Inclusive Digital Map of UCD
_{University College Dublin}

with Ernesto Vasquez del Aguila

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Accessibility
Code: AC01
Author: Minna Abbas

“I wanted to capture the little things that, to the untrained eye, would be ignored or even misunderstand and bring light to how important these small changes to everyday items are. The half-bench for students who use wheelchairs allows for students with mobility issues to take part in everyday things, chatting or doing work in the fresh air, which is apart of the college life. Students who don’t have the same mobility issues would ever notice unintentionally, but it is so important to allow marginalised people the chance to enjoy the same basic, smaller things on campus. It’s upsetting to think that beforehand, wheelchair students would have to either get up onto the bench seat (which isn’t an option to most) or sit in the peripheries. There are only 3-4 benches like this in the area, and there’s room for improvement, but a start is something”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Accessibility
Code: AC02
Author: Aditi Deshmukh

“This image reflects accessibility through thoughtful, inclusive design. The wide, uncluttered aisles between the bookshelves allow for easy movement, making the space comfortable for wheelchair users, people using mobility aids, or anyone who needs more room to navigate. Clear sightlines and even lighting also support those with visual or sensory nemeds. Beyond physical access, the image represents intellectual accessibility. Knowledge is organised, reachable, and open to everyone—no barriers, no intimidation. It shows how UCD’s library spaces are designed so that all students can explore, learn, and belong, reinforcing the idea that education and opportunity should be equally accessible to all”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Accessibility
Code: AC03
Author: Yang Fei

“Bathed in warm yellow and green tones, this photograph captures The Lady at the Lake gazing across UCD’s main lake — a space alive with wild birds and gentle reflections. The image invites the viewer into a shared moment of stillness and connection with nature. As one of the four main points on UCD’s Accessible Sensory Trail, this scene embodies the University’s commitment to inclusion and a sense of belonging for all. The open, light-filled composition reflects how UCD creates spaces where everyone can engage with the campus’s natural beauty — whether through movement, reflection, or rest. The presence of the wild birds reminds us that the lake is a living, shared environment, welcoming all forms of life. The Lady at the Lake looking directly toward the camera symbolizes an invitation — a gentle reminder that each person who visits this space is seen, included, and part of the wider UCD community. The photo celebrates a campus that values accessibility not only in physical spaces but also in the emotional experience of feeling connected, calm, and truly at home”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Accessibility
Code: AC04
Author: Beknazar Saidov

“In the quiet, unappreciated edges of Richview, where trees lean gently over worn down pathways, a simple wooden ramp emerges from the ground. It lies among the grass and illuminated by the sunlight like it has always belonged here. This small structure becomes more than a ramp but a promise that every person, in everybody, can move freely through the same spaces, breathe the same air and share the same education. In its harmony with the landscape, it is a symbol of belonging, reminding us that UCD’s grounds are meant to be lived, moved and experienced by all, a space shaped for all bodies, all journeys, and all ways of moving without barriers and without exception”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Accessibility
Code: AC05
Author: Yu Su

“This chair design is something I had never seen before. When you notice it in the classroom, it immediately catches your eye and even makes you start to enjoy the feeling of coming here for class, because it brings a sense of joy. In addition, its desk panel can rotate at multiple angles, which is perfect for creating an interactive classroom atmosphere. The chair itself also includes extra storage space. Overall, the design can be described as both fun and practical”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Accessibility
Code: AC06
Author: Abiodun Emmanuel Udom

“This photograph illustrates UCD’s commitment to inclusion and sense of belonging by showing how the entrance of the Newman Building on the Belfield Campus is physically designed to support all students equally, regardless of ability or familiarity with the space. The colour-coded floor pathways, each leading to a different block or facility, including the Library, ensure that students with visual processing differences, disabilities, or those new to the campus can navigate independently and with confidence. By making the building legible and easy to move through for everyone, this system reflects UCD’s value of creating an environment where every student feels they belong and can participate fully in campus life without barriers”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Financial Equity
Code: FE01
Author: Yang Fei

