~

:r
i
(')
e-
c;J
0'
.
....:r
CD
<fir
eD)
-
~
3"
"C
D)
~.

..0.
0-
CD
en
cO'
:::J
o
Q)
-
en
o
o
(D'
~
0'
..,
.....
::r
CD
OJ
S'
0.
Architecture for the Visually Impaired: design of a Society for the Blind

Kate Walden

A dissertation submitted to the School of Architecture, University of KwaZulu-Natal,

Durban, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of
Architecture

January 2008
 dec Ia fOi1kIL~ratibn
I hereby declare that this dissertation is my own unaided work. It is being submitted
to the School of Architecture, Planning and Housing, University of KwaZulu-Natal,
Durban, for the degree of Master in Architecture, and has not been submitted before
for any degree or examination at any other University.

11J~~-

Signed by me on this 21st day of January 2008.

 eo nteo~tt~ts
Acknowledgements '" , , i
Abstract. ii
Glossary of Terms iii
Introduction iv
Chapter 1: Research Background 1
Chapter 2: Research Methodology 6
Chapter 3: Literature Review & Theoretical Framework '" : 11
Literature Review 12
Enabling Environment. '" 24
Perception Theory '" 27
Towards a Theory of an Architecture for the Blind 31
Neo-institutionalisation Theory 35
Chapter 4: Precedent Studies , '" '" '" 39
The Richard Attenborough Centre for Disability and the Arts .42
House near New York 46
W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind .48
Vision Care Centre : 53
Chapter 5: Case Studies 59
KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind, Durban 62
John Edward Palmer Residence, Sherwood 75
Arthur Blaxall School, Pietermaritzburg 82
Chapter 6: Site & Building Requirements: Brief Derivation , '" 89
Accommodation Description 97
Accommodation Schedule 101
Chapter 7: Conclusions & Recommendations 102
Bibliography 107
Appendix A: Design Report '" 111
Thanks to my family; Dad - for inspiring, fuelling and aiding my love for architecture
Mom and Nikki - for your constant prayer and support

To my supervisors Professor Waiter Peters and Kevin Bingham thank you for your
enthusiasm, guidance and readiness to help. Alethea Duncan-Brown thank you for
all your support and encouragement

Thank you to the following people who willingly shared information and gave of their
time without whom this dissertation would not have been possible;
Norma Bosse: John Edward Palmer Residence
Gerda Botha: Open Air School
Merle Brown, Delia and Rosh Subrayen: KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind
Bruce Clark: Bruce Clark Architects
Raymond Frank and Mrs Moosa: Arthur Blaxall School
Krish Shunmugam: UKZN Disabilities Department

Many thanks to the library staff; Tim, Janine, Michelle and Mukesh for cheerful
assistance in the Archi Library

Paulsie thanks for the laughs, tears and tea shared

Thank you Tom for loving me through the chaos

All thanks and glory to Jesus Christ, my rock, my song and my unfailing love
 abstAg5~tct
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.
ii
 glossar)b~stl~of
Visually Impaired : reduced vision so severe as to constitute a handicap. This is a
collective term used to describe all conditions of impaired vision, including total
blindness as well as partial sight

Blind: inability to see with the physical eyes, without sight

Partially Sighted: with residual vision

Legal Blindness (Legally Blind) : a person is considered "legally blind" when their
visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye. A person who is legally blind is
eligible for disability benefits and recognised as having a handicap

Kinaesthesia : the perception of the bodies position and movement, the sensation
accompanying the movement of muscles

iii
 i ntrod UllrttJallclion
This dissertation documents the research involved in determining an appropriate
response to the design of a building for the use of blind and partially sighted people.

Design considerations and 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 will use this idea as its focus and explore the factors
to be considered for the successful design of a building in which to house the
facilities of a Society for the Blind in Durban, South Africa.

This dissertation will explore 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. This investigation will consider how architects can address all the
senses through the use of architectural design and detailing in order to enable a
visually impaired person to accurately comprehend their environment and gain
enjoyment from it.

Britain and the USA are at the forefront of barrier-free design implementation. The
intention is to establish where South Africa's cultural and physical needs differentiate

iv
from those of Britain and America and provide a document that will provide guidelines
appropriate to the South African context.

The study will 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. Comparisons and contrasts between buildings in
South Africa and developed countries will be analysed in order to observe the
problems that exist and what solutions have been proposed to overcome these in
the past.

This dissertation will investigate the nature of the built environment and interpret
which aspects impact upon the visually impaired both to their detriment, and
conversely, to their improved quality of life. The intention is to explore the ways in
which designers can make a significant contribution to the quality of life of the
visually impaired user in their mobility, independence, self determination and overall
enjoyment of the building. The research will also study how the building effects and
influences the rehabilitation process of integrating the users into society and the
wider environment.

v
 " ..

~
~j
e
j
Q.
 Introduction
A society for the Blind is an organised group of persons associated together
because of a common goal of aiding, supporting and educating people with visual
impairments.

The KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind was formed in 1919 by John Edward
Palmer and assists blind and partially sighted people throughout KwaZulu-Natal. It is
a Non-Profit organisation which services the needs of visually impaired people in the
areas of rehabilitation, education, formal and informal employment, accommodation
and recreation.

The aim of an organisation such as this is to provide a support network for the
visually impaired person and to provide them with the tools for dealing with th_eir
impairment. The purpose is to empower them so that they can lead independent
lives through the provision of education, training and employment services. The
overall goal is to improve the quality of life of visually impaired people.

Existing Facilities
The organisation provides facilities within the establishment which include a
resource centre, training facilities, administration and a residential facility.

Rehabilitation and instruction is provided for visually impaired people so that they
can cope with the different challenges of the built environment in order to become
independent and mobile in their daily lives. Training is offered, where life skills such
as Braille, computer use, weaving and carpentry are available. These skills serve to
' j'

2
empower people giving them an opportunity to earn an "income. This organisation
also provides information and knowledge to visually impaired people regarding their
handicap. Counselling through social services is also available. Low vision
assessment is offered and assistive devices, for example magnifiers or talking
clocks, are also available.

A society by nature has people visiting for temporary periods. Even residents only
reside for six months at a time whilst completing the weaving or carpentry course
and are then released to be effective within their community.

A need exists for institutions such as these within society. This is not an attempt to
isolate visually impaired people but rather an opportunity to provide a place where
expertise, knowledge and assistance for visually impaired people is available
providing them with tools to deal with their impairment on a day-to-day basis.

Research Problems
The visually impaired rely on all their senses to enable them to interpret their
surroundings; space should therefore be a continuous sensory experience. This
research explores the use of the senses within the built environment and how sighted
designers can contribute to a visually impaired person's experience of a building.
Visually impaired people use location and direction clues from a variety of aural,
tactile, olfactory and kinaesthetic senses. Textures, acoustics and scents contribute to
the makeup of the built environment providing necessary markers and messages to
the visually impaired and therefore need to be incorporated as conscious elements of
architectural design. The research investigates how designers have incorporated
3
these elements into architecture in the past and draws conclusions on successful
ways in which to implement such elements into future designs.

Jose R. Bernardo, in his paper Architecture for Blind Persons, identifies the
controversy that exists between those who believe a 'mothering' environment is
appropriate and those who believe a 'hostile' environment is better suited.
(Bernardo: 1970, 262) Some believe that an environment which is custom-designed
is 'mothering' and hinders visually impaired peoples' development as they do not
learn to cope with environments which are not specifically tailored to their needs.
Others believe that a 'hostile' environment disregards the needs of the user and
sends out the message that the visually impaired users' needs are not significant.
This research explores both ideas and concludes with an appropriate design
approach.

Key questions
Key questions include:
• What problems are associated with conventional design methods for the visually
impaired user?
• What advantages can custom-built buildings offer to the blind user?
• What 'conceptual' elements are required and how can these be incorporated
into a building designed for visually impaired users? (Routes, layout & volumes)
• What 'detailed' elements are required to stimulate the sensory perceptions and
need to be incorporated into a building designed for visually impaired users?
(Acoustic, smell, light levels, surfaces & materials)

4
 • What criteria can be analysed to establish the process for selecting an
appropriate site for the building typology that has emerged from this research?
Working Hypothesis
What specific design considerations and criteria need to be addressed in the design
of a building for the Society for the Blind in a suburban context in Durban in order to
maximise the potential and success of the structure for the end user.

Aims and Objectives

This dissertation will investigate the nature of the built environment and interpret
which aspects impact upon the visually impaired both to their detriment and
conversely, to their improved quality of life.

The research will also study how designers can address all the sens~s th~ough_ the

use of architectural design in order to enable a visually impaired person to

accurately comprehend their environment and gain enjoyment from it.

Conclusions
A building for the Society for the Blind must accommodate the needs of the Society
and provide appropriate facilities that enable the continuation of assistance and
education for visually impaired people.

This research's intention is to explore the ways in which designers can make a
significant contribution to the quality of life of the visually impaired user in their
mobility, independence, self determination and their overall enjoyment of the built
environment.
5
" ..
 Introduction
The research methodology employed in this dissertation comprises of two parts,
namely; primary research - obtained through analysing data gathered through
interviews and case studies, and secondary research - by examining literature and
drawing conclusions. Due to the nature of the topic the research is qualitative not
quantitative.

Primary Research

Primary research involves obtaining qualitative data. Qualitative data was gathered
through a series of structured interviews with professionals who are involved in the
care of visually impaired people. Professional's knowledge, expertise and past
experiences rather than preferences or data collection gathered from quantitative
analysis was required. Due to the explorative nature of the topic, structured
interviews are more effective. Structured and informal interviews with visually
impaired individuals helped to attain valuable insight and understanding into the
needs of blind and partially sighted people. Furthermore from these interviews the
sensory opportunities available in architectural design were explored to portray an
environment easily understood and enjoyed by visually impaired users. Structured
interviews with those engaged in community issues helped in developing an overall
understanding of the needs of the community. These interviews provided
understanding of the role, ethos and philosophy of blind societies. They also
provided practical insight into the functional requirements and needs for the day-to-
day operations of a society for the blind.

7
Interviewees include:

• Merle Brown - General Manager of KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind, Durban
• Rosh Subrayen - Head Of Department Rehabilitation at KwaZulu -Natal Society
for the Blind, Durban
• Desmond Frank - Principal of Arthur Blaxall School, Pietermaritzburg
• Mrs Moosa - Teacher at Arthur Blaxall School who is blind, Pietermaritzburg
• Anonymous partially sighted person- Head Coordinator of the disability unit at a
tertiary institution, Durban
• Norma Bosse - Manager of John Edward Palmer Residence

Furthermore, primary research involved case studies which took the form of visiting,
critically evaluating and photographing facilities that are utilised for blind and partially
sighted users . The relevant authorities of these facilities were interviewed and the
working drawings were obtained and analysed. The focus area of the research was
the KwaZulu-Natal region. These case studies include:

• KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind, Durban

• Arthur Blaxall School, Pietermaritzburg
• John Edward Palmer Residence, Durban

Secondary Research
The secondary research forms the foundation for the research in architectural design
specifically for visually impaired users. The first section of the secondary research is
an in-depth literature review of the existing body of knowledge in the form of books,
8
journals and unpublished theses. A critical analysis of this literature formed the basis
of the criteria by which the precedent and case studies were analysed.

The second section of secondary research is a critical analysis of international

precedents found in architectural journals and books. Five precedents from various
countries were selected for analysis. All examples are custom-built buildings and
have been analysed through photographs and architectural drawings.

Precedent studies include:

1. The Richard Attenborough Centre for Disability and the Arts, University of
Leicester, United Kingdom, 1997. Architects: lan Taylor with Bennetts Associates.
This example was chosen to analyse the degree to which aural architecture is
effective in buildings.

2. House near New York, United States. Architects: Charles Moore and Richard B
Oliver.
This example was chosen to analyse the value of designing for the use of human
senses on sighted users.

