New Now Next: Jos Boys and Richard Dougherty

In this talk Architects, activists, and educators Jos Boys and Richard Dougherty deliver a provocative and practical talk exploring how disability can be a creative generator rather than a ‘problem’ for design, and how it critically challenges conventional forms of architectural education and practice.

Jos Boys discusses her work with DisOrdinary Architecture and its encouragement of innovation among disabled artists relating to access and inclusion in the design of our built surroundings. Richard Dougherty reflects on his experience as a deaf member of the architecture and design profession and highlighted several examples of ‘deaf gain’ – where design led by and for the deaf community also brings about wider societal benefits.

The talk formed part of the second instalment of the Irish Architecture Foundations’ New Now Next 10th anniversary series.

Together, Jos Boys and Richard Dougherty are pioneering disability-led design by tapping into the capabilities of people who are disabled, as creators of their environment and not just users. Both Boys and Dougherty have the potential to radically change ways of working in the architecture sector that will help to create a better built environment that is accessible to all. Their talk is bound to challenge and stimulate discussion and give the audience a lot to think about.

- Nathalie Weadick, Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF)

Watch or listen to the event here.

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