The urban planning design of cities before the blind
One of the greatest pleasures of the town planning is that there is always a professional in the sector; architects, urban planners, designers … etc that break with traditional schemes and the way of understanding a space. That surprise with their innovative ideas and that, in many respects, deserve a loquacious applause.
This is the story of Chris Downey (Oakland - California). A architect who went blind after an unfortunate accident in 2008, having to rethink the way of understanding life and his great passion, architecture, discovering that with much effort and perseverance, he has managed to transform his disability into a Gif.webpt.
Downey comments… “Before I lost my sight I was more focused on what a space looked like, now I think about how the textures of the materials, the temperatures and the acoustics feel. I try to design with more senses ».
With this premise and from a TED Channel conference it proposes the redefinition of cities and urbanism from a different point of view, a urbanism shaped by the senses where aspects necessary for the accessibility of blind people can benefit the rest of the population in a forceful way.
Remember to choose the subtitles in Spanish in the following video. Twelve minutes long that are not wasted.
Some of us wonder how it is possible that he works as an architect without being able to relate the plans or a space. From their Arch4blind web portal we can identify the projects they have carried out and their way of understanding the plans. Plans made with Braille and the use of "plasticine" to be able to identify spaces and shapes to a greater degree.
In an interview conducted by CNN Mexico … «The architect who teaches to feel» provides some information and explains his way of working and his concept of architecture for visually impaired people.
What is the method that a blind person uses to plan their projects?
When the designs are sent to me for review, I print the drawings in relief so that I can read them with my hands. To modify them, I glue small strips of wax with which I place walls or change elements of place. It is my way of developing and sharing my ideas.
What basic characteristics should a friendly space for people with visual impairments have?
Because the 90% of blind people actually have low vision, a combination of contrasting colors can guide and help distinguish between one environment and another.
On the contrary, if a door is painted the same as the wall, it is very likely that a person with low vision will not find it.
In the case of signs, they must be placed on a contrasting background, as well as stairs, handrails, and obstacles such as benches and garbage cans, so that visually impaired people can locate them.
How can the access points in buildings be differentiated to the blind?
I like to change the material of the floor in front of the building so that the texture is different and it is understood that the entrance is there. This solution not only helps blind people, but can be visually appealing.
What technologies could be used to facilitate accessibility in buildings for the blind?
In general, elevator buttons or any other access device should avoid touch screens, because they cannot be interpreted by the blind with their hands. Audible announcements or signage in braillethey can facilitate their access.
Currently, technologies similar to the Global Positioning System, known as GPS, are being developed that could be used by all people to orient themselves in a building.
What type of lighting is optimal for these types of places?
Regarding the light levels, Dramatic contrasts should be avoided. Indirect lighting is the worst for these types of spaces because it causes shadows that can be very confusing for visually impaired people.
Using very bright lighting fixtures is also not recommended. Actually, natural light, or something similar, is the most appropriate.
How has your perception of the priorities assigned to the design of architectural spaces changed?
Part of this experience has helped me understand that we should not assume that all the people who come to a building have their full capabilities.
We need to design so that the buildings are as friendly as possible.
Let us remind users that at the time we already talked about the great forgotten of architecture, the autists in the article …Guide to the influence of architecture and its physical spaces in autism.
Links of interest:
- Typography and architecture
- Ecological and living urbanism
- 30 guides to urban design
- Examples of how to take advantage of a public space
- DOT standard. Cities for people
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