3. W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind, Ontario, United States, 2005.
Architects: G. Bruce Stratton Architects.
This example was chosen to analyse the success of the single-spine plan.

9
4. Vision Care Centre, Bristol, United Kingdom, 1993. Architects: Alec French
Partnership.
This example was chosen to analyse the concept of encouraging independence,
integration into society and normality of lifestyle.

Finally the data obtained from this research document serves to derive a brief and
accommodation schedule which will inform the design of a new building in which to
accommodate the KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind in Durban, South Africa. The
focus of the research emerges in the use of materials and the layout of the building.
The design practicalities attained from this research informs the design ensuring that
it addresses and adequately resolves the issues explored and conclusions drawn in
this document.

10
 .. .

.....
.....
 3.0. Literature Review

Introduction
This chapter formulates a review of the relevant aspects of the topic. It reviews and
summarises the information gathered and places it into the context of existing
knowledge. The available material has provided a background of knowledge from
which to draw information regarding the design of buildings for visually impaired
people.

Accessible Design
Selwyn Goldsmith believes that architects can make a significant contribution to the
quality of life of the visually impaired. (Goldsmith: 1976) Careful consideration of the
way in which blind and partially sighted people experience the environment should
lead to a building of conscious design which meets the needs of visually impaired
people in a variety of aspects.

Human Adaptability
There are those who believe that specialist design for the visually impaired is not
necessary. Vaughn argues that people with a visual impairment have coped well in
the built environment in the past without modifications and have adapted to the way in
which sighted architects have designed habitable buildings. (Vaughn: 1993) However
research by the United Kingdom's Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) does
not support this view. The RNIB's research reveals that a large percentage of the
visually impaired appear isolated and feel trapped in their homes. This confirms that
people with a visual impairment do not cope well in the built environment which
12
focuses on the sighted user and ignores the needs of the blind or partially sighted
person.

Goldsmith argues that the human body is extremely flexible and is able to adapt to
harsh conditions imposed by his or her environment. Goldsmith feels that designers
take advantage of people's ability to endear discomfort and inconvenience. He
suggests that designers should design buildings that suit all people and their needs.

Wayfinding
Wayfinding is the term used to describe the process which people go through in order
to find their way around an environment. Wayfinding is fundamentally a problem-
solving activity and is affected by a variety of factors. People's perception of the
environment, availability and understandability of information, one's ability to orientate
oneself spatially, decision-making and environmental factors all affect how
successfully one finds one's way.

The United Kingdom's NHS (National Health Service) Estates Wayfinding document
produced as guidance for healthcare facilities in Britain proposes that if an individual
successfully solves a wayfinding problem on their first visit to a building and have the
ability to remember that solution, then they should not have a problem on their
subsequent visits to the same building. Information facing the visitor should be simple
enough to be followed while at the same time sufficient enough to ensure successful
wayfinding. It is also important to remember that blind and partially sighted people
require more information and varying information from that of a sighted person.

13
The NHS document discusses the wayfinding problems experienced by people who
have lost their sense of sight or have reduced vision. A person's type of visual
impairment and their degree of residual vision determine how they will find their way.
Less than 10% of visually impaired people are totally blind. The remainder rely on
their residual vision to determine shapes, contrasts and colours to aid them in their
wayfinding process. The visually impaired rely heavily on sound and touch to find their
way hence architects are encouraged to exploit these elements in order to create an
environment that is easily navigated by the blind or partially sighted person.

According to Romedi Passini architectural communication provides the user with the
information needed to solve wayfinding problems as defined above. (Passini:
1988,425) Passini performed multiple wayfinding studies on blind and sighted
subjects to determine the information needs of the blind person. He discovered that
the blind user plans his/her journey in more detail than sighted people do which
requires additional information from the environment. Passini argued that carefully
thought-out design interventions can have a major effect on the mobility of the blind
user. The blind way-finder formulates more decisions than a sighted person and uses
more units of environmental information to make these decisions. Identifiable objects
and architectural features can serve as reference points, however they must be
meaningful and communicate specific identifiable features. Passini suggests that in
order for buildings to be user-friendly surroundings for visually impaired people, the
designer must reflect the need for additional environmental information. How well the
information is perceived will determine whether it is user-friendly or not.

14
It is important to note that an excess of orientation clues can become confusing and
result in a clutter of information that cannot be deciphered; "Such information must not
be chaotic, for it is only when information changes visually handicapped individuals'
perceptions logically and directly that we can talk of a clear architectural idea of the
environment." (Bobrova: 1990,26)

The Environment and the Blind

There is significant controversy over what type of environment is appropriate for
blind and partially sighted people. Jose R. Bernardo considers that an architect can
design an artificial environment completely tailored to the sensory needs of the blind
person however this would be labelled as 'protective'. (Bernardo: 1970) He then
considers an environment which disregards the blind person altogether and labels it
'hostile'. Bernardo ponders whether an environment that is difficult to cope with
would make the sighted environment easier to manage. Bernardo proposes that the
most suitable environment is perhaps one that is 'progressional'. A 'developmental
sequence of environments' serves to integrate the blind minority into the sighted
majority. Such an environment will be 'protective' within the centre and 'hostile'
towards the exterior when introducing the individual to the sighted environment.
Bernardo concludes that the only way to truly assess what environment to design is
for the architect to consult the visually impaired people for whom he is designing.
"Obviously the mature architect cannot rely on his own experiences when designing
for the blind, for being sighted, he lacks the kind of experiences that the blind have.
He has, therefore, to rely on information made available to him." (Bernardo:
1970,263)

15
 The Human Senses
People use four of their five senses - sight, sound, touch and smell - in varying
degrees and sometimes subconsciously when interacting with the built environment.
By looking at each sense independently we can distinguish how each sense is used.
The consequence when one sense is removed or its effectiveness reduced is that
the other senses are greater depended upon.

Sight
Sight is the sense most relied upon. Our vision allows us to comprehend images that
are far and near. We can see the nature of objects, whether they are smooth or
rough, soft or hard. Our eyes reflect the environment back to us. Less than 10% of
visually impaired people are totally blind. It is therefore important not to exclude the
inclusion of visual elements in the way of bold forms, tonal contrasts and colour.

Sound
For a person without sight. the most informative and developed sense is hearing.
Sound is omni-directional providing information about activities which are all around,
far or near. Sound gives warning and offers direction. Buildings return sound to us,
structuring and articulating our understanding of space.

Touch
Texture can only offer information at arms length. Texture can be informative but
cannot give information about something a long distance away, only that which is
imminent.

16
 Smell
Smell is rarely used as a directional clue. However it can be used as a source of
information and guidance. A coffee shop, for example, emits an aroma of coffee
disclosing its location to the visually impaired person.

Emphasis on the Non-Visual

Architecture is a full-body experience and too often architects focus exclusively on
visual aesthetics. Through the exploration of sensory architecture it is evident that
visually impaired users benefit positively from architecture that communicates with
them through their remaining functional senses.

Furthermore, it is apparent that sensory architecture is richly satisfying to sighted

users too. Tatiana Bobrova believes that an environment of favourable design for the
visually impaired is advantageous to the sighted person too. He states, "Any
architecture must be of a design so as to be perceived by the whole complex of
sensory organs of man. It is only then that it will be truly human." (Bobrova,T:
1990,32)

The most persistent memory of a space is most often the smell, sound or feel of it.
Rarely do we remember the appearance of spaces but a particular smell can rouse
an image completely forgotten by the eye. Architecture that appeals to one's senses
is committed to memory on a deeper level thus aiding the visually impaired person to
memorise a buildings and their layouts.

17
Bernardo states that the aural, olfactory and tactile environment means very little to
the sighted person but means everything to those without sight. "The sighted
individual will pay little attention to a small ramp leading into a space; or to the
transition from a soft floor to a hard one; or from a brilliant room with hard surfaces
to a mellow one with soft wall coverings; or from a warm room to another slightly
cooler. And he will pay little attention to these details because that is all they are to
him: details. But these clues are not details to a blind individual. These clues are the
space itself. They provide the only way blind persons can perceive space and
become orientated to it." (Bernardo: 1970,264)

Bernardo does not relate any of his concepts to the wide range of visual impairments
that exist. The needs of the totally blind as well as the partially sighted must be
included in the conceptualisation of the design. A person with partial sight may never
develop the ability to determine auditory distinctions but will benefit from tonal
contrasts and bright colours.

Acoustic Architecture

For the visually impaired a space is understood and appreciated through its echo. A
sound source can provide directional guidance. Hearing provides a medium of
instruction and a guide in movement. Common sounds within buildings provide clues
so these sounds should not be suppressed. The sound of a cash register within a
shop gives direction or the rumbling of escalators or the chimes when the lift doors
open all provide clues about the buildings layout.

18
 The ways in which sound can be used in physical orientation was summarised by
Fetherstone as follows: (Fetherstone: 1958,9)

Sprelld • Observation of a familiar sound serves as a guide to position and orientation;

re-Pl ected some
• Observation of an unfamiliar sound indicates a potential hazard such as a

r
r>.

f
;l~~ttm~%l~t?m~%:tn~~~t%fti :::~::::$~:i;~~:~~~t:;~~~~:t~-;~~;~~:m~:~$~tmf~~E:~
•
moving vehicle;
Observation of one's own footsteps indicates the nature of the floor surface, the
Mono-pitch ceiling Concave ceiling
volume being passed through and echoes of obstructions to be noted.

Warren Brodey in his article Sound and Space identifies different sound qualities
that varying environments portray. In his research with blind people he discovered
that different sound qualities carry different moods. A room with hard plaster and
block accentuates higher tones increasing fatigue by making everyone sound as
- - ---
though they are speaking sharply. A carpeted and acoustically-tiled room can make
Double-pitch ceiling a meeting sound dead as enthusiasm is 'wet-blanketed' by a dead sounding space.
(Brody: 1965)

Reflection of sound is different on flat, bent or oblique surfaces and the height of
rooms plays a part too. The different sound behaviour of one space in contrast to

~ another provides visually impaired people with an image of where they are. Hence

I
differences in acoustics are closely linked with the visible geometric features of the
environment. (Illustration 3.0)
:::::::::::::::::f~:· ·· · · ·· · ·· ·· ····_· · ':.u.:·:. .:.:·:.,. ·,-,-,-,.....'
Coffered ceiling Brodey reveals that windows communicate information to blind people in a variety of
1113.0: Reflection of sound on different surfaces ways. They are not merely places where heat streams in or is drawn out, but they
(Egan : 1988 ,93-340)
19
 serve as ears which emit sounds from the outside, bringing the outdoors into the
room, enlarging the space and presenting the blind person with information as to the
detail of the outdoors. The sounds that come through windows and openings help
blind people to orientate themselves. The sounds resonate off materials which have
different reflecting properties providing the blind person with key information about
his/her location and the nature of the environment he/she finds himself/herself in.

Tactile Architecture

Il
., J/ ; 2@: _
Blind people live in a world of surfaces. They can only use their sense of touch
III 3.1: change in texture underfoot alerts pedestrian to an within the radius of their arms and hence rely on this sense for determining their
adjacent opening (Barker: 1995,42)
exact location. Tactile aids provide information about their position within an
environment by the feel of their surrounding surfaces by hand or underfoot. Changes
in floor textures to delineate different areas are useful aids. (Illustration 3.1&3.2)
Fetherstone suggests that touch can be exploited in the following ways:
(Fetherstone: 1958,10)

• Differentiating surfaces can identify different areas within a building

• Different edges to surfaces provide a warning of change
• Differentiating surfaces provide a warning of hazards
• Guide strips give directional aids

A highly tactile environment gives a building richness and a depth which can be

III 3.2: change of texture observed by the blind, the partially sighted, and the sighted person.
surrounding bollards warns of
potential hazard (Barker: 1995,44)

20
 Olfactory Architecture
The sense of smell is not as widely used as the other senses but it does play a part
in providing clues if there are elements within a design which actively release smells
into the environment.

