Disability Meets Architecture

Disability Meets Architecture is a podcast miniseries about the generative frictions that can arise in conversations between disabled architects and disability activists.

A new generation of disability scholars, activists, and designers is developing innovative approaches to accessible built environments, beyond demanding regulatory compliance. This field, known as Critical Access Studies, is questioning the ideological, epistemological, and practical underpinnings of access. Going beyond minimum standards and functional understandings of access, Critical Access has developed rich terminologies and cutting-edge design practices, both of which could transform the ways that architects understand why access matters. However, the field has made little impact on these disciplines to date. By enabling cross-disciplinary conversations between the disabled experts developing these new concepts and practices, and disabled architects specializing in accessibility, Disability Meets Architecture amplifies the creative potential and practical application of these new ways of thinking and doing accessible design. Through short films, live events, and published materials, this project fills a vital gap in architectural discourses and practices.

Episode 1: The Round Tower (with Jos Boys and Aimi Hamraie) (video or audio)

To access future episodes, please subscribe to the Contra* podcast using the links on the right side of our podcast page.

Other content

IHCD Global Webcast, Disability Meets Architecture, March 7, 2025.

Carried out as a collaboration between Critical Design Lab and the Disordinary Architecture project, Disability Meets Architecture was funded by the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts.

Co-project leaders: Jos Boys and Aimi Hamraie

Podcast editing and production: Ilana Nevins

Series production support: Scar Barclay and Paul DeFazio