How do the experiences of deafness, architecture, and parkour intersect to influence design and accessibility?
While it’s not immediately apparent that Jade Amber Ragoshke is unilaterally deaf, it is a defining factor for her life and work. She shares her experiences with deafness, learning about it, and adapting to it. Jade discusses architecture and her ongoing research into the connections between architecture, parkour, and accessibility. She reflects on disability, designing for all people, and creating more inclusive environments in all communities.
I think, after this conversation that we’ve had about art— I think that what art really is, is breaking the boundaries of the standard.
~ Jade Amber Ragoschke (30:14)
Jade Amber Ragoschke is an architect, parkour practitioner, and the vice president of World Deaf Architecture. Her involvement in parkour led to her interest and eventual career in architecture. After finding her place in the Deaf community, she discovered a new perspective and approach to architecture that is more inclusive, empathetic, and accessible to everyone. Jade specializes in accessible design for people with disabilities and provides architectural consultation to parkour communities. She advocates for inclusive play spaces for all ages and is researching the intersections between architecture, parkour, and accessibility.
This conversation explores the unique intersections of parkour, architecture, and accessibility, weaving together personal experiences and professional insights. Discussions highlight how accessible designs often double as ideal spaces for creative physical movement, reflecting an unexpected synergy between inclusivity and play. Jade emphasizes the importance of designing spaces at a human scale, focusing on sensory experiences and personal engagement rather than purely aesthetic considerations.
The dialogue also examines the philosophical and practical roles of architecture and art in memorializing history and shaping societal experiences. By referencing specific examples like the 9/11 Memorial and other landmark designs, the conversation illustrates how architecture can evoke emotions, honor history, and inspire resilience. The shared experiences of adapting to hearing loss further contextualize Jade’s perspectives on design, emphasizing the transformative potential of inclusivity.
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