Smell is often not intentionally included in the design of a building as a location clue,
however people will use it to identify and remember places. For example the smell of
food identifies a restaurant. The scent of trees in blossom identifies planting. The
smell of thyme, lavender and rosemary identifies an herb garden. Laundries,
kitchens and coffee areas give off scents too which disclose their location.

Aromatic clue givers are easily recognisable and help to describe the environment to
the visually impaired person.

21
 3.1. Theoretical Framework

Introduction
In determining architectural theories to be explored one must first ask the question:
for whom is the building intended and what is the building's aim? Once these factors
have been considered it is evident that the theories to be explored, evaluated and
interpreted must relate to the specific needs of the building and its users. With this in
mind the theories outlined below have been researched and have served to inform
the theoretical framework of the design of a building for the society for the blind.

Places and buildings need to be nourishing to the human being in order for them to
be of a health giving nature. A society for the blind has many facets; one of those is
the facet providing a helping hand in order to initiate the healing process. The
healing nature of architecture is examined in this chapter.

Consistent use of sensory cues helps to structure and identify a person's

surroundings. An environment that is legible and easily identified to the visually
impaired person requires certain elements in order for them to comprehend it. This is
explored through the perception theory.

The positive and negative effect of specially designed buildings particularly for the
disabled minority, which is the blind, is critiqued. An assessment of the theory of an
'architecture for the blind' questions whether architects should create specialised
environments or rather solve existing problems in our normal built environment.

22
The provision of groups within the greater environment is explored in the neo-
institutionalisation theory and what affects these groups of accessible architecture
have on people with disabilities.

The theoretical discourse provides a set of requirements to fulfil which serves as a

programme for the building to fulfil. It is this approach that establishes the theoretical
framework considered for the design.

23
 3.1.1. Enabling Environment

Although most visually impaired people will never be able to regain their sight, the
environment in which they enter for aid and care must be of a healing nature. A
healing environment will accelerate the pace at which a person gains mobility or the
pace at which a person comes to terms with their impairment and the consequences
thereof. Architecture can either serve to support their impairment or damage it.

Spirit of Place
Through the use of one's senses the spirit of a place is formed in one's mind and
body. More than the appearance of a place it's the spirit of the place which effects us
emotionally. A building therefore with a sense of wholeness and peace will nourish
the user on an emotional level. An outside source, ie counselling, is needed to
initiate the healing process however the environment can provide nourishment and
support for the person. Healing environments and healing qualities of environments
can therefore be discussed.

Architecture as Nourishment for the Senses

Architecture is experienced through the senses. For visually impaired people it is
experienced through, smell, touch, sound and warmth. Good architecture will
nourish these senses. If a building emits a bad odour it can ruin the entire
environment for the person. Hence the smells that materials, such as carpets or
wood stains, give off should be considered when selecting materials.

24
 Textures that we touch with our hands or feet identify approachable or
inapproachable places. The way a bench feels to sit on determines whether a
person will linger there or move on to a more welcoming seat.

The sound of a room can affect the mood of space. If sound resonates or echoes the
mood is sharp and anxious, if sound is absorbed it can feel flat and lifeless. It is thus
important to obtain the right balance to ensure the appropriate mood in a space.

u
~ -
~ The Essence of Place

M- -
o
ft

D DOQUQDDDDIIIJ
~

D u fI Dil l] a a D i1 D
The spirit of a place is perceived through our finer senses. These senses recognize
the invisible reality which lies beyond our senses of touch, smell and hearing. This is
~l
o on.oDOOO" "O
r 11 the spiritual essence of a place. The way in which it has been planned, built, is cared
for and has evolved portrays the unspoken values which are the sense of place.

Soft surfaces have healing qualities. Softer surfaces feel more alive and relaxed and
renew us. Harder surfaces are lifeless, sterile and tense. Our surroundings can
dictate our mood and emotions causing us to feel a certain way. Vegetation plays an
important role in a healing environment. Vegetation brings life and softness.
(Illustration 3.3) The spaces between buildings therefore become crucial in
designing a place which heals.

Summary
!~~k S """"'- Our surroundings are a powerful art form which has the potential to be healing in
III 3.3: Example of plants softening hard surfaces
(Day: 1990,76)
nature. It is therefore of utmost importance to consider how the environment is
shaped and manipulated in order to provide support to the person who is dealing
25
with sight loss. The spirit of a place affects us emotionally and should be carefully
considered when designing for the visually impaired person.

Good architecture nourishes the human senses. Consideration of the senses in the
design of the building creates an environment that enables and comforts the user in
a manner that can bring healing on an emotional level.

'Failure to nourish the soul is experienced also as failure to provide the right physical
environment.' (Day: 1990,80)

26
 3.1.2. Perception Theory

In Kevin Lynch's book, Image of a City, he explores the image of the environment as
perceived by the individual moving through it. Lynch touches on legibility, structure,
identity and 'imageability' to explore the way in which the individual perceives the
environment one finds oneself in. (Lynch: 1960)

The urban theory explored by Lynch can be applied to visually impaired users.
Perception means to perceive rather than to see. Lynch explores how one perceives
a city through 'imageability'. The way in which the blind or partially sighted person
perceives his/her environment is crucial to the designer's understanding of how a
visually impaired person will perceive the environment that the designer creates for
them.

The Image of the Environment

Lynch identifies a series of elements which establish a coherent framework within an

environment; path, landmark, edge, node and district. These elements help us to
navigate an unfamiliar space and have a role to play in the ease of legibility of
space. These elements can be defined as follows;

Paths: routes of movement, circulation, channels, transit lines

Edges: linear elements, boundaries between parts
Districts: recognisable sections which are entered into
Nodes: focal points that can be entered into, a junction or concentration of activities
Landmarks: external points of reference not entered into

27
An environment is most legible when these elements are clearly defined for the user.

Lynch suggests that for sighted people almost every sense is in operation when
experiencing and moving through an environment. This is certainly true for visually
impaired people moving through a building, except that their sense of sight is
hindered or absent. Their remaining senses are not only in operation but are relied
upon in order to accurately perceive the environment they find themselves in.

Legibility
Lynch describes the legibility or clarity of a city as "the ease with which its parts can
be recognised and can be organised into a coherent pattern." (Lynch: 1960,2) A
legible city contains districts, landmarks and pathways which are easily identifiable
to the visitor. Aldo van Eyck said "make of each house a small city and of each city a
large house" (Engel: 1999,28) confirming that an urban theory can be applied to an
individual building. A building with easily identifiable areas, markers and routes
produces a legible building. Regardless of an individuals' abilities or disabilities,
features need to be included in order to achieve legibility. Legibility is of particular
importance for visually impaired users; hence the importance to ensure that legibility
is achieved using non-visual aids.

Lynch suggests that structuring and identifying the environment can be achieved
through the use of many cues, namely; visual cues of colour, shape and tone as well
as sensory cues such as smell, sound, touch and kinaesthesia. Visual cues are

28
 useful to the partially sighted however blind users rely entirely on the provision of
sensory cues for their ease of orientation and wayfinding.

A tactile plan at the starting point of the journey is a useful device for the visually
impaired user to employ as a memorised point of reference when in a position of
disorientation. (Illustration 3.4) A clear image, committed to memory, of existing
surroundings is a useful tool. "A good environmental image gives its possessor an
important sense of emotional security" (Lynch: 1960,4)

Lynch considers the 'rare experience' of being lost in an environment. He suggests

that in the event of becoming disorientated one would feel anxiety. With visually
impaired people this possibility is a probability. It is essential for the design of a
building for the visually impaired to be legible and navigable to the blind or partially
sighted person. "A distinctive and legible environment not only offers security but
also heightens the potential depth and intensity of human experience." (Lynch:
III 3.4: Example of a tactile plan (Filler: 1978,83) 1960,5)

An ordered environment guiding the user at every opportunity, Lynch believes, may
hinder the possibility of 'new patterns of activities'. It may be beneficial to include
areas for self-exploration and spaces allowing for 'new patterns of activities'.

Passini, in his book Wayfinding in Architecture, states that it is the sole responsibility
of the architect to ensure that the information provided is legible to all users
particularly, for the purposes of this dissertation, the visually impaired. "A place that

29
facilitates the obtaining and understanding of environmental information will have a
high legibility factor." (Passini: 1984,110)

Imageability

"A rather awkward term, imageability, has been used to describe the ease with
which a place can be mentally represented". (Passini: 1984,110) Lynch defines
'imageability' as "that quality in a physical object which gives it a high probability of
evoking a strong image in any given observer". (Lynch: 1960,9)

Landmarks help to fill in the image; things such as signs, trees, doorknobs and other
detail serve as reference points for visually impaired people. "The characteristic that
would give a space landmark values was its distinctiveness from other spaces".
(Passini: 1984,113)

Summary
In order to achieve an environment that is legible and easily identified there are
certain elements which need to be in place for the visually impaired user. Structuring
and identifying the environment can be achieved through the use of cues, namely;
colour, tone, smell, sound and touch. This technique of consistent use of sensory
cues from the built environment aids the visually impaired person's orientation and
wayfinding.

30
 3.1.3. Towards a Theory of an Architecture for the Blind

This premise is discussed by Jose R. Bernardo, an American Architect, in his paper

Architecture for Blind Persons. Bernardo discusses the specialised design of
buildings particularly for the disabled minority which is the blind. This section
assesses this theory and what it stands for. Does it serve to propose architects'
create specialised custom-designed environments or rather solve problems that
exist in the normal built environment?

Defining Architecture in Non-Visual Terms

Vanoli's research into architecture for the blind in his unpublished thesis, Unsighted
Barriers, exposes two prominent and opposing schools of thought.

The group opposing the idea of an architecture for the blind do so on this argument:

It is virtually impossible for architects to assess the type of non-visual information

that blind people use for orientation. Bernardo states that "the architect will have to
redefine architecture in non-visual terms. This is extremely difficult, if not impossible,
for someone who is not blind." (Bernardo: 1970,262) Bernardo ponders whether it is
possible for an architect to conceptualise the blind person's spatial image and
whether an environment that is deliberately tuned to satisfy his/her sensory needs
would be assistive. Bernardo states "the architect will have to face a complete
reversal of priorities if he is to design successfully for the blind." (Bernardo:
1970,262)

31
Bernardo establishes that buildings which are specially designed provide a
protective environment that 'mothers' the visually impaired user. (Bernardo:
1970,262) This disadvantages visually impaired people when they find themselves
outside of this protective environment. It is believed that specially designed buildings
enhance segregation as the users become familiar with them and then cannot cope
when in the normal environment. Visually impaired people will therefore avoid the
normal environment thus reducing interaction with sighted people.

The group supporting an architecture for the blind do so on this argument:

Bernardo concludes that architects can in fact make a valuable contribution to the
blind person's ability to orientate him/herself. "In order to facilitate the blind person's
- -
comprehension of space, the architect can and should modify those non-visual
parameters that are seldom considered by most architects." (Bernardo: 1970,263)

Research has concluded that visually impaired people have the ability to orientate
and locate themselves by relying on non-visual spatial information. Vanoli concludes
that a visually impaired person would benefit positively from an environment that
complements and assists him/her in his/her mobility and process to orientate
themselves using non-visual spatial information. (Vanoli: 1972)

There are underlying complexities to these discussions. Every visually impaired

individual has specific conditions associated with his/her impairment and these

32
specific needs must be met. These needs are important to discern and can be
distinguished as follows;
1. Children preparing for life in a sighted world
2. Elderly visually impaired people
3. Newly visually impaired people being rehabilitated.

Each of these categories calls for different environments. Children require a lesser
degree of adaptation as they are in the process of learning how to cope in the world
and a building that 'mothers' them would disadvantage them when they find
themselves in a normal environment. The same applies for the newly visually
impaired people being rehabilitated. A completely protective and helpful environment
will disadvantage them once they leave the building. However when designing for
the elderly visually impaired, a special environment that is convenient, pleasant and
easy to cope with, would be appropriate.

