This dissertation documents the research involved in determining an appropriate
response for the design of a building which serves to provide tools for empowerment
and independence for blind and partially sighted people.
Primary and secondary data collection methods are used. Secondary data collection
forms the majority of information gathered focusing on precedent and case studies.
The studies investigate how buildings are currently occupied, discussing the
differences between buildings that have been specifically designed for the visually
impaired and those that have not. Analysis observes the problems that exist and
what solutions have been proposed to overcome these.
Design criteria can focus on detail design exclusively; however the building in its
entirety can be custom-designed to meet the needs of the visually impaired user.
This dissertation explores architecture as a sensory experience, highlighting findings
that can be used when designing buildings specifically for visually impaired users.
The visually impaired rely heavily on their senses enabling them to interpret their
surroundings. This research includes an exploration into the use of the senses within
the built environment and how we as sighted designers can understand, interpret
and contribute to a visually impaired person's experience of the built environment.
The research concludes on an appropriate response to designing for visually
impaired people. Conclusions are drawn and a design brief for a facility for a Society
for the Blind derived. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/5126 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Walden, Kate. |
| Contributors | Peters, Walter., Bingham, Kevin Gary. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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