“This photograph captures a wall of colourful post-it notes where UCD students share their career dreams — a bright collage of hopes, goals, and possibilities. Each note is unique, yet together they form a collective story of ambition and belonging. The mix of colours and handwriting reflects UCD’s diverse community, where no matter a person’s background, culture, or race, everyone’s aspirations hold equal value. Supported by UCD Career Services, students are guided to turn these dreams into achievable goals through advice, opportunities, and encouragement. The image celebrates a university where every individual is seen and supported — a place where difference is celebrated and unity is found in shared purpose. Each student’s journey — whether big or small — brings them one step closer to their dream, reminding us that inclusion means everyone moves forward, together”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Faith/Spirituality
Code: FS01
Author: Aditi Deshmukh

“This image captures spirituality and faith through a simple, meaningful action. The student carefully placing a note on the Christmas tree feels like a moment of quiet intention—perhaps a wish, a hope, or a prayer. The warm lights, ornaments, and handwritten messages create an atmosphere of reflection and comfort, showing how faith can be expressed through small, personal rituals. What makes this moment powerful is that it happens in a shared campus space, not a secluded one. Surrounded by others studying or passing by, it reflects how UCD makes room for different beliefs and inner practices to exist naturally alongside everyday life. It shows respect for diversity in faith and spirituality, and how students are supported in finding meaning, calm, and belonging in ways that feel authentic to them”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Health/wellbeing
Code: HW01
Author: Emilie Boostrom

“The lush greenery at the secret lake on the woodland walk in UCD Belfield campus provides a space for students to relax and take their mind off of stressful college work while being physically close to campus. This picture encompasses the beauty of the nature on campus, and reminds us of the importance of looking up from our devices/notes and to simply be with your body”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Health/wellbeing
Code: HW05
Author: Grace Hayes

“This picture emphasises how UCD provides space for everyone to enjoy and relax together. Having community can alleviate stress and anxiety”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: International
Code: IN01
Author: Minna Abbas

“This image is a good marker on how hard students of UCD work to embrace multiculturalism and inclusion for all. The newman post boards are full with different societies, programmes, groups of people with similar interests who branch out and try to connect with others, promoting such an inclusive community for the entire campus. Anyone can find their people through the hundreds of posters in Newman. Even the language elective advertisement tries to showcase the diverse set of languages being taught in electives, with very popular languages spoken by international students; Chinese, French, Spanish etc. It works to help international students get a taste of home while bringing the native students closer to their foreign peers. Overall, it’s a great effort put in students to create a closer community”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: International
Code: IN02
Author: Eyoel Beyene

“In this photo, first year International students from North America and one token International student from Italy are pictured in a UCD Villages residence space. We have formed connections from our shared experiences of moving to Ireland for University and find comfort in spending time together when we can. Thanks to this shared UCD residence space we can connect after our lectures, societies, and daily student tasks to connect more intimately. I’m thankful for this group!”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: International
Code: IN03
Author: Emilie Boostrom

“Over a third of students at UCD are international, travelling over miles and miles of blue to be a unique part of the community. The picture captures a bird flying over the main lake at UCD, a symbol of all students who travel far from home. O’Reilly Hall in the background symbolizes the scale of commitment; from President’s welcome on Day one, to Graduation”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: International
Code: IN04
Author: Yanbo Cheng

“Image title: “Across The Net, We Belong Together”. This photo shows international students connecting through sport, sharing laughter and mutual respect. It illustrates UCD’s value of creating a welcoming environment where students from different cultures can belong and build meaningful friendships”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: International
Code: IN05
Author: Fionna East

“I took this photo just before I left to go abroad and leave my home/friends/sense of belonging. This photo reflects UCD’s sense of belonging in the campus’s nature. I remembered seeing the incredible nature on campus and so I wanted to take my two closest friends to woods for this photo. The title of the photo is called “Into the Unknown”, and reflects how I no longer see these friends, but through the forests covering campus; I still feel close and loved by the presence even when abroad. My friend on the left (black) took my leaving poorly, while my friend on the right (white) and I remain close. I think this photo reflects the loneliness and courage of International students. We leave so much behind to find ourselves thousands of miles away searching for environments that remind us of home. On UCD campus, that’d be the secret lake for me. It’s wooded forest always reminds me of the park in Texas where I took this photo just before leaving”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: International
Code: IN06
Author: Simone Gibbons

