‘Close to the Wall’ is an evolving body of creative research into the ways in which people of all ages who have severe neurological impairment, and who are 'non-verbal', navigate and 'experience' the built environment. Many people who have severe learning difficulties and/or are within the autistic spectrum appear to have perceptual difficulties with space and are effectively therefore excluded from certain environments. The project integrated three specialist disciplines; Art (video and installation), Architecture and Developmental Psychology.
The functionality and phenomenology of space, and its affect upon its users, was our primary concern. Although inclusion and access are currently the focus of much attention, legislation and guidance, the needs of people with severe cognitive impairment are rarely considered.
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Our research involved working with people who have complex neurological impairments and their families and carers in order to set–up carefully managed visits to public buildings. With the aid of non–obtrusive, remote tools we were able to measure and record their perceptual/experiential responses to different spaces. The extreme spaces of the Tate Modern out-of-hours provided the context for a measured study of the participants’ experience.
Funded by:
Wellcome Trust,
Sciart Research and Development Award
Arts Council England, South East Region
NESTA
Project collaborators:
Kate Adams, Artist & NESTA Fellow, Hastings
Adams and Sutherland Architects, London
Ruth Marchant, Developmental Psychologist and Co–director of Triangle, Brighton |
