The space
The School for Blinds, Ahmedabad
Space study
Orthographic drawing
Orthographic drawing
Orthographic drawing
Done by taking measurement of the building to get a sense of space
Elements
Orthographic drawing
Orthographic drawing
Studying building elements of the different areas within our space gave us insights into the design consideration made while designing a space for the differently-abled. Parapets and railings were used extensively in the blind school for their safety and navigation. In blind school, there is no window opening in the corridor to avoid any hazard for students passing by. Less obstruction makes it easy to navigate and differentiate. In pre-school, windows are smaller and at lower height to make them accessible to the small children.
Textures
Light and shadow
Light and shadow
The study of colour and textures at the different areas in the school helped us to learn design consideration and user-specific standards being followed in the space. For example, the blind school has different textures on the floor and walls as indicators and safety measurements. Some textures on the wall are made due to constant touching by the visually impaired while navigating. Contrasting colours are used in certain areas for the ease of partially blind students. In pre-school. walls are painted with light blue colour which is in contrast with the colour of flesh. It helps deaf students in reading lip movement (as the person stands out against the blue background). Similarly, textures and colours are different in different areas to ease mobility. Floor textures are designed in such a way that it follows a direction and helps visually impaired in navigation through spaces.
Light and shadow
Light and shadow
Light and shadow
The study of light and shadow helped us to learn about the footfalls on certain spaces across the campus. Deaf students prefer to gather under the shadow while we have observed blind being unaffected by the light. Whereas partially blind students avoid direct sunlight as it stains their eyes. Also, the preschool classes are designed such that there is a minimum shadow being formed as it hinders reading the lip movement.
User study
Activity analysis
The activity highlighted blind mannerism that can be benefited from design intervention
"BLINDISM" - "STIM" for stimulation
"HUNGER" for physical stimulation
Blind mannerism/blindism
Concepts
Textile concepts
The final brief
To design a space for visually impaired students (Primary school students) that can help them release their motor flow by triggering various stimuli through the sense of movement, vision (for partially blind), touch and sound. These stimuli are triggered by providing them sensory experiences including touch, sound, smell and motor sense.
Mood board
The mood board takes elements from the space and activities. The space can be seen as layers of shapes and forms and the activities are taking place in between these layers. Blind mannerism is the key focus in the area of activity so, it was included in the mood board.
Model
The mood board takes elements from the space and activities. The space can be seen as layers of shapes and forms and the activities are taking place in between these layers. Blind mannerism is the key focus in the area of activity so, it was included in the mood board.
Explorations
User testing