Existing Problems in the Built Environment

The group that are opposed to the concept of architecture for the blind are however
in favour of adjusting the built environment to ensure accessibility and safety for
blind users. Architectural barriers prevent the enjoyment of a building. A space that
distorts sound can give false clues and disorientate a visually impaired person.
Obstacles below knee level, unclear definition between pavement and street and
large facades of glass are all potentially hazardous to the partially sighted or blind
person. These dangers must be taken into consideration when designing a building
specifically for the use of visually impaired people.

33
Is this not the architect manipulating the environment he is designing for the visually
impaired users? Therefore can this approach of merely adjusting the built
environment for safety reasons be defined as architecture for the blind? Whether the
designer is opposed to or supporting of custom-designed architecture for visually
impaired people, it is evident that architects can contribute to the visually impaired
person's perception of his/her environment through the provision of non-visual
information.

Summary
A debate exists between those who believe that a 'mothering' environment is
appropriate and those who believe that a 'hostile' environment is better suited. A
balance needs to be achieved between these two approaches in order to achieve a
design which benefits all users and their joint spectrum of visual impairment
conditions.

34
3.1.4. Neo-institutionalisation Theory: mini-institutions within the greater
environment

This theory discusses the provision of mini institutions within the greater
environment and what affects these pockets of accessible architecture have on
people with disabilities and specific to this discussion, the visually impaired.

This topic is a controversial one. This discussion will attempt to identify the attributes
of each argument and conclude on an appropriate design approach for a building for
a society for the blind.

There exists a group of professionals and people with visual impairments who are in
opposition to the provision of specialist buildings. They are of the opinion that these
specialist buildings are unhelpful to visually impaired people, as the majority of
buildings will never be made more accessible. It is felt that protecting visually
impaired people from the real world with purpose-designed buildings will hinder their
development of being rehabilitated into the existing environment and disadvantage
them when they find themselves in inaccessible buildings. Furthermore they are of
the belief that specialist facilities and buildings will result in an enforcement of
segregation and isolation. Their fear is that specialist design will disempower people
by contributing to their dependence. They believe that purpose-built buildinqs will
exhibit to the general public the concept that people with visual impairment are
incompetent. Their primary suggestion is that people with impairments should be
treated as normal.

35
Richard Mettler forms part of this group and is concerned that designing a building
that fully caters for the visually impaired and presents no obstructions and
complications for the user is detrimental to their rehabilitation into the real world
where the built environment disregards the visually impaired user. It is Mettler's
opinion that a building which cradles the visually impaired user contributes to their
dependence and isolation and reinforces the belief that visually impaired people are
incompetent. (Mettler: 1987,476)

On the other hand there are many professionals and visually impaired individuals
who reject this view. They argue that environmental accessibility should be seen in
the context of equal opportunities for all. They feel that prejudices arise from
ignorance which is a matter to be dealt with by the state. They believe that it is
important to appreciate that people are all different from one another. Different
people have different needs and these needs must be addressed appropriately. By
treating everyone as normal, there are many who will be excluded, including visually
impaired people. Selwyn Goldsmith suggests that "special treatment does not mean
stigmatising treatment". (Goldsmith: 1976,46) Goldsmith goes on to propose that
people with disabilities are handicapped because of the environments that they are
forced to exist in. "A disabled person is not automatically a handicapped person;
whether or not there is a handicap depends on the nature of the individual's
impairment and the circumstances in which he is placed. A physical disability is a
handicap only where it constitutes a barrier to the achievement of specific goals".
(Goldsmith: 1976,17) For example a scientist confined to a wheelchair working on
the fourth floor of a building can perform as well at his job as his able-bodied
colleagues. If the fire alarm sounds, he becomes handicapped because the
36
elevators automatically return to the ground floor and he is unable to use the fire
stairs along with his colleagues. It is the constraint imposed by the environment that
has created the handicapping situation.

The architect plays a key role in demystifying the concerns that this theory raises.
The architect must endeavour to achieve the best possible solution as regards living
and treatment conditions. Architects have a role to play by ensuring that the design
is one that empowers the visually impaired community and the building that results,
serves as an example to the public of accessible architecture where the architecture
meets the users at their point of need. It is therefore important for the architect to
adequately understand the stigmatism he/she is designing into and create an
environment sensitive to the users concerns.

Summary
Mini-institutions within the greater environment raise concerns that such buildings
contribute to the visually impaired person's dependence. Some are of the opinion
that custom-designed buildings will hinder visually impaired people's development
and disadvantage them when they find themselves in inaccessible buildings. Their
suggestion is that people with impairments should be treated as normal. Architects
must ensure that the design empowers the visually impaired community and that the
building serves as an example to the public where the architecture meets the users
needs.

37
 3.1.5. Conclusions

The points of view explored serve as a grounding for the conceptual framework of
the design of a building for visually impaired people.

It is apparent that differences exist among professionals and visually impaired

people as to what environment is the most beneficial for blind and partially sighted
people. Some believe that an environment specially designed for visually impaired
people will hinder their development and others believe it will aid them both in their
development and independence.

Concluded here is that a balance between the two schools of thought must be
achieved. A building that is entirely 'mothering' provides no challenges or opportunity
for mobility training within the building's facilities. However a building that is 'hostile'
in its design suggests a total disregard for the users and becomes a difficult and
unpleasant environment for visually impaired people to navigate. As this building is
intended to be a safe haven and a pleasurable environment for visually impaired
people it is concluded that a building which is subtle in its approach to design (for
example; tactile clues underfoot for guidance as opposed to cluttering handrails
which give an institutional feel) will be successful.

38
D ..

11
 4.1. Introduction

In this chapter existing precedent will be explored in order to examine how architects
have engaged with the issue of designing for visually impaired users. This chapter
will discuss the way in which the selected examples define architecture for the
visually impaired and how they deal with fundamental issues facing the designer.

The built examples in this chapter will address the following questions:

• How have architects approached the design of buildings for visually impaired
people, and the associated issues of wayfinding, circulation and movement,
which similarly confront the designer here?
• How has the stimulation of human senses been explored and integrated into the
design?
• How is the building appropriate for sighted users, has community interaction
been explored?
• How does the building address the concept of encouraging independence,
integration into society and normality of lifestyle?

These precedent studies will also help to establish what possibilities exist for
additional facilities. The studies will serve to inform relationships between facilities
and functions. Furthermore these studies will serve as a background for comparison
to the local case studies in chapter five, which will be a major informant in deriving
the requirements for the brief which will inform the design of a facility for a Society
for the Blind.
40
 Chosen Precedents:

~ ""..- -- _ ... The_~ichard Attenborough Centre for Disability and the Arts, University of
~~
ingdom, 1997. Architects: lan Taylor with Bennetts Associates.
'i,-w~s ch osen to analyse the degree to which aural architecture is
~/

uit~ings .
' ,;'" ".

n~ar New York, United States, 1978. Architects: Charles Moore and
,Hou
. \..'se
'I.
' ,~ .

•
"'" "~ "
Richara\,I;3~lli~~-F~~ ~-,
'

~_~--;..;,. • • t~~
This exaillple ~~~s 1J9libsen to analyse the value of designing for the use of senses on
sighted us -

~.
4#
3. W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind, Ontario, Canada, 2005. Architects:
G. Bruce Stratton Architects.
1114.0: Map of the World
This example was chosen to analyse the appropriateness of the single-spine plan.

4. Vision Care Centre, Bristol, United Kingdom, 1993. Architects: Alec French
Partnership.
This example was chosen to analyse the concept of encouraging independence,
integration into society and normality of lifestyle.

41
 4.2. The Richard Attenborough Centre for DisabiUty and the Arts,
University of Leicester, United Kingdom, 1997. Architects: lan Taylor with Bennetts
Associates.

Concept
The architects' intention was to design a building that would facilitate creativity and
allow for expression of the users in the form of arts, dance and drama. Their vision
was that the building should lift one's spirits. The architects wanted to avoid
cluttering the building with devices for disabled people but rather use a subtle
approach of engaging with disabled users with 'passive' design elements ensuring
the building feels 'normal'.

Spatial Organisation
The Richard Attenborough Centre for Disability and the Arts is a building for students
with various disabilities facilitating creativity and expression. Visual arts, dance,
drama and music are integrated into a programme of practical and theoretical arts
education. The centre houses visual arts, dance, drama and music rooms including
a research library, sculpture studio, hall and offices. The building caters for a variety
of handicaps, visual impairment being one of them.

From conception, this building was designed to be pleasing to the senses. This is
achieved through the use of a mixture of materials that are textured to the touch.
Furthermore the building is designed to promote an abundance of sunlight which
warms the interior. (Illustration 4.1) The building makes use of natural light resulting
III 4.1: Sunlight permeating hall (Dawson: 1997,29)
in a warm, cheerful building.
42
 Readability of Building Configuration
The building had to be uncomplicated, both to be comprehended by the users and
operated by staff and students alike. The H-pattern circulation plan is legible to
visually impaired users and is easily explained from reception without the need for
Braille maps and signs. (Illustration 4.2) The architects' rejected special devices
which would clutter the building in favour of 'passive' design where the building feels
'normal' yet provides access for all.

r~=;:~'~:~::7:':d~===~i
Ii £ i • i i iJ

/
foyer
Medical sculpture library
Science
Building 'nM I
'. ..-
kltch~n~;;... ' :: :-:=~ , ..._. "---1~
...., I ~
o 5rn
Site Plan ~------,. Ground Floor Plan ~ First Floor Plan ~

1114.2: Location Plan (Dawson: 1997,24) 1114.3&4.4: Floor Plans (Dawson: 1997,24)

43
 Aural Architecture
While the plan is straightforward and rectilinear, the section has been manipulated to
develop different acoustic conditions in different rooms. (Illustration 4.5&4.6) A low
ceiling has a different acoustical quality to that of a room with a high ceiling or a
double volume space. The aim was that a variety of acoustic stimuli including
materials and geometries be used in order to create specific environments in each
room. This feature serves in aiding the visually impaired in their orientation by
ensuring that different spaces are identifiable.
III 4.5: Section showing varied ceiling heights (Dawson: 1997,26)

The floor, wall and door finishes are specifically for the visually impaired user's
benefit. Good tonal contrast is achieved, walls are white, doors dark and flooring is
mid-tone aiding those who can dimly perceive tone to orient them. (Illustration 4.7)
Flooring materials suit the functional requirements whilst at the same time provide
consistent clues to location. Circulation areas are paved in textured concrete paving
slabs so that the visually impaired can define these areas.

1114.6: Double volume haIlTDawson:1 997-;2S) 1114.7: Tonal contrast between door, wall & floor (Dawson: 1997,25)

44
Essential to the success of this design was the relationship between architect, client
and building users. The future users of the building were taken into consideration
and consulted at all stages of the design process which has resulted in a well
informed building.

Summary
For the visually impaired user, direct light can cause glare which can be problematic.
The main concern is that the architects' accomplishments to facilitate the visually
impaired users are compromised due to an oversight on the issue of direct light.
Unobstructed direct light results in glare which can cause discomfort for those with
partial vision.

This analysis acknowledges that the building responds to the needs of its users
through a variety of creative sensory stimuli. An approach such as this one reminds
us that architecture is not solely a visual art, but it is as much spatial, tactile and
atmospheric. In many buildings of this nature aural design is scarcely considered but
in this precedent study acoustic design was approached with creativity resulting in a
building that communicates to the visually impaired users.

The readability of the building's configuration is vital to a visually impaired person.

Elements such as textures, colours and aural spaces should be an essential
consideration in the design process.

45
 4.3. House near New York, United States. Architects: Charles Moore and
r1
Richard B Oliver.
MASTER
BEDROO M

Concept
The client, who is totally blind, had two main requirements for the design of his
home. Firstly he did not want it to look like a home for a blind person and secondly
he wanted the design to enhance his independence, this being his strongest desire
and at the same time his greatest deprivation.

