Designability

By focusing on disabled people’s abilities, rather than their disabilities, this project aims to empower them as individuals and encourage more meaningful interactions with the rest of the Lebanese society. Living with a disability in Lebanon can often be very challenging, as disabled people still face many issues and social barriers on a daily basis. It is not yet widely recognised how disabled people can positively contribute to their country, which often leaves individuals feeling excluded from society. Working with a group of disabled ceramicists, we aim to highlight their talents through producing a range of ceramic objects that not only show off their abilities, but also allow them to raise debate on their current situation. Our outcome will help alter the stereotype of disability and create a greater understanding of what it means to be disabled. This project is in collaboration with Arcenciel, and aims to be a catalyst for change in how they currently use their ceramic studio, leading the way for more creativity and freedom of expression within the work they produce

“DESMEEM: Rethinking Design through Cross-Cultural Collaboration” is an international multidisciplinary social design project that has been developed in Beirut for the past few months with European and Lebanese designers and architects. As a research-led initiative, all the projects revolve around themes that are of high social or environmental significance to Lebanon. These include urban space, energy/electricity, sustainable consumerism, creative education, disability, migrant workers integration, personal finance, and gender/LGBT rights. This project is one of the eight that was created by this process.