Research shows that any experience that involves most of the senses is always deep and meaningful. It becomes deeply embedded in the human mind. Since the deaf and blind take a multisensory approach, their understanding of space is more creative and rich than that of the able-bodied. How can architecture increasingly be used to provide a multisensory experience for the deaf and blind.
Can this approach be a catalyst in the development of meaningful spaces for the deaf and blind. As the structure was to be located in Auckland, the study of various similar building typologies catering for the deaf and blind would assist in devising an appropriate program for the building. All senses work together to provide a coherent understanding of the surroundings.
It is firmly etched in the mind and makes it a catalyst in the overall growth of the human body and mind. The subsequent design would be 'Vocational Training Center for the Deaf, Blind and Sighted' in the city of Pune, located in the western part of India.
INTRODUCTION
Poverty, widespread social stigma, illiteracy and inadequate public facilities are the main factors behind these figures. A vocational training center imparting the skills necessary to earn a living thereby creating independence for the deaf and blind would be a worthy addition to the present facilities for the disabled population. At the micro level, the architectural design would follow the basics of accessible architecture for the deaf and blind, while at the macro level it would focus on developing a multi-sensory "escapade" for the deaf, blind and sighted. All senses work together while the others compensate for the lack of any.
This heightened perceptual awareness helps the blind and deaf to deeply surrender to any constructed form. Compared to able-bodied blind and deaf people, they gain a deeper insight into built spaces through their way of research. While on a psychological level it offers us 3 “Superpowers for the Blind and Deaf - Scientific American”, accessed August 10, 2019, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/superpowers-for-the-blind-and-deaf/ .
A multisensory approach to architecture can be effectively used to provide meaningful and richer spaces for deaf and blind people. The end result would be an uplifting experience for the blind and deaf and enriching for the able-bodied.
A MULTISENSORY ESCAPADE
This research project aims to design a vocational training and development center for the deaf, blind and sighted in Pune, located in the western part of India. An attempt will be made to develop a multi-sensory environment which will not only be useful for the deaf and blind, but also be an uplifting experience for the sighted. It would be an architecture that consciously incorporates different colors, textures, sounds and smells to create an uplifting experience for the deaf, blind and sighted.
One of the successful examples of multisensory engagement in architecture is the Hazelwood School for the Blind, designed by Alan Dunlop. He subtly plays with design elements such as textures, materials and orientation to create a suitable multi-sensory environment for the blind. Because blind and deaf people lack one of their primary senses, their other senses compensate for the lack thereof by providing the intended sensory cues throughout the design5.
55 “Superpowers for the Blind and Deaf - Scientific American”, accessed August 10, 2019, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/superpowers-for-the-blind-and-deaf/. According to these views, for hearing and seeing, this multisensory environment would turn out to be an unexpected "sensory assault".
AIMS OF THE PROJECT
HOW CAN ARCHITECTURE PROVIDE AN INCREASING MULTISENSORY EXPERIENCE FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HUMAN PSYCHE. HOW CAN THIS EXPERIENCE BE A CATALYST IN THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEAF AND BLIND. All the design decisions would be made according to the needs and conveniences of the deaf and blind.
An analysis of the current situation of the blind and deaf in India follows further in this research. It informs about the location, movement (proprioception), actions, control and balance (equilibrium) of the body. As discussed earlier, every environment provides sensory input that stimulates the plethora of senses in the human body.
The predominance of the sense of vision has been observed since Renaissance times. In addition to improving the navigation of the buildings, it is also important to enhance the overall built experience for the deaf, blind and sighted. The majority of the hearing and sighted population in India do not have the proper insight into the condition of the deaf and blind.
Furthermore, most schools and NGOs working for the blind and deaf are in urban areas. Like the rest of India, conditions for the blind and deaf are equally poor in Maharashtra. Rural areas of the country lack the necessary facilities to improve the situation of disabled people.
The city of Pune is one of the major urban centers in the state of Maharashtra, India. This place is centrally located in Kalyaninagar. It is surrounded by the buildings of the city. Since the place is in the city, it is surrounded by the smells and sounds of the city.
The circulation of the homes and studios was interconnected with the administrative spaces. This spine essentially runs the entire length of the room and acts as the main connecting link between the curtain and the room. These transitional spaces can provide blind people with the necessary information about the activities taking place in the space.
Due to the uncontrolled nature of the phenomenon involving winds in design can only be done to a certain extent.
RESEARCH QUESTION
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
In "Eyes of the Skin" Pallasma emphasizes the connection between architecture and the senses. Compared to the silence of an anechoic chamber, an echo chamber is loud and noisy. Another apt precedent to show the use of sound for the benefit of the blind is the Lighthouse for the Deaf and Blind by architect Chris Downey.
In the hierarchy of the five senses, the sense of vision was always placed at the top followed by sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. There is either extreme sensitivity or extreme ignorance seen in the behavior of the hearing and non-hearing population. They consisted of areas such as the cafeteria, multi-purpose halls, amphitheater and brial library.
It is wise to use this site property and orient the structure accordingly.
METHODOLOGY
ARCHITECTURE AND THE MULTIPLE SENSES
Due to the presence of the backwaters of the dam and the surrounding hills, a funnel has been formed which directs the air.