The architects' main objective was in Moore's words, "to make something that could
be felt as well as be seen." (Moore in Filler: 1978,82) Moore and Oliver envisioned
First Floor
TERRACE the house to have a tactile quality that could stimulate the clients remaining senses
and provide him with exploratory features.

Circulation and movement through the house is the major design theme. Chamfering
of corners and gentle modifications ease the client through the home. (Illustration
4.8) Furthermore a crafted mahogany railing winds its way through the home
providing additional guidance. (Illustration 4.9) The architects' considered this
necessary in order to provide the client with the independence he required.

Designing For Sense

This home is designed to be felt and to be seen. Floor textures vary indicating one's
position within the house, for example handmade tiles in the kitchen provide a
Ground Floor Qd pleasurable texture underfoot. The blind and visually impaired live in a world of
III 4.8: Floor Plans (Filler: 1978,82) surfaces and for this reason the architects have drawn on the tactile qualities of
46
 materials. (Illustration 4.9) The client's increased dependence on his sense of
hearing made him keen to have aurally understandable spaces in which to live. This
makes it possible for him to gauge his location within the house as well the
whereabouts of others. An uncarpeted strip between the hallway and living room
provides an audible announcement of the arrival of another member of the family.

The design relies on natural ventilation. Air-conditioning is only used on very hot
days. This design requirement eliminates annoying background noise and stale
odours that encumber the acuteness of one's sense of hearing and smell.

For the visual family of the client this house has a particularly restful visual aura,
emphasising that design for the disabled has much to contribute in design for
sighted users too. Many materials used were conceived for pure sensory delight and
have been welcomed by the family.

Summary
This precedent study has been selected as a relevant study because of its extensive
coverage of the senses sight, touch, sound, smell and hearing. This design finds its
main success in enhancing the client's independence through the manipulation of
1114.9: Juxtaposition of materials within the house
space to provide a sensory environment.
(Filler: 1978,85)

It is pleasing to observe that conscious design of sensory qualities is relevant to

sighted users too. Through this precedent study it is recognised that sensory
qualities give richness to a building, which is both practical for the visually impaired
user and stimulating for the sighted user.
47
 4.4. W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind, Ontario, United States,
2005. Architects: G. Bruce Stratton Architects.

Concept
The W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind comprises several buildings dedicated
to the education of over 200 visually impaired children. The concept employed
involved the use of the single-spine plan where all functions branch off one single
circulation route. This layout is simple to follow and easily memorised by visually
impaired users. The architects explored navigation through touch where guiding
textures feature both on the walls and underfoot to aid orientation.

Spatial Organisation
The single-spine plan, with a bend at the entrance, features extra wide corridors of
approximately 3 metres as opposed to the common 1.6 metres and oversized
doorways relative to the corridors width to accommodate increased circulation
requirements of the children in their wayfinding process. (Illustration 4.10) In plan the
two wings form a junction at the centre which creates a focal point adjacent to the
main entry foyer. (Illustration 4.11) The eastern wing accommodates student
residences, a health services centre, classrooms, music practice studios, and a
multi-purpose space. A double volume atrium at the entrance alters the acoustical
quality of the space thus defining it. The atrium is spanned with exposed steel
beams allowing light in through clerestory windows. The western wing has meeting
rooms and offices close to the atrium. Four 'teaching pods' follow on from there,
III 4.10: 3 metre wide corridors to accommodate increased
circulation requirements (Jen: 2005.34) each 'pod' has two classrooms divided by washrooms and a shared activity room.

48
 . ; .. .,. ",

., lB lA

·t ....
access from existing school
. .:: buildings on W, Ross
r M acdonald School campus
. ~

I I. life skills room

eptio n living area
cipat's office health services ce nt re
ive wo rkroo m stu dent residence
5. co nfere nce roo m :Jro om
6. st orage .so r's office
7. typical classr oom ator's o ffice
8. typical study /workroom :way to add itional
9. music room residence
10. multi-purpose room 19. enclosed wa lkway to cafeteria

Ground floor
o fdm 0)
III 4.11: Floor Plan (Jen : 2005,34)

... ;:;1
 The architect's objective was to promote an enriched living and learning environment
with as few barriers as possible. The design caters for the unique needs of the
students enabling them to learn in an environment that is hospitable to their needs.

Light
Natural and artificial light were carefully considered. Most students are highly
sensitive to glare so direct sunlight is minimized. The fenestration is designed to
achieve diffuse daylighting conditions through the implementation of shading
devices. Broad concrete beams and a series of exaggerated concrete fins are
designed to block late afternoon sun from entering directly. Windows have lower
than normal lintels to reduce the amount of direct light that enters the classrooms.
Furthermore the use of sand blasted glass to ensure indirect natural light reaches
the central corridors from the classrooms. Artificial light sources are indirect and
operate with dimmers so that the individual can adjust it to suit his or her need and
comfort.

Navigation through Texture

The design philosophy focuses on 'navigation through texture'. Off-shutter concrete
walls detailed with smooth ceramic tiles work with a continuous 360mm wide black
'trail rail' along the walls that children use to guide them along the corridor.
(Illustration 4.12) Contrasting tactile floor materials provide audible clues for students
aiding them in the creation and navigation of their mental map. At critical junctions
the flooring differentiates from dark porcelain laid tiles to blonde maple hardwood
flooring, providing a contrast in colour and audible quality. These tactile markers

III 4.12: Trail rails in corridors (Phillips: 2005,67) orient the students at every step of their daily route and enable them to differentiate
50
 between zones in the process of wayfinding. All students are legally blind however
many are partially sighted therefore robust colours and strongly expressed forms
become critical to the student's experience of their surroundings.

The rich variety of materials designed for the senses on the inside of the building,
with great consideration given to detail, appear to be echoed on the exterior.
(Illustration 4.13) In situ and pre-cast concrete are combined with rusted steel,
horizontally scaled zinc, concrete block and facebrick to give this building a
distinctive textural quality. Metal chains hang from the soffits channelling water into
rusted steel-lined concrete trays filled with pebbles. This mixture of materials
provides the children with a stimulating environment to be explored with their sense
of touch. Brightly coloured glass is attached to a weathered steel structure that
features at the schools entrance. (Illustration 4.14) The glass panels are tinted red,
blue, orange and yellow forming a transparent screen which casts patterns of
transparent light onto the ground. This is another means of stimulation for partially
sighted children.

Summary

III 4.13: Use of textural

(Jen: 2005,68)
materials on extenor; --=-~~~~
of building =
The low profiled building has a sculptural quality that is ironic as students cannot
fully appreciate its visual aesthetics. This precedent study shows that the architect
has created a building which exceeds the visual, and embraces the sensory aspect
of the human body, while at the same time including visual qualities. It is uncertain
whether the mirroring of sensual materials on the interior and exterior of the building
was intentional. However this is seen to be an appropriate response in design where
the visually impaired are specifically designed for, but the sighted are not excluded.
51
The method in which direct light is dealt with is inventive and thorough, and provides
a satisfactory model for dealing with direct daylight.

III 4.14: Coloured glass at entrance (Phillips: 2005,32)

52
 4.5. Vision Care Centre, Bristol, United Kingdom. 1993. Architects: Alec French
Partnership.

Bristol Royal Society for the Blind is an independent and local voluntary
organisation. It is the oldest charity of its kind in Britain. Services to people with
visual impairments had been fragmented for many years, therefore the need arose
to provide a centre where all services would be available.

Concept
The concept had to be one of flexibility as the Vision Care Centre needed to house
many services under one roof. The architects' main objective was to create a
pleasant environment for blind and partially sighted people to meet and interact
without hazardous obstacles in their path.

Spatial Organisation
The centre serves as the headquarters for the society, with offices and conference
facilities. (Illustration 4.15) It also accommodates existing resources; spaces for
rehabilitation and training programmes, a cassette tape and publications library, an
information unit and a display area with adjoining shop. The local health authority
relocated its eye-assessment and low-vision clinics into the building. The Royal
National Institute for the Blind and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association also
have regional offices here. The centre provides a kennel block for the dogs, group
activity spaces for social interaction, catering facilities, coffee bar and gardens.

III 4.15: Street Entrance (Dawson : 1993,41)

53
 The brief was challenging. The building type was unique, the building users had
special needs and the design needed to promote the society's philosophy:
encouraging independence, integration and normality.

Site
In this example site selection was the principal concern. The site needed to meet the
criteria of the Bristol Royal Society for the Blind: (Illustration 4.16)

• The site needed to be of sufficient size to accommodate the wide range of

Kennel 310ck
~
facilities.
(\~'"
'''....-.. / • Affordability was essential as the project would be funded entirely by the society,
a registered charity.
• The site was to be located in the centre of the city to ensure good access by
entrance 1 public transport.
'-). - - - -...:..- - - ...,i • Integration with other city centre amenities was key so visitors could combine
vehicular access -,,.,,- - - - -- - - ...:: their visits with other activities.
o 5m ~-,. "-,- , ~" ,='"'1.;:~1:~~12 .•;~,\,;~,:.;:::;'~~::::J?:::~::f~:.' ~+==:;;"
1_ _~1 Residenli2! AccOrT'm Odatior.
• The site needed to be part of an area of mixed use as varied environment is
essential for mobility training.
III 4.16: Site Plan (Dawson: 1993,42) • The site was to be reasonably peaceful so as to be conducive to training, reading
and the appreciation of the building's facilities.

54
 Spatial Organisation
The building has two entrances, both are obvious and easy to locate. One entrance
is for visitors arriving independently leading from the street while the other provides
access from the car park. Both entrances converge on the reception area embracing
the display shop. Reception serves as the 'command centre' welcoming and
orientating visitors and overseeing the elevator, stair and public rooms.

All public facilities are on the ground floor and offices are on the first floor.
(Illustration 4.18) Thus visually impaired visitors need only learn the layout of the
ground floor and the office staff benefit from a peaceful office environment on the
first floor. Similarly on the ground floor large public spaces are placed conveniently
at the front of the building near the entrance, while training and rehabilitation rooms
are in a quieter area towards the rear of the building. A clear linear circulation layout
links all rooms and spaces. Important orientation clues are given in places to draw
attention to specific changes. Doorways can be confusing to the visually impaired
who find their position difficult to memorise and locate. The architects have
organised door openings into groups of four doors each. (Illustration 4.17&4.18) The
corridor widens at each cluster to create a focus point, a unique place looking and
feeling different. At these focus points roof lighting as well as a large fully glazed
window fills the space with natural light highlighting the area for partially sighted
people. Floor texture changes at this point aiding blind persons to identify the area.
Projecting eaves and external fixed louvers reduce glare and a window seat creates
a place of identity.
III 4.17: Focus point along corridor (Dawson: 1993,48)

55
 .-l
-~~
r ( D.... ' TT!l - . t : 7...-tll ; 00 "
A feature of the design
L,

(, j \ "
\, ,...1 ~,
,,~, ~) f i r s t f I 0 0 r P I a n

-;1 ,~ ~ i ,- ""
r-. /
fi fl

~.,ln
<
, H~

101 Klt ( MESI

I I
I
I. ~ I p ' , T"
~::~ o; (i (
~ 6 ( ~ 1 "" n 2

'i =/

... ••••••••
-liJ ---
M arn
from street
, '""*1- _.
. entrance- - - _. ~~:-:;=;
~ _ "-,
:: .:;;3 =;J ~'r.:JL~m, g r o u n d 1 I 0 0 r P J a n
~

I
,
•
,
••
, ..
-1.. -----'

+- 935mm
i"
i
I
;'.
1\
-- - ~
;
~
: III
-.
••
-,.
sharedolf,e"
"
~, f display!i 0) Ill ! I ;! •

