The Three Dimensional World by Mark Ware.

Seven deaf and disabled artists have created work exploring disability and architecture for the web-based Inside Out project.

Launched on June 22 2005 during a seminar at Brighton’s recently-opened and much-lauded Jubilee Library, www.art-architecture.co.uk/insideout is part of this year’s Architecture Week programme.

Running from June 17 until June 26, Architecture Week is the annual national public celebration of contemporary architecture with events taking place all over the country.

The project was piloted during the event last year and was commissioned by Arts Council England, South East. A conversation between the organisation’s public art and architecture officer and disability inclusion officer, sparked the initial concept.

Discussing the regulatory effects of the Disability Discrimination Act, Stephanie Fuller and Sarah Pickthall reached the conclusion that "all the ramps in the world being at 5% didn’t make people want to go into a building," explained Stephanie. "So, we thought, how could you change that in some way?"

Nothing but Blue Skies by Rachel Gadsden from Poetics of Decay.

Their conclusion? Get artists involved. Thus, seven artists from the south east with an interest in the built environment were commissioned to produce work exploring the relationship between disability and architecture.

From filmmakers and writers to painters and installation artists, each of them offers a different take on the themes of the project.

The work explores lifestyles, perspectives and opinions in relation to particular buildings or spaces in the south east, as well as built environments generally.

In Poetics of decay, Rachel Gadsden and Dylan Trigg have worked together to explore and challenge assumptions about derelict buildings. Through music, visual art, writing and film they centre on The Cane Hill Mental Asylum in Surrey which closed down in 1990.

Home is Where the Heart is by Damian Toal.

Damian Toal has created an interactive film and installation entitled Home is Where the Heart is, which attempts to map an emotional life of the home. Mark Ware’s Three Dimensional World encourages a closer look at where we live.

Although the website is now live, the project is ongoing and the team behind it is hoping it will initiate discussion between educators, architects, builders, planners and artists. Comments, suggestions and criticism are invited on an online forum.

The organisers also want to take the ideas nurtured by the project and work with professionals to get them exhibited, talked about and realised in a multitude of environments.

"We are looking for partners interested in what we’re doing," said Stephanie, "who can help us take it out to different constituencies."

For more information about Architecture Week 2005 visit the event website or see our special feature for a taste of what’s on in your area.