In North America, the queer community has seen their identity in the public realm contested over the years, bringing out anti-queer activists protesting queer presence in public spaces. These ongoing efforts to oppress queer use and expression have contributed to a decline in the physical and mental health of queer individuals.
This research project brings to light gender and queer theory and places it within the realm of architecture and design, specifically of public spaces, using the library as a typology case study. Design strategies are communicated via a ‘kit-of-parts’ approach that can be used at varying scales and for different functions as informed by the user. While the design strategies presented are queer-centric, evidently the problem being addressed is universal – to design within a framework that implies a foundational level of comfort and safety. Evidently, to ‘queer up’ any place would in many ways mean a more inclusive space for all.
Read the full report here.