..
Oouglas fir screen I t~ •

~
" 'I
\L ~bgp' :1
v.ilh 6mmetched gla, 'b' '" "", ".. ..'
~~ ',,'" -
<?~~~ -,::'",,' lf7.7?7.
•
H '"-- - -- -- ,,-~~
~~...
'"
j ••
JA
V
- -- '-dark rust carpet
line 01wall rail
angle
%:~~~§':: 3.:.:.::.:w-/~ ~ ~
floor CQvering
•
·-r - !
••
. -~ . , ~r
'" •••
'C
i
I
I /
"""/,~
~p ; '
J "' <,
.,.:::--..., /

roof II· g ht ~
~"· ,~.- .._ ._? ...-/
."'J,"i 11 " , ::::-,.,, ,,,,, une of sKlrtmg
A~
~ , ~'>'; ~_LLj 1 :
' O'
r~r-~'
.p ~f
.; ~ and t and S boarCled
•
••
I I : \ seating base
' . ':
- '!' . ,,,,, .. r
)
I ''''''' '' /
! - .-
J "'" smgte ofuce '1~-: ,:_:::;:.., ()
~~ . ' = ' '~~
' '-' ' .~
_ .-
single a/lice •

'm
' , - ; ,;
!i'Fi .t ' ' '. .
'~-"':'::::.;- , -
•
~ :<.
-,
•• ~ 1 - , .... -~· .l
~ I
.,~
r_z.. ~
..
~. -
~~.
1' -- '> UPhOJSIE!red bafrt t
u
D· , ' ,. ' \ ~e ~
'
~,! -.,. . .---r I-~~_
>

i\',;- "" ,-i

' I
. . ! ,f ·-:,......................
1 i,~
I '
..
'
I
. - -=,
J
I
- ~~ . ~~.r 'M seat D'.
'~1 ~i;'.,: !~:u'a ~': """
\l '<ll ; . ~-~~~~?~~%"~~m
. Ilh-
~ ~. ~b0t5650
"

;:;.
I •

"

'[ Sj .
." .. ,
-'J,
~ . .. - ,
.,j~,; .
,, "
,~>~
_
,. yr~F
:~
~.
"
,=:R-r'
""" "'.'

. .~ j. ,:'_~ b. -
.:r---'
,. ' . .

--- -.-
•
.. . ,

.. . •~
-- - --'--- t .:,
'I l~~"
" ;" " " !
m @(05ig5~
-
•

natural liqht throuQh window

.
III 4.19: Section A-A (Dawson: 1993,47) III 4.18. Floor Plans (Dawson: 1993,45) 56
 Summary
The principles adopted for site selection in this example are of value to the author,
as these criteria could be adopted in the selection process for a site in Durban.

The extensive accommodation schedule is of particular value, as this precedent

study will help to establish the possibilities that exist for internal functions and
facilities. This will be a major informant to determining the requirements for the final
design.

The creation of places which are identifiable and easily located by visually impaired
people has merit. These places, where clustering of doors occurs, give a sense of
comfort to the user. The qualities are quiet and subtle but serve their purpose
admirably.

The linear circulation pattern ensures an easily navigable route. The arrangement of
public facilities on the ground floor and admin on the first floor provides an
uncomplicated arrangement where changes in level do not present an additional
hindrance for visually impaired users.

57
 4.6. Conclusions
The five examples examined in this chapter engage with the problem of designing
for visually impaired users in a variety of ways.

Issues of wayfinding, circulation and movement have been dealt with in two common
manners; firstly a simple, easily navigable layout such as the single-spine or linear
plan and secondly the use of texture underfoot or on walls to define circulation
routes.

Senses have been addressed in all the above examples. Some deal specifically with
touch and others include aural architecture. None of the examples engage directly
with the sense of smell which is a lost opportunity. The manner in which the senses
have been addressed varies from case to case revealing the wide spectrum of
solutions available to the designer.

In all of the precedents studied in this chapter, the visually impaired person has been
addressed and catered for. It is pleasing to observe that the sighted have not been
excluded in this process. The architects have included a variety of textures and
materials that are aesthetically pleasing to the sighted. This ensures that an
institutional environment is not portrayed but rather a pleasant and welcoming one,
which interacts with the visually impaired user, is achieved.

Lastly, these examples serve to encourage independence, integration and a

normality of lifestyle which are important elements to consider when designing for
visually impaired people.
58
" '"
 5.1. Introduction

This chapter reports on case studies conducted in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

(Illustration 5.0) This exercise serves to examine how architects in South Africa have
engaged with the issues of designing for blind and partially sighted people. It is
intended to analyse and interpret the way in which the selected examples have
attempted to define architecture for the visually impaired. This chapter will
investigate how architects have dealt with fundamental issues facing the designer in
terms of providing an environment that is beneficial and practical for the visually
impaired. These case studies will serve as a major informant for the requirements for
the final brief.

The built examples in this chapter will address the following questions:

• How have South African architects approached the design of buildings for the
III 5.0 : Map of South Africa
visually impaired and the associated issues of navigation, circulation and
mobility, which similarly confront the designer here?
• Has sensory architecture been explored and integrated into the design?
• Does the building address the concept of encouraging independence, integration
and normality?

These case studies will also help to establish the possibilities that exist for functions
and facilities. These studies will establish the users' relationship with the buildings
they inhabit and evaluate poorly designed areas. The intention is to draw on the
information gathered in this chapter in order to formulate an appropriate design
60
approach to buildings for the visually impaired. The findings will be a major informant
in determining the requirements for the final recommendation as a designed product.

Chosen Case Studies:

KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind, Umbilo Road, Durban, 1986: Architect
unknown. Chosen to analyse the relationship between functions within the Society
and accommodation required for the headquarter facilities.

John Edward Palmer Residence, Sherwood, Durban, 1965: Hesketh & Driman
Architects. Chosen to analyse the effectiveness of an uncomplicated layout and high
daylight levels.

Arthur Blaxall School, Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg, 1982: S.N. Tomkin

Hanson & Partners. Chosen to analyse the use of colour for partially sighted people
and the value of tactile clues.

61
 5.2. KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind, Durban

o The KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind occupies a cluster of buildings located in
Umbilo Road. There are a total of five individual buildings, some of which have been
donated to the Society, others acquired over time and consolidated into the
KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind. (Illustration 5.1)
Location
QlS) The Society is on bus and taxi routes; public transport being the main form of
transport used by blind and partially sighted people. The Society is in good proximity
to the city centre and other amenities and it sits on the fringes of suburbia.

III 5.1: Site Plan showing existing buildings currently belonging to Accommodation
the KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind
The headquarters, located on the corner of Umbilo and Chestnut roads at 192
Umbilo Road, include a showroom where weaved products and furniture that visually
impaired people produce are displayed and sold; administration offices for
headquarters; and a Resource Centre.

The building neighbouring the headquarters is 194 Umbilo Road. Although this
building is owned by the Society, the ground floor is rented out and the first floor is
used by the Society for their assembly and packaging enterprise.

In Chestnut Road, directly behind the headquarters building, are Baumann House
Children's Development Centre and Andre Wildman Residential Educational Centre
accessed off Hopson Avenue. Adjacent to Baumann House at 184 Umbilo Road are
the workshop premises.
62
 Relationships between Buildings
The headquarters building was built for the Society in 1986. In 1993 the workshop
premises were added. The two town houses, Baumann House Children's
Development Centre and Andre Wildman Residential Educational Centre, to their
rear were donated to the Society. These acquisitions resulted in a rather haphazard
yet compact set-up.

o The headquarters building has two points of entry. The showroom entrance directly
off Umbilo Road is for visitors arriving independently, while the second point of entry
provides access from the car park and Hopson Avenue. (Illustration 5.2) The street
entrance is primarily concerned with customers to the showroom, however visitors
who arrive by bus, taxi or on foot, including blind and partly sighted persons, use this

~ entrance. Users must navigate through the showroom and past the administration
section in order to reach the Resource Centre. This route is not ideal for visually
impaired users as displays and products on the showroom floor are constantly re-
arranged thus providing an inconsistent path that cannot be memorized. Secondly

III 5.2 : Route through building facilities from Umbilo Road the reception, which doubles up as the cashier, is not positioned at a point where the
visitor will intercept it on his/her route into the building. It would be useful to position
the reception where the visitor intercepts it on arrival as an explanation of where to
proceed to is often necessary, particularly for visually impaired visitors. If the user
needs to go from the Resource Centre to the workshop premises he/she must exit at
the rear of the centre and navigate a narrow lane, Hopson Avenue, exiting through a
pedestrian gate directly onto the driveway servicing the parking lot. This is a
hazardous arrangement especially for blind and partially sighted people. (Illustration
5.3)
63
From Umbilo Road entrance
V
·.......
••
~ ••• ••• • •• • • •• e•
•
•••
·•

negotiate furniture in showroom sharp turn on landing sharp turn through doors right turn at resource reception turn to exit through gate
•
......•..............•.......................................................................................................... :•
•
••
•
~.~ ... ••• .... .....•
••
•

navigate lane combination of kerb & step down navigate vehicles right turn across visitors parking arrive at workshop entrance

o
To workshop facility

III 5.3: Images show the difficult route the visually impaired must navigate in order to get from the street entrance to the workshops

64
 On arrival by car. visitors must navigate in the opposite direction to visitors arriving

o at the street entrance. (Illustration 5.4) The visitor must navigate the driveway,
through the pedestrian gate, along Hopson Avenue and into the back door leading to
the Resource Centre. Hopson Avenue is accessible off Chestnut Road; this
connection is a security risk and confusing to visitors arriving by car.

~ 1[]6f] This site layout is inefficient. Users are relatively independent once orientated to the
buildings' layout, however first-time visitors find the layout confusing and difficult to
comprehend. The existing layout is unclear, unsafe and not user-friendly. The layout
causes confusion for both visually impaired and sighted visitors.
1115.4: Route through building facilities from parking facility

5.2.1. Headquarters: 192 Umbilo Road, Durban

Architect: unknown, 1986

Accommodation
This building accommodates the headquarters offices for administration as well as a
Resource Centre which includes an optometry clinic, a vision enhancement clinic,
social workers offices, offices of an employment consultant, orientation and mobility
instructors, a skills developer and a Braille teacher.

III 5.5: KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind Headquarters street

entrance Spatial Organisation
The design of the layout of the Society's headquarters building is poor. Sighted
workers including managers, secretaries and fundraisers are located toward the
front of the building directly behind the showroom. This arrangement forces the blind
65
 and partially sighted users to navigate their way past the offices in order to reach the
Resource Centre. (Illustration 5.6) As a Society for the Blind, the visually impaired
user should be the primary concern. It is however important to remember that
sighted users do share the environment and therefore must not be ignored. When a
new visitor first arrives at the street entrance to the Society, he/she is met by a
change in floor level into the lobby and a sharp right hand turn into the showroom.
-g The threshold, being the first point of contact with the building, should be predictable
&.
::; and legible to the visually impaired person.
s
~
s:
o
The Resource Centre is linear in layout consisting of a double-banked corridor. This
arrangement of door openings randomly positioned along a passageway can be
LlJResource Centre confusing for visually impaired users who find their position difficult to memorise and
~
"" ~~
" * Admin
.;(if,. locate. The reception is situated at the confluence to the corridor, directly
Dhowroom intercepting visitors coming in the Hopson Avenue entrance but not those arriving at
o the Umbilo road entrance.

Umbilo Road The showroom on Umbilo Road has a glazed street frontage so as to maximise
III 5.6: Floor plan showing circulation through building exposure of the products to the public. (Illustration 5.7)

Non-Visual Clues
The building's design displays no obvious attempts to aid the blind and partially
sighted users in their mobility. There are no intentional tactile clues underfoot to
provide guidance or caution for visually impaired users. There is no use of aural
architecture distinguishing different spaces. The building demonstrates little effort to
provide an environment that is user-friendly to its members and visitors.

