The Concept Of “Disability” In Architecture As A Power And Ideology Problem

Abstract

The concept of disability, which is well accepted around theworld and seems to be a statement of positive discrimination atfirst, requires becoming a current issue as an equality problem inarchitecture and society today. In fact, the definition of disabilityand its intellectual basis are major and still invisible obstacles toobtain equal rights for everyone regarding architecturalaccessibility and participation in social life.In this study, the intellectual basis of the concept of disability insocial understanding has been explored to identify the mainproblem. It has been realized that this understanding, which is tobe seen also in architectural practices, has occurred as an issueof power and ideology. On one hand, the society itself generatesthe definitions, classifies people and creates hegemony based on consent, and on the other hand speaks up for resolving theproblems caused by this classification with a total inactivity.Strong ideologies, which ignore the problems of existingdefinitions, forms absolute truths and minds unable to question.Therefore, the definition of “disabled” becomes approved by theentire society, although it does not include inseparable parts ofsociety such as children, patients or elderly. These ideologiesresult in a communal power created by free will instead ofenforcement. In this manner, even individuals classified as“disabled” accept the legitimacy of this authority. However,existing of such an accepted definition causes etherizing andignorance in society. It also affects architectural perception andplays a significant role in creating isolation projects such as“disabled-friendly houses” or “libraries for disabled”. Theseprojects show that people defined as “disabled” are the dark subconsciousness of society willing to be forgotten.When it is realized that the unity of differences creates thesociety, the classification will be forgotten, environments andmentalities will be shaped accordingly and designs will becreated for everyone instead of designing for disabled. Bringingan accurate and fair point of view into existence, which is basedon the mentioned facts, is the only way to solve the currentproblems in architectural practices and social inequalities.