Architecture is a visual art, so what happens when the architect goes blind? After Jaime Silva lost his eyesight, he gained a deeper perspective on how to design for the disabled. Today the Philippine architect
works with engineers and other architects to promote universal design.
Universal design means designing buildings that meet the needs of people with a wide range of abilities, including those who are blind or who have limited vision. Bright colors, wall murals, and changes in illumination can help persons whose vision is impaired. Tactile clues also provide landmarks for persons who cannot see.
Learn more:
- Blind Builder, in the Manila Bulletin
- Accessible Design for the Blind
Comments
Here is an interesting article about Chris Downey, a blind architect, as it appeared in The Atlantic. http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/10/design-within-reach/8220/
Mike
thats what i am working on, in my class assingment, i want to prove that ” we alwasys associate architecture with physicalitiy and visibilities, bt i think it is much more then that,……
even we have spaces we can not show them to others, though these are very personal and limited spaces, bt they exist, hw will we name them and under what catagery will it lie……
sparla gul
Hope designing for the blinds also know as universal design is not the same as what Rem koohas proposed as SAMENESS because I don’t agree to that school of thought since different part of the world has|have different culture tradition political background and climatic condition and as such designs MUST vary•
Different areas or part of the world must be allowed to consider available building materials before designing• Architecture must VARY
Thank you, that is so cool! Even the plans look artistic- add/or not add color with a frame and you have artwork.