The Architecture of Disability: Buildings, Cities, and Landscapes beyond Access

by David Gissen

A radical critique of architecture that places disability at the heart of the built environment

Disability critiques of architecture usually emphasize the need for modification and increased access, but The Architecture of Disability calls for a radical reorientation of this perspective by situating experiences of impairment as a new foundation for the built environment. With its provocative proposal for “the construction of disability,” this book fundamentally reconsiders how we conceive of and experience disability in our world.

Stressing the connection between architectural form and the capacities of the human body, David Gissen demonstrates how disability haunts the history and practice of architecture. Examining various historic sites, landscape designs, and urban spaces, he deconstructs the prevailing functionalist approach to accommodating disabled people in architecture and instead asserts that physical capacity is essential to the conception of all designed space.

By recontextualizing the history of architecture through the discourse of disability, The Architecture of Disability presents a unique challenge to current modes of architectural practice, theory, and education. Envisioning an architectural design that fully integrates disabled persons into its production, it advocates for looking beyond traditional notions of accessibility and shows how certain incapacities can offer us the means to positively reimagine the roots of architecture.

Genres: Disability, Nonfiction, Architecture, Urban Planning, Urbanism, Design

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 24, 2023

Reviews

[Becky Virgl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so interesting and thought provoking. I'm not sure if I agree with all of his conclusions, or if there was much in the way of immediately actionable recommendations, but it definitely led me to think more about the role of disability in the design of buildings from a more holistic perspective than simply allowing equitable access.

Admittedly, this book did get a little lost in the sauce on architectural theory and jargon, which loses some points from me. Tread carefully if you aren't used to the language of architectural theory.

[Jessica Murnin]

I am not going to rate this because I think the target audience was a more academic/industry oriented crowd, so I think elements went over my head. Plus this book was a little more philosophical than practical than I was expecting. That being said this book while having nuggets of interesting information that I will consider from time to time was just not for me.

[Nakedfartbarfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

More analysis than thesis, which is dandy, as I have little command of the history of accessible construction prior to the ADA. A lot of thought in here about cities and promenading design elements that I chide myself for lazily not taking advantage of, though I'm reminded of Titus Andromedon excusing himself with "Maybe if I were a mermaid, I'd be excited to walk." 🌆🧜‍♀️

The through-line in the ease-of-access arguments that I've read is that increased physical convenience (in architecture, in services, etc) benefits everybody. Whether you currently avail yourself of it or not, you will eventually need help.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely more of a book geared toward architects but enjoyable nonetheless. Well organized and thought-provoking. At times I had to look up architecture terminologies, but this did not impede my reading experience. I mainly wish that this book was longer or spent more time delving deep into the ideas presented, but I really enjoyed it, and as a classicist the parts about ancient architecture were especially fun to read.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most inspiring architectural texts I’ve ever read. I cried at the end. It’s powerful, inspiring, and analytical. As architects and designers it is crucial to reimagine our role in the built environment. The way Gissen critiques the modern movement and how it has had a domino effect on so many parts of our society was very eye-opening. Anyways j could keep writing about this but just read the book

[Hamad AlMannai]

This academic book is a treatise that asks the reader for a reexamination of ableist norms that are baked into our conception of cities and also our beliefs about disability and how it is something that needs to be “addressed”. There is also a great ted talk by the author that covers a lot of what’s discussed in the book.

[Stu Napier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst refreshing to see a book on this topic that does not focus primarily on accessibility, it felt quite wide and shallow in terms of content. More touching on topics than going in depth, it would have been nice to see further exploration of the points raised.

[Nate Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provocative!

[Alexandra Davis]

Touched on some essential points about where we go wrong, and reintroduced the idea that we should build with intent to make the space !!!comfortable!!!

[lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read! Written for an informed audience, but I was able to understand the technical language in context. I specifically appreciated the examples of many historical sites being more accessible in antiquity than they are today upon being restored. I’m a college student who runs a student group that provides feedback on accessible design for my university. I think this book was very important for my understanding of design principles when it comes to access and disability inclusion. I also appreciated how the book’s analysis was not limited to just the accommodation of mobility impairments, other disabilities and impairments were discussed in detail.

This book also helped give words to some of the thoughts I have while navigating inaccessibly designed spaces as a disabled person. I read this as an ebook at my local library, but I will likely get a copy of my own so I can reread and annotate.