Overcoming barriers in mind with pencil in mouth
IU architecture student shows inclusive art after stroke of fate
IU architecture student shows inclusive art after stroke of fate at the IU campus in Hamburg. Mouth-painted art opens eyes to other perspectives.
- Architecture student in a wheelchair: “We have to rethink design!”
- Mouth-painted art opens eyes to other perspectives
- Exhibition by Edoardo Bianchini opens on 17 April in Hamburg
Hamburg, 14 April 2025. When Edoardo Bianchini opens his exhibition on the Hamburg campus of IU International University of Applied Sciences on 17 April, he will not only be showing his art, but also how barriers can be overcome. The architecture student, who has been paralysed from the neck down after a serious accident in 2023, will present 50 of his works – all drawn by mouth.
The exhibition on the ground floor of the IU location at Waterloohain 9 in Eimsbüttel combines Edoardo's personal story with his architectural expertise. “In architecture, accessibility is often suppressed – an issue that people want to quickly check off. But as someone who is affected, I can best understand the requirements for an inclusive building,” explains the student, who is about to complete his dual studies. The pictures are not presented in the traditional way on a wall, but unconventionally on a construction fence – a deliberate design decision that fits the architectural context. In addition to the drawings, printed T-shirts from Edoardo's ‘DODO.’ collection will also be on display.
The exhibition includes 30 architecture-related drawings from his bachelor's thesis. Bianchini has also written a book to accompany the exhibition entitled ‘Breaking Barriers. Rethinking Architecture’. Its central theme is how much our environment is shaped by normative perspectives – and how conventional design excludes people with different physical abilities. His artworks raise questions: How could a sofa be designed that is just as usable and aesthetic for wheelchair users? Or how does one's view of architecture change when one applies the tape measure from a different perspective? “As a wheelchair user, I can't just quickly sit down on a chair. The effort is enormous. We need to rethink design.”
Architecture professor Heiner Stengel encouraged Bianchini to exhibit his art on the IU campus: “Edoardo's work offers a completely new perspective on architecture-related design and aesthetics. His art makes barriers visible that remain hidden to many.”
Thanks to the support of various departments at IU, Bianchini was able to continue his studies after the accident. IU adapted exam requirements and developed individual solutions to enable the student to continue his education.
The vernissage on 17 April is open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. and offers the opportunity to talk to the artist. The exhibition will be on display until the end of May.
Registration for press representatives is welcome by email to:
Contact for interview requests:
Julian Vetten
PR Manager Faktor 3 (agency) on behalf of IU
+49 1577 47 283 87
Exhibition venue:
IU International University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg Campus, Waterloohain 9 (ground floor)
https://www.iu-dualesstudium.de/standorte/hamburg/
About Edoardo Bianchini:
With nearly 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognised educational institution, based in Erfurt, began teaching in 2000 and now has 37 campuses. IU stands for maximum flexibility in study: whether through dual study, distance learning or on campus – students from over 160 nations tailor their educational path to suit their individual circumstances. With more than 200 degree programmes at bachelor’s, master’s and MBA level, IU imparts practical skills. Innovative learning concepts foster targeted, future-proof skills for an increasingly AI-driven world of work. A modern, digitally supported learning environment and the use of artificial intelligence enable effective, personalised learning. As a pioneer in this field, IU has developed its own digital learning companion, ‘Syntea’, which has been in use since 2023. A network of over 15,000 companies – including Motel One, Vodafone, AWO and Deutsche Bahn – makes IU a strong partner in the training of skilled workers and consistently links academic teaching with practical experience. Further information at: iu.org
Contact
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IU International University of Applied Sciences Press Department |