Barriers in Architecture

Posted by angelchild on 12/1/2002 at 3:32 PM

Hello-
I'm an architectue student who is doing a project on Low Vision and other vision imparements (i.e. color blindness) and how barriers in architecture effect people who have low vision. I have learned some of the general things from class, about not having a clear path to walk in, signage, stair treads, etc. Is there other things I should look into or does anyone have comments that they would like the future architects to know about before designing buildings?
Thanks for your help-Andrea angelchild3@hotmail.com

There are currently 27 replies

Re:Barriers in Architecture

I am sure there are probably some architectural notes that might be worth considering; and of course, the Americans with Disabilities Act has made everyone a bit more intimidated about such things. Personally, however, I feel that the issue of architectural barriers has been greatly overdone. What may be an architectural barrier for some may actually be a help for others who are handicapped. We're dealing with people in wheel chairs as well as people like myself who are totally blind, and people with low vision. It's ahrd to try to respond to all those at one time. I really believe that it's primarily up to those of us who are handicapped to adjust to the majority who are not. I believe it is just as important for the architect to consider functionality for the whole society as well as aesthetics, and the over-all effect of a design.

Re:Barriers in Architecture

Hello. I am doing my Masters thesis about blindness and architecture. I would disagree with Spaniel because I feel the sensitivity that takes in consideration the difference in perception between the blind and the sighted would lead to a rich design that enhances other senses just like touch. It might be the time to free ourselves from out dependence to vision and start using other senses our bodies have been privileged with. I would be appreciative if anyone who has information about the subject would let me know about it. As for your Andrea, I would like to wish you good luck and apologize for not being able to support you with more info at this stage since I have just started working on my thesis.

Re:Barriers in Architecture

2. Re:Barriers in Architecture
Posted by Hania on 03/21/2003

Hi. This message is for Hania. I am doing a project about how the visually impared influence architecture. This may also be my masters thesis topic or something similar. I was wondering if you could give me some information or websites or refrences about it. If you have none at this time I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know in the future. Thanks.

Best Regards.

Re:Barriers in Architecture

I am just staring my thesis research on for a design orientated towards blind people. There are many people interested and willing to share information on the topic. As for precedence concerning architecture involving the senses I have been directed towards Juhani Pallasmaa, Peter Zumthor and Merleau-Ponty. There was also an architect that was given alot of attention for his design for a house for blind/partially bling clients. He is Stanley Tingerman but I have not found any more information yet. I hope this helps.

Re:Barriers in Architecture

Hi, i'm currently doing thesis about architecture for the blind.i'm searching for how to design a space where the blind people and visual impaired can appreciate that space and how to help them in orientation and mobility. i found very hard to get the information about it. Anyone can help me and recommend me some information sources.

Re:Barriers in Architecture

Hi

I am also beginning my thesis, but it has more to do with barriers as a general concept. ho

Re:Barriers in Architecture

I am also doing my thesis on a subject somewhat related... I don't think the dissability act is a way to go.. I have spoken to many blind individuals in regards to architecture. The key thing here is not to consider them different. They should know how to get around in a sightless world. They do it all they long. We need to create a more sensible architecture that delights not only the blind but the sighted individual... Read "Eyes of the Skin" by pallasmaa. Merleau Ponty Phenomenology of Perception, Richard Serra (torque Ellipses, Thermal Delight in Architecture, The Poetics of Space by Bachelard, The hidden Dimension by hall, Visible and the invisible by Ponty angain, Alvar Aalto, Peter Zumthor thermal baths, Falling Water, Experiencing architecture, Steven Holl,etc. There is plenty of resources, but perhaps the search is not well directed. Perhaps try to do your research towards Phenomenology. Is Architecture who needs to be re-thought. Blind people do not need anything "special" for survival. Is us that need to design a quite enjoyable and fully integrated architecture that delights the blind as well as the sighted...

Re:Barriers in Architecture

I am doing a similar project about blind travel through spaces, but it concerns developing a trail/guide for the blind at the Grand Canyon in Arizona. If anyone has any helpful information or experiences, please post. Thanks!

Re:Barriers in Architecture

Hi, I'm an architect/inventor who has developed a new process for creating tactile graphics. I've been testing my idea and finding a place for it in architecture, and I think there is a good application in environmental graphics, and also as a teaching visualization tool. My url is http://www.photo-form.com, any feedback/suggestions would be appretiated. Thanks

Re:Barriers in Architecture

Hi
I'am a graphic design student at the university of pretoria in South Africa and am currently doing my thesis on the perceived barriers that designers have with regads to product design for visually impaired. Am struggling to find research material on the topic and in genral designers who i have interviewed do not consider this as a topic of importance. If anyone has any information it would be great.
Thanks
Jnaine

Re:Barriers in Architecture

hi,
i am a final year architecture student.I am working on a thesis for designing an institute for deafblind and blind people, concentrating on acoustical treatment and spatial proportions of the built space that would help the disabled to experience the spaces with less assistive technologies.I am finding it tough to justify my study. can anyone help me with relevent sources?