“This photo was taken in the company of my international friends. I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing friends from various countries because of UCD. This photo depicts a common occurrence on UCD campus, students spending time together. In particular, these people are friends I only had the privilege to meet through UCD. Coming to UCD by myself in first year was a daunting experience, being on such a large campus with so many people. These friends not only included me but made me feel welcome. If it wasn’t for the inclusive spaces, societies, and clubs that UCD provides I never would have had the opportunity to meet likeminded people from across the country and the world”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: International
Code: IN07
Author: Shraddha Kadam

“As an international student at UCD, this painting inside the Student’s Union truly speaks to me. Its vibrant colors and inspirational words capture the diversity, friendship, and spirit of unity that make UCD such a warm and inviting place for students from all around the globe. It shows how respecting various cultures, fostering relationships and creating a community where everyone is welcomed and feels content to be a part of are all aspects of inclusion in UCD’s setting that go beyond the classroom”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: International
Code: IN08
Author: Nikasha Manaktala

“The early morning hues, the sound of the strong wind gushing at the abandoned bus stop and a bunch of random strangers. But, suddenly nothing else mattered from complaining about not sleeping enough to helping each other up the rocky remains of the ‘Great Sugar Loaf’, this experience was a perfect portrait of a sense of belonging that transcended all our differences”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: International
Code: IN09
Author: Tara McGovern

“This cozy festive photo represents the welcoming and inclusive culture and sense of community (from the Christmas tree ambience and lights to the myriad of flags) that permeate Quinn Business School”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: LGBTQI+
Code: LG01
Author: Shuheng Chen

“A sudden flash of rainbow colors on campus warms the heart”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: LGBTQI+
Code: LG02
Author: Louise Chung

“The photo illustrates UCD’s values of inclusion and sense of belonging through the natural symbol of the rainbow, which the university has officially adopted as a marker of its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community and all other diverse backgrounds. The Rainbow as a symbol of inclusion Celebrating diversity: The presence of the rainbow in the photo visually aligns with the rainbow flag, a widely recognised symbol of LGBTQIA+ pride and diversity. UCD actively uses the rainbow symbol to represent its inclusive culture; for example, it has held “Rainbow Week” events and flies the rainbow flag during Dublin pride week […] Thus, the photo’s rainbow is a powerful, naturally occurring visual that reinforces the university’s established and active commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in its community”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Solidarity
Code: OT01
Author: Minna Abbas

“In the past few months there has been a rise of far-right nationalism in Ireland, with a large social shift away from progressiveness and acceptance of people from different nationalities and ethnicities. We’ve seen the Irish flag be used to signify certain right-leaning views and weaponised against immigrants and people of colour. That said, it is refreshing to see the Irish flag being used in its original sense, a sign of unity. The Irish have stood with the Palestinian people since the beginning of time, and it is so lovely to see how protestors on campus are giving up their education, their homes and bed and overall regular standard of life to take a stand for the people in Gaza, and simultaneously bringing the true meaning of the Irish flag back, by displaying immense resilience and harmony”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Parents/Carers
Code: PC01
Author: Tara Fakhry

“This photo shows a parent or carer, looking after their baby in the buggy while also exercising their dog. They found a moment of peace and tranquility, looking over the water, time to catch their breath, relax and probably plan what was next on the agenda! Perhaps this person is or was a student of UCD, I do not know, but this further illustrates the welcoming nature of the campus. This was taken on my Olympus OM10 camera using Lomography purple 400 film, hence the unusual colouration. The focus of the image is not exactly where I might have liked it. The nature of film photography is somewhat unpredictable, the pictures cannot be checked, deleted or reshot as film is not an infinite resource and once the moment has passed, it cannot be recreated in a candid way. I enjoy what this image conveys, a quiet moment of reflection, by the water in UCD”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Race/Ethnicity
Code: RE01
Author: Manisha Tanvi

