In a recent interview, Felicity Wright, a Journalism Graduate invited Suzan Ucmaklioglu, Inclusive Design Specialist at Foster + Partners to delve into how architecture embraces neurodiversity in the built environment. "The way we embrace inclusive design is by focusing on people and their experiences which ultimately leads to designing integrated spaces that function for everyone as a whole, and doesn’t become this add-on extra." Suzan Ucmaklioglu, Inclusive Design Specialist at Foster + Partners. 🎥 Watch the "Beyond Blueprints" interview: https://lnkd.in/epzGCYWs #InclusiveDesign #Neurodiversity #BuiltEnvironment #Architecture #Design #Construction
🎥 Reflecting on an inspiring experience from my academic journey, I’m thrilled to share my final university project—a documentary delving into how the built environment impacts autistic individuals 🏙 The journey began with my passion for design in architecture, but it was through my collaboration with Foster + Partners, one of the world’s leading architectural firms, that my understanding of the industry and inclusive design truly evolved 🏛 Speaking with Suzan Ucmaklioglu, an architect and inclusive design specialist, was a revelation. She shared how the practice is pioneering in designing for the mind, ensuring that spaces are not just visually stunning but also accessible and inclusive for all — and not a "bolt-on extra" 🧠 Having started this project as a student journalist with limited knowledge on architecture and neurodiversity, my conversations with industry leaders like Suzan, alongside Dr Eleanor Willard, Dr Katie Gaudion, Steve Maslin, and case study Alice Farrell, opened my eyes to the complexities and responsibilities of designing spaces that serve everyone ❤️ I’m incredibly grateful to Foster + Partners who spent the time to share the amazing designs they'd achieved and I can't wait to see what more they have in store! Their work is not just shaping skylines but also redefining how we think about inclusivity in the built environment 📢 This experience was a powerful reminder of why I love what I do — connecting with people from across the nation, learning from them, and amplifying their voices to spark change 💻 I invite you all to watch the documentary and join in advocating for a world where architecture embraces and celebrates diverse needs: