Juliane’s Experience

What was your main objective with this residency in New York? Do you feel you achieved it?

JM: My main objective was to explore the city's approach to supporting neurodiversity and creating inclusive programs and environments. This residency allowed me to meet with specialists in health, education, architecture, and design, which enabled me to create a valuable network and significantly enhance my knowledge in this field.

By engaging with these experts, I gained a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges when designing for neurodiverse children. This experience was crucial in understanding what is needed to create effective design solutions tailored to these unique needs.

I am pleased to say that I achieved my objective. The insights and connections I developed during my residency now empower me to address these complex issues with innovative, design-oriented solutions. I am eager to apply this enriched perspective to ongoing and future projects in France and Luxembourg, and I would love to return to New York to implement some of these projects, bringing my work full circle.

Can you briefly walk us through a typical “day in your life” during your residency in New York City?

JM: My typical day during the residency in New York City varied significantly across three distinct phases.

In the initial weeks, I dedicated mornings to exploring the city, researching new institutions, and gathering ideas organically for my project. Mornings were often spent reaching out via email or phone to connect with various professionals and organizations, planning upcoming weeks, and attending scheduled meetings arranged before my residency began.

During the OuiDesign! week and ICFF, my focus shifted to attending exhibits, design events, and conferences. These events provided invaluable opportunities to meet with designers, architects, and other creatives. I engaged in discussions about potential collaborations and sought their insights on new project ideas.

In the final weeks of my residency, my schedule became densely packed with meetings, events, and the organization of workshops and presentations. The generosity of Americans in sharing contacts and ideas significantly expanded my network during this period. I found myself immersed in multiple daily meetings across different parts of the city, seizing numerous opportunities that arose as my residency concluded.

What was the most exciting and unexpected discovery you made during your time here?

JM: The most exciting and unexpected discovery I made during my time here was how my initial goal of creating inclusive and universal design workshops, spaces, and objects for neuroatypical individuals transformed. Initially, I aimed to address their special sensory needs. However, I soon realized that their unique experiences and heightened awareness of their surroundings could serve as crucial expertise in the design process.

Their ability to identify design flaws that hinder their daily functioning revealed issues that affect everyone, even if we have learned to live with them. This shift in perspective showed me that by incorporating the insights and experiences of neurodiverse individuals, we can create better, more functional designs for all. Their special awareness becomes an invaluable tool, highlighting areas for improvement that lead to more inclusive and universally beneficial design solutions.

What insights did you gain about sensory sensitivities related to neurodivergent children in New York, and how do you plan to incorporate these insights into your future projects?

JM: I gained valuable insights into sensory sensitivities, related to neurodivergent children in New York, through various sources and individuals:

Research on neurodevelopment: Meetings with the Child Study Center at Yale highlighted the specific sensory needs of neuroatypical children and how these impact their development. I also learned how the clinical world could benefit from design interventions on tools, enhancing both therapeutic and everyday experiences for these children.

Designers and architects working on inclusive spaces: I learned about the significance of sensory aspects in creating adaptable environments. These experts stressed the importance of designing places of refuge and offering choices that allow individuals to adjust their surroundings to meet their sensory needs.

Educational communities working with special needs children: Discussions with educators provided insights into their teaching methods, workshop experiences, and the practical challenges of organizing events for neurodivergent children. They also shared strategies for integrating these children with their peers to prevent stigmatization.

Overall, these experiences reminded me of the importance of involving neurodivergent individuals early in the design process. It's not just about the end result but also about fostering dialogue and collaboration to create truly inclusive designs.

Could you share what inspired you to focus your design practice on neurodivergent children?

JM: My work has always been rooted in addressing social challenges. Initially, I focused on educational products to raise awareness about gender equality, while simultaneously being drawn to themes of diversity and inclusivity in healthcare design.

During a conversation with a woman on the autism spectrum, she shared recent research about the significant impact of sensory differences on neurodivergent children. These sensory distractions often lead to difficulties in their development, challenging the common belief that communication and social issues are solely due to autism itself. Instead, many of these issues arise because sensory distractions interfere with their ability to focus and interact.

This insight highlighted to me the significant role that design, particularly in addressing sensory issues, plays in creating inclusive environments and products that accommodate the diverse needs of all children in their development.

How do you see your work evolving after this residency, particularly in terms of addressing this complex social theme through design?

JM: As I anticipated, this residency allowed me to deepen my knowledge and expand my network in care design, particularly focusing on neurodiversity. This specialization is not widely explored in Europe, so I am excited to bring this experience back with me and initiate dialogues and projects in this area.

With the insights and ideas I've gathered, I am now equipped to embark on projects that address neurodiversity through design. I feel confident in my ability to expand my practice as a designer, offering valuable and accurate design solutions that cater to the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals.

What do you consider the most important and beneficial outcome of this residency?

JM: The most important and beneficial outcome of this residency was the unique opportunity to explore a new theme, enrich my practice as a designer, and return to Europe with a wealth of knowledge and a rich network of specialists. As creative professionals, we rarely get the chance to expand our practice and delve into entirely new themes. We're often confined to the projects we're known for. This residency provided invaluable time to meet people from diverse backgrounds, exchange ideas, receive feedback, and experience the vibrant sense of community in New York.

I was particularly struck by the generosity I encountered across research, design, and educational communities. I built a new network of specialists in inclusivity and design, all of whom are not only great people but also highly competent in their fields. This allowed me to discuss my ideas as if I were consulting with advisors, gaining feedback that lends credibility to my future projects.

What were your overall impressions of the residency program?

JM: The residency program was truly an amazing experience that will shape my work in the future. It provided me with an exceptional opportunity and the freedom to explore the cultural scene of New York City while focusing on a deeply relevant theme to the region.

The program facilitated a rich cultural exchange, connecting me with numerous individuals, projects, and practices. Being present during ICFF and Oui Design! was particularly valuable, as it enabled me to participate in dynamic design events and witness the impressive work of both Wanted Design and Villa Albertine, as well as the community they have built.

As someone who works on social themes, gaining cultural perspectives is incredibly enriching, especially when focusing on inclusivity. This residency allowed me to cultivate this perspective further, similar to my experiences working and living in various countries. Being immersed in New York City for two months provided a unique and profound cultural immersion that has significantly informed my approach to design.

Would you be interested in coming back and pursuing new collaborations in the US?

JM: Absolutely, I would love to return. My time in New York City reaffirmed my belief that it is a uniquely inclusive place with a strong focus on neurodivergence and related research. I also noticed a significant interest from museums in developing educational programs, particularly those addressing social themes. I would be thrilled to come back and participate in workshops and collaborations, contributing to and learning from these innovative and impactful initiatives.

What’s next for you in your professional journey?

JM: I plan to continue my work within the fields of education and health, focusing on developing projects related to inclusivity. I am currently finalizing educational projects on gender equality, which will be available for schools in France.

Having recently moved to Luxembourg with my company, I am eager to explore the cultural scene here and expand my network in education and health design across Luxembourg and France. My goal is to meet with local specialists, share my experiences, and seek new opportunities to collaborate with public institutions, such as schools and clinics, in Luxembourg.

Additionally, I am embarking on a new path as a design educator. I have always had a strong affinity for education, and I am excited to combine this passion with the themes of my work. Teaching will allow me to share my knowledge and experiences while continuing to develop innovative, inclusive design solutions.