A
Small Pleasures of the Everyday
Researcher
Masashi Kajita
Research unit
Centre for Spatial Inclusion
At the Centre for Spatial Inclusion, we study the spatial implications of contemporary challenges, aspiring towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in architecture. We understand the (re)production of space as a bodily process and challenge normative design practices.
”Interdependency” explores the relationship between the human body and architecture through visual and haptic realisations of the “in-between”. Through a furniture-scale medium, the project studies different ways of occupying space and explores how architecture can accommodate diverse bodies and spatial experiences.
”Small Pleasures of the Everyday” explores and celebrates the small pleasures disabled people experience in everyday life. Through the co-production of film, drawing, and writing, the project investigates how environments relate to pleasure and explores alternative ways of thinking about disability.
Research motivation:
Research Motivation
A sudden whiff carried on the air may draw out an ‘Ah’, a quiet response to one of life's small pleasures.
Exploring and celebrating the small pleasures disabled people experience in everyday life motivates my research. By understanding spatial experience as a bodily process in relation to the materiality and spatiality of situations, I seek to create more inclusive spatial experiences.
Exploring and celebrating the small pleasures disabled people experience in everyday life motivates my research. By understanding spatial experience as a bodily process in relation to the materiality and spatiality of situations, I seek to create more inclusive spatial experiences.
Interdependency at Aarhus City Hall during Works + Words 2026, inviting visitors to engage with the space, sit, lie down and rest together.
Stills from filmed interviews with the four participants of Small Pleasures of the Everyday as they share their moments of pleasure.
Internal partners
Small Pleasures of Everyday: Roberta Cassi (Assistant Professor), Luna Nikoline Wirtz-Ortvald (Research Assistant), Camille Maria Maingret (Research Assistant)
Interdependency: In-between Body and Architecture
Nicolai de Gier (Professor MSO), Antonio Scaffidi (Teaching Associate Professor), Christiane Busch (MA in Design), Jasper Ole Friederich Krebs (Student Assistant), Luna Nikoline Wirtz-Ortvald (Research Assistant)
External partners
Cathrine Mejdal, Maria Martinez (aka gin), Mads Friis Andersen, Michaela Krigsager, Jeppe Forchhammer, David Lynge, Jacob Øland Kjærgaard, Jacob Nossell (Nossell & Co.), Peter Græsbøll Holm (Knowledge Centre on Disability), Claus Brondbjerg Erichsen (3.TV Film), Jos Boys (The DisOrdinary Architecture Projects)
Bibliography
Bibliography
Open Access
[1]
A. Frandsen, I. Storgaard, and L. Olsen, Eds, Universal design Cross-disciplinary perspectives in theory and practice. Aalborg Universitetsforlag, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://vbn.aau.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/678709478/Universal_design_UK.pdf
[2]
B. og L. Kunstakademiet Institut for Bygningskunst, P. Duelund Mortensen, M. Kajita, and J. Kvorning, Homes emsembles city: housing welfare. Copenhagen: Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Institute of Architecture, Urbanism and Landscape, 2015. [Online]. Available: https://adk.elsevierpure.com/ws/portalfiles/portal/58832428/catalog_housing_and_welfare_kadk.pdf
[3]
The DisOrdinary Architecture Project, Many More Parts Than M!: Compendium. 2024. [Online]. Available: https://disordinaryarchitecture.co.uk/start-learning/many-more-parts
[4]
P. Bertram and M. Søberg, Eds, Works and Words: Artistic Research in Architecture. Baunach: AADR Art Architecture Design Research, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://aarch.dk/en/works-and-words-26/
Not Open Access
[1]
M. Høj Mathiasson, T. Skovgaard, L. Hemming Pedersen, V. Borsotti, and R. Cassi, Eds, Universal Design as a Tool for Change. Arkitektens Forlag, 2026.
[2]
Innovation with People: Inclusive Design and Architecture. Norge: Design og Arkitektur Norge, 2019.
[3]
H. S. Kajita and M. Kajita, Eds, Material Includes. København: Det Kongelige Danske Kunstakademis Skoler for Arkitektur, Design og Konservering, 2017.
[4]
K. Lotz, D. Simpson, K. M. Raahauge, K. Vindum, M. Jerl Jensen, and J. R. Bendsen, Eds, Forming Welfare. Arkitektens Forlag, 2017.
