The ambidextrous classroom – A design proposal for inclusive K-8 learning environments

Plan and photographs of a classroom in an elementary school

The ambidextrous classroom – A design proposal for inclusive K-8 learning environments

Sara Svisco
ARC623 | Fall 2018

Although the majority of left-handed children’s obstacles do not prevent them from participating in school, they create an inconvenience that other children do not have to overcome. In a truly universal environment, each child would carry out daily activities in an equitable manner that accounts for the physical, cognitive, or emotional differences among all children in a given class. A universal design approach to incorporating the left-handed population into our environment would facilitate the use of hand-held tools by left-handed individuals without causing unnecessary anguish or calling unwanted attention to the user.

A two-part approach based on policy revisions and design revisions was developed to propose a new design for elementary classrooms.

– Policy : Create an educational policy that considers training for teachers so he/she can understand the difficulties faced by left-handed school children. Mandate that classrooms be stocked with universally-designed supplies, such as scissors and other shared tools. Provide flexibility in school supplies that students are required to purchase on their own and provide examples of universally-designed options.

– Design : Create an environment that promotes flexibility in the use of a space, seating arrangements, and daily activities.

I don’t feel like dancing – Making drag clubs inclusive, safe and universally designed

Diagrammatic plan and photographs of a drag club

I don’t feel like dancing – Making drag clubs inclusive, safe and universally designed

Sawyer Kost
ARC623 | Fall 2018

There is a lack of safe, expressive, inclusive and “queer” space within our society, especially in non-major metropolitan areas. “Queering” architecture is a newer field of study and understanding, and it is vitally important in the understanding and practice of diversity and inclusion within the field of architecture. Drag performers, occupy very specific types of spaces within our culture- bars, restaurants, gay/queen performance venues. When it comes to using space, there are specific needs that should be addressed. These include, fluidity and mobility of space, universality of wayfinding, signage and usage of space, and safety.