“This photo depicts inclusion in diversity looks beautiful”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Safety
Code: SA01
Author: Emilie Boostrom

“Though the picture may look calm and welcoming, when you are the one standing outside in the rain you experience the torrential rain. Similarly, life can feel miserable are unbearable sometimes, and a little shade from the heavy responsibilities can mean a lot. This picture captures the sense of security that UCD can provide. Safe to be yourself, take your time, knowing that the drenching rain will soon pass and the sun will be out for you soon”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Sensory/Quiet
Code: SQ01
Author: Leah Coulahan

“A quiet place in front of the science building where you can be grounded by watching the ducks sunbathing, and reminded that everything will be fine and nothing is that deep. It is a nice contrast to the business of the science hub”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Sensory/Quiet
Code: SQ02
Author: Yang Fei

“This photograph captures UCD’s Chess Garden, one of the four main points along the Accessible Sensory Trail. The chessboard is gently scattered with autumn leaves, their quiet fall bringing a sense of harmony and peace to the scene. At the front stands a chess piece marked with a smiling face — a playful touch left by students, symbolising the warmth and connection that thrive across campus. The Chess Garden has long been a signature space for both current and graduated students. This image reflects UCD’s values of inclusion and belonging, showing that beauty and accessibility go hand in hand. The smile on the chess piece speaks to a deeper sense of belonging, reminding us that community is built not only through structure and design but also through the warmth and spontaneity of human interaction”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Sensory/Quiet
Code: SQ03
Author: Alexa McDermot

“This picture might look like any café or chill out area around campus at first glance, but what you don’t know from just looking at it is that it took years to make this photograph. In September 2023 I was assessed for autism at 39 years old. Part of coming to terms with this identity included trying to find people who were like me: who thought like me, experienced the world similarly, who had trouble with similar things – like loud groups of people or spaces when I needed to find some tranquility to survive. UCD didn’t have a space open to everyone like this – the main problem was that there was no neurodivergent student community group that anyone could attend, with or without a certificate from a mental health professional. After an exhausting year of knocking on doors and trying to find a space that would accept us, the UCD Chaplaincy opened up it’s space at the Hub in the old Student Centre for us. The photo you’re looking at took two years to take, hundreds of emails, sweat, and tears. We now have a home and a place to talk and exchange our energy without it being depleted unduly. We are building towards the years ahead to include even more people, and UCD is showing us that we can belong here, even if it might take a little persuasion and persistence”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Sensory/Quiet
Code: SQ04
Author: Julia McDonnell

“It reminded me of the poem The wild swans at Coole by W.B Yeats. They paddle in…passion or conquest, wander where they will, Attend upon them still. It’s like students that come to the university with passion or conquest, and wanders away after their journey in UCD. It is a very peaceful photo that I think would help people find a sense of calmness and belonging-ness here”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Sensory/Quiet
Code: SQ05
Author: Philip Jeremiah Ryan

“The pond is a very restful spot, and with the growth of plants around it allows for private moments of reflection between the busy comings and goings of the University”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Sensory/Quiet
Code: SQ06
Author: Natalia Silverio

“This photo represents a space for people who need time away from crowds and stimulating environments. By providing spaces like this, UCD ensures that everyone is included, regardless of their profile”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Sensory/Quiet
Code: SQ07
Author: Manisha Tanvi

“This photo depicts how nature’s different elements when come together, it brings vibrancy and brightness even in the darkest hour”.

Inclusive Photo Exhibition
UCD Inclusive Digital Map category: Sensory/Quiet
Code: SQ08
Author: Shuhang Xu

“The rainbow symbolizes diversity, hope, and unity, representing inclusivity and the beauty of differences coming together”.

©Inclusive Digital Map of UCD 2026. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.