UNWASTED PLACES: Re-imagining Disability, Land Justice and Intergenerational Housing
Design Think Tank 2024/25 - London School of Architecture
Students: Gabriel Au-Yeung, Jessica Payne, Mani Motta, Olivia Alltree, Rachel Nti, Rachel Opie, Sarah Dinsmore
"This exploration challenges traditional notions of ‘ability’ and ʼnormativity’ to empower people with disabilities and marginalised groups. Informed by David Gissen’s Outline for a Disability Critique of Property, we unpack how ‘disability’ as a construct has led to marginalisation and examine how design and policy have failed to serve diverse communities. By redefining ‘accessibility’ to embrace empowerment and agency, we critique housing standards, legislation, and societal perceptions of ‘normal’ to propose inclusive designs fostering belonging and autonomy, from homes to neighbourhoods.
We investigate the intersection of disability and land justice, moving beyond “accessibility” and “independent living” to envision spaces grounded in access intimacy, communalism, self-determination, and alternative ownership models. Addressing intersectionality and diverse needs, we question outdated nuclear family housing typologies and advocate for care and interdependence to be integrated into sustainable, inclusive communities."