Re:Barriers in Architecture

Hi! I am Chandrani and am a final year student of architecture from Calcutta,India.
My thesis topic is a multifunctional complex for the differntly abled people, concentrating mainly on deaf and blindness. These differntly abled people lack proper social upbringing in our country(India) and they do not get much recreation from any of the recreational coplexes.
I have planned to design an integrated living-learning-sharing environment for these people, where there would be training facilities, product displays, bookstores, display area exhibiting tactile paintings and sculpture, refreshment areas etc. The entire site plan should be bounded together by a number of wayfinding pathways having trees giving auditory , olfactory stimulus along with aviary, rabbit enclosures etc.(all have olfactory stimulus).
It would be very kind of you if you could give me some more idea as to how architectural spaces could be interpreted by these differently abled people.

Bye for now.

Wishes
Chandrani

Re:Barriers in Architecture

hi, i am a final year architecture student that is also currently doing a thesis on sensory and phenomenology in architecture and concentrating on the visually impaired. i would be delighted if there's anyone that would want to share comments, knowledge, references, ideas etc with me through my email contact address aghah81@hotmail.com

Re:Barriers in Architecture

hi chandrani iam also architecture student from hyderabad india my topic is very much similar to yours..could u help me with details and about case studies....my mail id is ushh_85@yahoo.co.in

Re:Barriers in Architecture

hi, am preparing to do my thesis study on how the physical environment can be a handicap to visually impaired persons. i would appreciate any information on the blind and how they perceive space from all of you who have some information on this topic. thank you
mwaniga@yahoo.com

Re:Barriers in Architecture

hellow .. im student of architecture .. 2nd year . my new project is .. design a resident for a blind man.. i think u did this type of project .. so plz help me abt concept and show ur project..plz
tanzir .. oh sorry i forget 2 give my mail add
its
blue_tears_for_you@yahoo.com
Thanx

Re:Barriers in Architecture

Hello, I am working on my thesis for my masters of architecture degree. The notion of how space is perceived and understood by its users is the premises for my thesis. So much of architecture is structured around the visual environment, I would like to hear from the group on what makes and creates space when vision is removed from the equation. I can be reached at my email <ripp0046@umn.edu>.

Thank you!

Barriers in Architecture

Hi, I am a final year architecture student, from Portugal .

Now that I began to do my master degree, I have some problems to find out information to help me doing the work for the thesis. The subject I choose for my thesis is about the relationship between blindness people and architecture objects (at home and environment were they live), the barriers that they find in their home life.

I would like to study this special problem that the low vision and other vision impairments bring to people with this disease in their home residences. I would like to bring if possible some solutions to this problem.

I would be very pleased if you could help me with some information on this subject.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hear from you

Best regards

Hanna Gärtner
Porto, Portugal
E-mail: hanna_gartner@yahoo.com

Re:Barriers in Architecture

spatialarch, I am working on the same project line....feel free to email me on rw335@drexel.edu

Re:Barriers in Architecture

I have a question. I am also a student studying to make a blind-friendly school. Is it hard to navigate the hallways for blind children in schools? This would be benificial for my project and hopefully for future vision impaired students

Re:Barriers in Architecture

i am a student of architecture of 2nd level.my final project is on designing a living space for a blindman.i am quite tensed about the project.if anyone here can help me by giving information about blindman requirements i will b grateful forever.plsss contact with me..........thanks

Re:Barriers in Architecture

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone got in touch with any of you guys?
Thanks,

Re:Barriers in Architecture

hello
my name is randa from lebanon, m a blind architect in my master degree in architecture m facing dificulties about convencing teachers about plans for the visually impaired if you got any kind of help in ways to convence plese do respond
bye for now

Re:Barriers in Architecture

Hi there, in Australia there are tactile indicators required on every major street crossing and also at the top and bottom of stair cases. In railway stations there is wayfinding tactile indicators on the floor to help negotiate around the station. Hope this helps! http://learnspanishphrases.org/">learn spanish phrases | http://ex2system.net">ex2 system | http://workoutsforstomach.com/">workouts for stomach

Architecture for the blind - projecting sensitive spaces

Hi.
My name is Bruno and I'm a student of architecture from Portugal. I'm working on my thesis in "architecture for the blind". Is it possible to share some of the information that you have? I don't know: sites, bibliography, other thesis or some other kind of sources... I would be very grateful. There is not that much information unfortunately.
Thank you very much!

Re:Barriers in Architecture

my thesis topic for is designing spaces for the blind.....my topic of research currently is materials and textures.....pl help me find study matter or books related to it

Re: Barriers in Architecture

Is there any city that has been designed to help the blind?
http://theblind.us/