III 5.7: Showroom on Umbilo street 66

 Built-in Furniture
Furniture throughout the building is moveable. In areas that serve as thoroughfares,
fixed furniture is essential. Fixed furniture can be memorised and avoided. In the
'reception waiting area the furniture is not fixed and can be rearranged and cause a
collision, fixed furniture in areas such as these is preferable. (Illustration 5.8)

Light
(Daylight is of great .importance to partially sighted people as it maximises their
'residual vision. The Resource Centre is dimly lit and the double-banked corridor
III 5.8: Example of fixed furnit(Jreihtjie
Vision Care Centre, Bristol (DawsOrt 'r estricts daylight from entering the central space. (Illustration 5.9) The rooms
1993,46)
themselves have small openings at a high level allowing little natural light in. To
COmpound the problem the openings in the rooms on the eastern side of the building
'Open onto a narrow service lane tucked between 192 and 194 Umbilo Road.

Natural Ventilation
The double-banked corridor in the Resource Centre is not an ideal arrangement,
however fanlights have been incorporated to allow for cross-ventilation. Mrs Rosh
Subrayen, Head of Department; Resource Centre, comments that the fanlights are
not effective as the air within the space gets hot, uncomfortable and stale, producing
an .atmosphere that de-sensitises one's senses on which the visually impaired.are
reliant.

III 5.9: Dimly lit double-bi:lnked corridor

67
 5.2.3. Baumann House Children's Development Centre and Andre Wildman
Residential Educational Centre

Baumann House is a schoolhouse and Andre Wildman Residential Educational

Centre provides accommodation. They are two adjacent town houses that were
donated to the Society and have been renovated for the user's specific needs. Andre
Wild man Centre accommodates several weavers who are from rural areas and are
in the process of completing the weavers' six month training period.

Spatial Organisation
III 5.10: Baumann House, Andre Wildman Residential
Educational Centre and Life Skills Room in street-like The arrangement of these buildings has a village-like aesthetic. The life-skills room
arrangement
and Cane Trainees Facility are small additions that face Baumann House and Andre
Wildman Centre forming a street-like quality. (Illustration 5.11) This set-up is
successful as it encourages social interaction between functions. The life skills room
has a large veranda projecting into the 'street'. This veranda is a shaded outdoor
space where children play and adults socialise. The veranda further serves to block
direct light from entering the classroom while still allowing an abundance of light into
the space; a successful means of solar control.

The Andre Wildman Residential Educational Centre provides accommodation which

caters for eight residents. The residents are from out of town and stay for the
III 5.11 : Floor Plan showing street-like arrangement duration of their weavers' courses which is the duration of six months. Mrs Merle
Brown the general manager of the Society expressed that there is a greater need
I I

for accommodation.

68
 Interior Design
Detail design is an important part of the conceptualisation of a building for the use of
visually impaired people. Bright colours and colour contrasts aid partially sighted
people in their navigation and the use of textures benefit the blind user.

The interior of Baumann House was designed by a group of Durban University of

Technology Interior Design students. The scheme includes a variety of tactile
experiences for learners. The floor materials vary, creating different textures
underfoot. In the gathering spaces thick carpets contrast with the wooden floors. The
activity room is defined by a hard-wearing rough carpet which also changes the
acoustics of the room thus differentiating it from other rooms. Learners with residual
vision can enjoy the brightly painted murals on the walls. These colourful murals
surround the doorways defining them for partially sighted learners. The children's
lockers have beaded key rings attached to them to distinguish the ownership of each
locker.

"& ';
\
{

III 5.12: Thick carpet in gathering space III 5.13&5.14: Bright colour defining doorways III 5.15: Bright lockers with tactile key rings

69
 5.2.4. Workshop Premises: 184 Umbilo Road
Architect: Barry J. Clark, 1993

The workshop premises are accessed via the driveway leading from Umbilo Street.
It houses the weavers' workshops and storage facilities as well as a boardroom
situated on the ground floor. The Society no longer requires vast floor space and as
a result, the building now stands largely empty. Part of this unused floor space is
rented out providing the Society with additional income.

Spatial Organisation
The building is designed in an H-shape layout. Two blocks of workshops are
III 5.16: Workshop cubicles connected in the bar by the service core including circulation ramps intended to aid
the visually impaired and provide ease of passage for movement of materials
between the two blocks. The H-shape layout is satisfactory as its simplicity and
legibility is easily navigable for visually impaired users.

The entrance is directly opposite the reception desk where directional assistance
can be obtained. The boardroom is positioned adjacent to the reception. This
boardroom is used for formal meetings and doubles up as a casual meeting place
for planned activity days which are arranged to encourage social interaction between
visually impaired people. These functions need to be separately provided for, as
they have different needs, this would also enable both functions to occur
simultaneously.
III 5.17: Shelving for storage of
finished products

70
The workshops accommodate a series of fenced cubicles where individuals can
work and store their materials safely. (Illustration 5.16) The environment is functional
as the fenced booths do not obstruct light or ventilation; a constant light quality is
retained across the space.

III 5.18: KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind Workshop Premises (Barry J. Clark)

71
....
o
 Relationship to site and surrounding buildings
Situating the workshops remote from the headquarters is commendable as the
workshops emit noise. The building is accessible to vehicles making dispatch of
products and deliveries of materials uncomplicated. Locating the boardroom in this
building is questionable. The link from the boardroom to the headquarters is
distanced. However for a visitor arriving by car, the boardroom in this location is
quickly and easily accessed.
III 5.20: Tactile markers at base of stairs

Non-Visual Clues
Tactile clues have been provided on the flooring in the stairwell. These clues alert
the user to the commencement and termination of each flight of stairs. (Illustration
5.20&5.21)

Light
The H-shape arrangement allows for glazing on the north and south facades of the
III 5.21: Tactile markers at top of stairs
blocks ensuring a high daylight level in the workshops. This benefits the partially
sighted; high daylight levels maximise their residual vision providing an assistive
working environment. The concern here is direct light, as glare can be problematic to
partially sighted people. (Illustration 5.22) This has not been sufficiently dealt with on
the north facade where solar control is needed.

Ventilation
The H-shape plan lends itself well to cross-ventilation. The two blocks have floor
~
III 5.22: ."
Image shows glare in workshops which is
plates of 17 metres deep; a floor plate of 15 metres or less is preferable for natural
problematic

73
ventilation to occur, however this is adequate. Natural ventilation provides clues
about the outside environment for visually impaired people.

Summary
The individual buildings could respond better to the needs of visually impaired users.
The headquarters and workshop premises require responses that will aid visually
impaired users, providing them with location clues, both tactile and aural.

The layout of the headquarters building serves the sighted users more efficiently
than visually impaired users. A simple layout that is legible and user-friendly for
visually impaired users would serve the Society's purposes more effectively.

Baumann House Children's Development Centre and Andre Wildman Residential

Educational Centre have responded well to the needs of visually impaired children.
These spaces are interactive and stimulating. They provide the children with tactile
and audible clues defining different spaces. The use of bright colour aids the partially
sighted in defining doorways and provides further stimulation.

It is apparent that the organisation is inadequate in its overall design. The

relationship between the buildings is complicated and serves the Society's purposes
poorly. Excellent work is being achieved within the Society and it is a shame not to
see evidence of this in the expression of the architecture.

74
 5.3. John Edward Palmer Residence, Sherwood
Architects: Hesketh & Driman Architects, 1965

The John Edward Palmer Residence was purpose-designed for blind and partially
sighted residents and as a result is an appropriate example for analysis. The
building is efficient in its design and is described as user-friendly by the building's
users. There are areas that could have been improved upon; considering the
building's age it is likely that the information available today was not as extensive
when the building was conceptualised.

Accommodation
The facility consists of 35 bedrooms for visually impaired elderly residents, a lounge,
dining room, kitchen, servants' quarters and manager's house. Several bedrooms
are used for alternative functions; some are storage rooms and one has been
modified into the manager's office.

75
 ~
III 5.23: Location plan showing routes to bus stops (www.durban.gov.za)

Location
The John Edward Palmer Residence is located in Harris Crescent in Sherwood.
(Illustration 5.23) It is situated on a bus route however the bus is infrequent and only
operates on weekdays. Residents can egress the premises walking down a narrow
lane leading to Jan Smuts Highway where there are frequent buses on a daily basis.
When the building was built this was a safe option however today this route is
discouraged due to it being unsafe. This is unfortunate as it restricts residents who
frequent the city.
76
 ;0
(1)
en
a:
(1)
:J
s
G>
ac
:J
a.
"0o'
~

'"'0
iil
:J

••
••
••
:2
C)
=;"
o
c:
1ii"
g;
:::J

s
"'V
..a"", \ \ t:::>
00 a D
~
(; (J O':!v-:: "\.: >-
3' u <7'}(O q<>tJ
~
f'O,di 0 .6
6D- "" O~
£11:::".""' -
G p e;, t::>
",,-:
--.J
--.J ~ "' ';,.

'"
 Spatial Organisation
The building is arranged in an E-shape layout. (Illustration 5.24) This layout is
straightforward for the residents to navigate. Once the blind or partially sighted
visitor has been orientated to the buildings layout, they are independent in their
mobility.

The E-shape forms courtyards between the wings. One of these courtyards offers an
exercise and recreation space for the residents. The courtyard arrangement ensures
that there is a continuous path to be followed. Handrails are strategically placed
around the gardens, providing assisted mobility for elderly residents, encouraging
safe recreational walking. Recreation and exercise spaces are important as most of
the residents remain at the facility all day. (Illustrations 5.25-5.28)

III 5.25-5 .28: Images show garden and courtyard spaces with railings prov iding a continuous path to follow

78
 The bedroom wings are made up of double-banked corridors. These corridors are
long monotonous passages displaying an arrangement of door openings randomly
positioned along the corridor. This arrangement can be confusing to visually
impaired people who find their position difficult to memorise and locate. A better
solution would be the provision of breakout spaces where clustering of bedroom
doors could occur. These spaces could have included seating and openings to allow
light into the space thus accenting and identifying it. Features such as these would
make the space inviting. This would also encourage interaction between residents
thus not restricting socialising to the lounge area alone.

The bedrooms are small; single rooms have a floor area of 11.5 square metres and

III 5.29: Single bedroom double rooms an area of 15 square metres. (Illustration 5.29&5.30) The individual's

/- 3100 j
bedroom is the only place of privacy they have as such it is felt that these rooms
7
could be more generous in size. A number of the residents spend much of the day in
their rooms hence the importance that the bedrooms are liveable spaces.
Furthermore resident's guests often visit in the bedrooms therefore provision of
seating is needed. The floors are tiled, this evokes an institutional aesthetic. A
warmer, more pleasurable material underfoot, such as carpet, would improve the
quality of the bedrooms.

Changes of Floor Levels

There are no changes in floor levels anywhere in the building. The single story
facility is totally flat, even upon entering the front door. This attention to detail
eliminates the possibility of accidents on stairs.
III 5.30: Floor plan of single bedroom

79
 Non-Visual Clues
Handrails clutter every available wall. (Illustration 5.31) These serve to guide the
blind and partially sighted users and also serve as a means of physical support. The
handrails give the facility an institutional appearance but because of the elderly
nature of the residents they are essential for support purposes.

All surfaces in the facility are tiled in vinyl, which is cleanable and maintainable,
excluding the lounge which is carpeted. The carpet in the lounge provides a clue
underfoot establishing the user's arrival at the lounge.

Light
Mrs Norma Bosse, manager of the John Edward Palmer Residence, has had the
walls painted a light colour to enhance natural light through the reflection of daylight
III 5.31: Image showing poorly lit passageway and extent
of handrails into deep spaces. Her observation is that the partially sighted residents enjoy bright
colour so she has introduced brightly coloured cushions into the lounge furniture.

