A conversation on the occasion of the honorary doctorate for Karen Braitmayer
On the occasion of the honorary doctorate for Karen Braitmayer, KU Leuven and PAF (platform voor architectuur & feminisme) host an evening on Wednesday 4 February on the systemic underrepresentation of people whose bodies or minds diverge from the assumed norm in architecture and design.
We look at how the sector and its educational structures are organised, which obstacles people with disabilities encounter, and - crucially - what knowledge, insight and quality are lost when these perspectives are absent. Why do people with a disability or condition find it (more) difficult to find their place in architecture education and practices? Which obstacles, implicit norms, and mechanisms of exclusion play a role in this? What do we miss in design, education, and work culture when this representation and diversity of perspectives are absent? What shifts when more bodies and ways of perceiving are taken into account?
Through a keynote by Karen Braitmayer, a thoughtful panel of architects, researchers and students and with lived experience, and small-group discussions, we explore what becomes visible when other ways of perceiving, moving, sensing and thinking enter the centre of our field. Joining the conversation are Karen Braitmayer (who will receive the honorary doctorate), Natalia Pérez Liebergesell (PhD research at KU Leuven on architects with lived experience of disability; wheelchair user herself), Victor Lindemeier (Architecture student at the University of Antwerp, person with autism) and Wendy Hoeven (architect at Inclure Architectuur, spinal cord injury following an accident on a construction site, former wheelchair user). More speakers will be announced soon.
About the honorary doctorate for Karen Braitmayer: A Powerful Voice for Universal Design
Every year, KU Leuven awards honorary doctorates to inspiring personalities whose work has a significant impact on science, society and culture. With this honor, the university shows its appreciation for innovative thinkers and pioneers who reach beyond academia.
This year, Karen Braitmayer, renowned American architect and advocate of inclusive architecture, is one of the winners. Her nomination was a joint initiative of our Dean Prof. Fredie Floré and Prof. Ann Heylighen, Vice-President of the Department of Architecture and affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering.
An international authority in inclusive architecture
Karen Braitmayer (b. 1958) is considered a leading expert in inclusive architecture. Its mission: to create a built environment in which everyone feels welcome - regardless of physical limitations, mobility or sensory needs. In 1993, she founded the consultancy Studio Pacifica. With her personal experience (she uses a wheelchair and hearing support) and her deep professional expertise, she combines empathy with technical know-how. That makes her efforts particularly powerful and relevant.
Read more about the honorary doctorate.
Ⓒ Daniel Sheehan
Programme
18:30 – 19:00 Arrival with coffee and tea
19:00 – 19:45 Introduction & keynote Karen Braitmayer
19:45 – 20:30 Conversation with speakers in the front row
20:30 – 21:00 Small group conversations
21:00 – 21:15 Reflections and closing
21:15 Aftertalk and drinks
Accessibility
The campus can be accessed via Edward Van Evenstraat, Andreas Vesaliusstraat, and Parkstraat, with entry from Edward Van Evenstraat through barriers. The main entrance, located in the center of the building, is wheelchair accessible. An elevator is available past the cafeteria, and accessible restrooms can be found on the ground, first, and fourth floors.
Visitors with reduced mobility can park in the designated accessible space opposite the Agora Learning Center under the Herman Servotte residence, with barrier access. Maps are available online to reach the various faculties and services from the visitor parking. Find more information here.
The event will be held in English, but you are welcome to join the conversation in Dutch, French, or any language you feel most comfortable with. We will do our best to offer ad hoc whisper translations if needed.
An audio recording, transcript, and an edited article of the conversation will be made available afterward for those unable to attend or fully participate. There will be a sign language interpreter at this event.
If you have specific accessibility needs or requests, please let us know. We would be glad to discuss how we can support your participation. You can reach us at mail@paf.community.
Registration
The event is free, but registration is required via this form.