Mia Henry, Dori Renelus, Samiha Tasnim, Yi-Chi Wang

Spring 2024 - Invis-abilities: Enhancing Accessibility in Design for Mind and Body

Zarina Farmer-George

Other Semesters & Sections

Course	Semester	Title	Instructor	Requirements & Sequence	Location & Time	Session & Points	Call No.
ARCH6953‑1	Fall 2025	Invis-abilities: Enhancing Accessibility in Design for Mind and Body	Zarina Farmer-George	Visual Studies Representation	203 Fayerweather M 11 AM - 1 PM	Full Semester 3 Points	13590
A6953‑1	Spring 2025	Invis-abilities: Enhancing Accessibility in Design for Mind and Body	Zarina Farmer-George	Visual Studies Representation	504 AVERY M 11 AM - 1 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	11378
A6953‑1	Spring 2023	Invis-abilities: Enhancing Accessibility in Design for Mind and Body		Visual Studies Representation	TBD TBD	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	14168