Iris Popescu

Edited on 28/05/2024

Availability :
Available for Ad-hoc expertise missions

Validated Expert info

Expert can perform Ad hoc expertise missions at network and programme level in relation to:

 

1. The design and delivery of (transnational) exchange and learning activities

 

2. Thematic expertise:
[Urban design, Equality-Diversity-Inclusion]

 

3. Methods and tools for integrated and participatory approaches:
> Integrated and participatory design of strategies
 

 

Summary

I am an architect specialized in inclusive design and accessibility within AMAIS, the NGO I have founded in 2015 and that I am coordinating. 

The mission of the organisation is to create an equitable society for people with permanent, temporary or context-based disabilities by applying the principles of inclusive design in architecture, technology and social projects.

Over the years I have coordinated many of AMAIS’ projects and participated in design competitions and conferences as a public speaker or facilitator. Some of the projects include: 
  • - design of inclusive playgrounds, public spaces, community centers;
  • - bringing people with and without disabilities together and doing research on the possible solutions for improving the built environment;
  • - designing models of empathy workshops and facilitating them;
  • - doing accessibility audits for the public and private sector. 
In 2020, I have received my PhD degree, Summa cum Laude in architecture, from the "Ion Mincu" University of Architecture and Urban planning. My thesis and research work focus on developing the architect’s and other stakeholders’ social responsibility, while emphasizing the benefits of using empathy and human diversity in design as ways of enriching the individual or community’s relationship with the built environment. 

In order to expand the impact of my mission of building inclusion, in 2023, I started my mandate of director of Region II, part of the Architecture for All working group organized by the Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA) and I have published the first inclusive design guide in Romania: https://include.amais.ro/

I am looking forward to supporting public administrations, other experts or urban change-makers to build the equitable society we all desire by turning accessibility and inclusion into natural parts of the design process.