Thesis Essay

My thesis is the perception of architecture beyond vision. The question is how to enhance the other senses and create a similar experience between a blind and sighted individual. With the absence of the visual sense, the other senses are heightened.

There are 285 million people worldwide who are blind or visually impaired (IAPB). The disabled are often forgotten about. Buildings are designed for the average person. The blind and visually impaired spend the most amount of time in spaces that are accustomed to them, like their homes, because of the difficulty in navigating. Many blind people only use a cane to inform others of their visual impairment, in case they run into people while walking. Is this the way things should be?

The goal is to provide the blind and visually impaired with similar experiences as sighted individuals. The average person’s dependence of the visual sense leads to the neglection of the other senses. How can architecture be experienced using all of the possible senses? With the use of other senses, new perspectives arise along with more absorption and awareness of surroundings.

 Aesthetics are critical, but what about people who cannot see? The blind and visual impaired can still imagine what a space looks like with the use of other senses. The experience of a space through a blind person’s perspective is similar to that of a sighted person’s perspective. A blind person can feel the sense of the space with the temperature of the space and the airflow. Also, the way sound travels through a space can give a blind person an idea of what the space is like. With the use of natural sources like lighting and air, the experience of a blind person can be improved.

Critical factors for any person are safety and security. How much more important is it for someone who cannot see? If a space is operable and convenient for a blind person, it is presumably going to be suitable for every other person. I design to make a difference, not just for the blind or visually impaired, but for everyone. If people are able to heighten their sense, their experiences through spaces will be more positive.

NSAD’s mission statement challenges me to push beyond my expectations and be able to think critically about a problem that many people disregard. By questioning what works and what doesn’t work, I start to learn by problem solving. My thesis will help people see things differently. Through design, social awareness on the blind and disabled can amplify.

With research and exploring what will better accommodate blind and visually impaired people, spaces are designed to make wayfinding more convenient. With the use of technology and different materials, it is possible for all of the senses to be engaged. Spaces can be designed to give visually impaired people more independence and freedom and also give them a better connection to their community. It is liberating for a blind or visually impaired person to be able to navigate on their own. More people will be able to get involved and this will help the urban concerns of today. By enhancing people’s multi sensory experiences through spaces, more communal participation will arise.