Queering Public Space WM18052021

GoToWebinar: This lunchtime webinar, organised by CIHT West Midlands, will cover an Arup project about “Queering public spaces” to mark IDAHOBiT (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia), which is on 17th May. It will look at access to and safety in public space, as well as making recommendations for queering public space in order to make it much more inclusive and welcoming for all.

Overview

Public space is not always, well, public. In the past forty years or so queer, feminist and racial geographies have drawn attention to marked inequalities in access to and safety in public space.

In this presentation we ask: what are the key characteristics that contribute to queering public space? How do we protect what remains of queer memory in our cities? And how do we move beyond the gayborhood towards creating public spaces for all?

We also make recommendations for queering public space in order to make it much more inclusive and welcoming for all.

Who is the event for?

Professionals working in the built environment from architecture, urban design and engineering background, academics interested in urban studies and those researching queer geographies and members of queer communities.

Why you can't miss this event

CPD opportunity.
Q&A Session and discussion - get your questions answered directly by the speakers and engage in discussion on this topic.
Case studies - gain insight
New research - the webinar will highlight the work on our recent research project that is published on the 17th of May; this includes a report and a video project on queering public space.

Speakers

Dr Ammar Azzouz, University of Oxford & Architect at Arup

Dr Ammar Azzouz is an architect at Arup, London. He studied architecture at Al-Baath University in Syria, before he moved to the UK to complete his PhD at the University of Bath. His work has been published by several platforms including the Independent, the New Statesman and the Architects’ Journal.

Professor Pippa Catterall, Professor of History and Policy at University of Westminster

Pippa Catterall is Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster, Chair of the George Lansbury Memorial Trust, a member of the London Historic Environments Forum and co-editor of the journal National Identities.

In addition to her extensive publications on various aspects of British history and contemporary policy, she has written widely about her experiences as a trans woman, queer heritage and (mis)representations of history and identities in public space.

Mei-Yee Man Oram, Access and Inclusive Environments Lead at Arup

Mei is the Access and Inclusive Environments Lead at Arup. She evaluates the accessibility & inclusivity of the built environment in relation to the local & national requirements, social / cultural setting, and best practice. As part of her work, she also considers the changing trends and demographics of our societies to address future requirements of a diverse population.

Mei is a Consultant Member of the National Register of Access Consultants (NRAC), an International Access Consultant under the CPABE certification and is also a WELL Community, Homes and Health Equity advisor for the International WELL Buildings Institute, helping for shape healthier spaces for all.