The partially sighted residents rely on light to maximize their residual vision. The
double-banked corridors result in poor light levels in the passages. (Illustration 5.31)
The access spine linking the three wings is successfully lit. (Illustration 5.32) It
provides access to the kitchen and dining room on the south side and is punched
with openings looking onto the courtyard on the north elevation. This corridor is filled
with natural light and as a result is far more successful than the double-banked
corridors.

III 5.32 : Image showing successfully lit passageway

80
 Ventilation
Cross-ventilation in the bedrooms can occur across these wings due to the provision
of fanlights, provided residents keep them open.

Summary
The layout of the John Edward Palmer Residence is legible and residents don't have
problems with navigation. The central courtyard formed by the E-Iayout is successful
and practical for recreation and exercise.

The main concern is the monotony of the corridors. A far more successful solution
could have been achieved here by breaking the monotony of the long passageways
creating more inviting and varied spaces.

The issue of low light levels is evident. The double-banked corridors cause the
passageways to be dark and cross ventilation does not occur well here.

The building functions well and aids the blind and partially sighted users in their
mobility and navigation. The John Edward Palmer Residence is an uncomplicated
environment which the residents are content in.

81
 5.4. Arthur Blaxall School (formerly New Horizon School),
Pietermaritzburg
Architects: S.N. Tomkin Hanson & Partners, 1982

The school was established in Durban in 1954. In 1968 it relocated to

Pietermaritzburg. In 1982 the current building was completed.

The building was purpose-designed. The architects travelled abroad to inspect

precedent for the design of a school for the blind however the information gathered
was not realised in the final design. The result was a typical school design.

The school both educates the learners academically and practically. Many classes
III 5.33: Arthur Blaxall School
teach learners basic life skills which will aid them when dealing with the environment
outside of the school's confines. It is debated as to whether the school should have
been specialist designed or not, there is a fear of a specialist school protecting
learners from conditions they will encounter outside of the school.

Location
The suburb, Mountain Rise, is safe and secure. Royston Road, which the school is
located on, has no heavy traffic so this does not present an immediate risk.
(Illustration 5.34) The majority of learners stay in the school hostel. The day pupils
live in close proximity to the school.
III 5.34: Location plan

82
 Accommodation
The school caters for 210 learners of which 160 reside in the hostel. Two thirds of
the students are partially sighted and the remainder totally blind. The school is
categorised into three blocks as its layout dictates. The school accommodates
classrooms for all grades, specialised classrooms for teaching of various skills, the
administration block, a school hall, gymnasium and hostel.

Spatial Organisation
The school is arranged in parallel rows. (Illustration 5.35) There are three wings of
classrooms parallel to each another, with linking external passages. The terminal
element is the administration block and school hall. This layout is not problematic for
the partially sighted however the blind require orientation instruction and even after
the instruction problems with navigation are still experienced.

It was observed that learners often stop to talk with one another and then forget their
location and are unsure of what direction to continue in. For this reason a simple
footprint is preferable.

Corridors are 1.7 metres in width. This width becomes too narrow when all the
learners move between classrooms at the change of subjects. Blind and partially
sighted people require more circulation space than sighted people for navigation.

83
~ '-

~.
G>
ac
::l
a.
."
0"
o
~

""0
iil
::l
(J)
:T

~.
::l
co
o
~"
c
ao·
::l
ac
CD
(J)
-en
z
--l
o
3
7'
:i"
I
Q)
::l
(J)
o
::l
S?o
""0
Q)
~
::l
I
CD I
Cil "I
- -:---"

<i I~
...[0.1;",- 1
M"'r i
",.,!
I
L

••
••
•
•••
•
••· i
••
 Colour
There was a lack of colour in the initial design. Bright colour and contrasts are visible
to the partially sighted. The current school principal, Mr Desmond Frank, is in the
process of altering this by having the poles and benches painted in bright colours in
order to add interest as well as to enhance the visibility of obstructions in the partially
sighted learner's path. (Illustration 5.36&5.37) Mr Frank has also had murals painted
in areas to provide animation to the walls. (Illustration 5.38)

Contrasts are helpful for the partially sighted; a dark door against a light wall helps
the user to identify the doorway. Mr Frank has had the handrail and railing painted in
contrast to each other to aid the partially sighted learners to identify the rail more
easily. (Illustration 5.39)

III 5.36&5.37 : Bright colours defining elements: poles & benches III 5.38: Bright mural for stimulation III 5.39: Black handrail on white railing

85
 a Non-Visual Clues
;
! The stairwells require tactile markers underfoot to alert the users to where each flight
IM of stairs commences and terminates.

r.
II"
~ ii
Blind users find the veranda posts along the corridors, often in front of. doors, a
ii hazard and regularly bump into them. (Illustration 5.40) Tactile markers on the floor
~
!l
~ to guide the user safely between the poles or alternatively warning the user of the
I!l
~
~1
potential hazard would be useful.

Observation of the children's interactions with the school buildings revealed the
manner in which the blind learners utilise the wall by trailing one hand along it to
III 5.40: Example of a pole situated in front of a door navigate themselves along the corridors thus locating door openings. (Illustration
5.41) This is the ideal positioning for a tactile marker along the wall serving as a trail
rail enabling the building to engage with the users providing a marker pleasing to
touch in place of the rough brickwork. This method of navigation causes constant
collisions particularly on the ground floor where no handrail is provided opposing the
wall. A method of guidance on the opposite side of the corridor, such as the railing
on the 1st floor, would improve the situation. Collisions could thus be avoided by a
regulation, for example: keep to the left.

The above-mentioned means of navigation enables learners to count doors in order

to determine their classroom. Counting doors is a method widely used amongst
visually impaired people in finding the facility they require. Clustering of doors would
be more efficient as clusters can be counted rather than individual doors.
'fEl{~W1'@Wi'i~"""~'WI\W""J l:i>"";1:l:i", 1.~~\'i ,~~"'£~i~~\i'N).%it:¥.liw
III 5.41: Sketch showing users navigating themselves along
the corridors by trailing one hand along the wall or handrail
86
An observation made was the way in which the blind shuffle as they walk as they
feel the floor underfoot, any sudden change in levels are trip hazards and should be
avoided. Fire hose reels should be recessed into the wall. Many students collide with
these as they are situated at an awkward height where visually impaired people do
not feel for obstacles .

Summary

This school should have been purpose-designed with the blind and partially sighted
users' specific needs in mind. It is regrettable that the architects lost the essence of
designing for the users unique needs. The school has potential and with minor
design alterations could have been a building at the forefront of specialist design for
the visually impaired.

Mr Desmond Frank, the school principal, is in the process of making minor

alterations to the school, by adding colour in areas to enhance the visibility of
obstructions for the partially sighted thus making the school more blind-friendly.
These additions are commendable however it would have been advantageous if the
architects had included similar techniques at the onset of the design process.

87
 5.5. Conclusions

The case studies examined in this chapter are largely inadequate in their design.
Comparison between international precedent and Kwa-Zulu-Natal examples of
buildings designed for the visually impaired revealed that buildings used by the blind
and partially sighted in South Africa are insufficient in their design. It is noted that the
buildings available for analysis are old examples and as such universal design was
not given much thought in that time.

International designers have engaged with visually impaired users and the problems
they encounter with the built environment and hence designed accordingly. There
are a variety of principles and techniques available to the designer when designing
for blind and partially sighted users; non-visual clues, contrasting materials, aural
architecture and indirect lighting techniques to name a few.

Specific design considerations and criteria need to be incorporated into the design of
buildings for visually impaired users in order to maximise the potential and success
of the structure for the end user.

88
 o
:T
S»
,.,..
CD
...,
en
_11
)(
e It>

fA
_Ill
~ .
.(1)

~
er
e•
-.cl

a.
_a
:s
CC
.,
CD
:::I'J
$
"'G-
I"!t!_
CD_ !\!
'"'Il.,
~O
DJ
-~
~
-3"
~I)
::0 .
CD
C
1IIIIIiii '

a3'D·
CD

..~J.
m,
:!i!U'1i!
CD~
....'-
m~
co,.
:::!>IIll:I M

..0Al' ~

CD
to :::s
 6.1. Development of the Brief

Introduction
It is the purpose of this chapter to derive a brief that will serve to inform the
requirements for the design. This chapter will determine the functions the building
needs to perform. An accommodation schedule based on the precedent and case
study evaluations will be formulated. Appropriate construction systems and materials
will be discussed.

Design Intentions
This building is to provide the visually impaired community with a safe environment
that will serve as a base and a resource for visually impaired people in Durban.

The building will be a facility that provides blind and partially siqnted people with
tools that aid them in dealing with and living with their impairment. As such the
building will provide the visually impaired person with assistance in navigation and
orientation but at the same time provide the user with challenges designed to aid
with rehabilitation. The design approach is therefore a balance between a normal
environment and a specialised one. The building will not portray an institutional
appearance but will be subtle in its approach to specialist design.

The type of building aimed for is one of sensitivity. The design should be aware of
the visually impaired person's sensory perceptions. The building will enhance the
visually impaired person's independence by providing clues to aid with orientation
using touch, sound and smell. The building will harness sounds and smells that
90
penetrate from the outside thus providing additional clues about the surrounding
environment.

The building will be legible and clear with a memorable circulation method that is
easily navigated and which links all spaces.

The building will display community integration and provide a means for interaction
between visually impaired and sighted members of the community. Interaction within
the building is encouraged; the inclusion of spaces that promote interaction between
visually impaired people will be considered in the design.

The Client
The existing KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind is a charity organisation which
provides support, training and healthcare services to blind and partially sighted-
people in the Kwa-Zulu-Natal area. The Society's headquarters, training facilities
and services are based in Durban and outreach as far south as Ixopo. The KwaZulu-
Natal Blind and Deaf Society concentrate of the northern regions. The KwaZulu-
Natal Society for the Blind will act as the client.

Funding
The Society, being a charity organisation, relies on donations for its existence. The
fundraisers manage events for the raising of funds to aid the organisations finances.
Furthermore basketry and furniture sales provide an income which is returned to the
Society.

91
 Revenue Generators
The Society's services are limited due to the financial restrictions they incur from
relying on donations for their existence. The demands on the Society are greater
than that which they can provide. There is a demand for additional instruction
positions in the Resource Centre that cannot be filled due to lack of funding. There is
also a demand for places in the cane trainees program where visually impaired
people are taught weaving and carpentry skills over a period of six months. It is
therefore proposed to incorporate elements into the design in order to provide the
Society with a form of stable income to assist funding. The inclusion of a lecture
venue which will be useful for the Society and could serve to provide a small
revenue from rent as well as reinforce the Society's philosophy of integration with
the greater community.

-Users
The Society's headquarters, training facility and healthcare and support services all
form part of the Society's facilities. Therefore users include predominantly blind and
partially sighted people, both those visiting the facility for services and assistance as
well as those training on site on a daily basis forming part of the cane trainees'
program; some of whom reside on the premises. The administration and support
staff who are predominantly sighted users make up a smaller component of users of
this building.

Social Requirements
The building is intended to serve the blind and partially sighted community providing
them with the means to function effectively within society. An additional function is to
92
communicate the Society's work to the greater community ensuring social
awareness. The building should alert the community to the charitable work that is
done and the services that are provided for the blind and partially sighted
community. Furthermore the building seeks to echo the Society's philosophy of
integration by incorporating blind and partially sighted people into the greater
community. Lastly the building will exhibit the high quality products, which blind and
partially sighted weavers produce, on the street front alerting the public to the
creative and self-empowerment facet of the Society.

Environmental and Technical Requirements

This is a charity organisation therefore this building must not incur unnecessary
costs in construction and maintenance of the building. The use of natural heating,
lighting and ventilation is the ultimate target. This implies short spans and adjacent
openings to achieve cross ventilation, glazing in the recommended proportions to
room size and maximising the north orientation for habitable rooms such as offices
and residential accommodation and the south orientation for studios.

Solar control is essential so as to reduce glare and create an environment with a

constant lighting quality particularly in the studios where close work is being
performed. Direct light causing glare, as discussed in this document, is problematic
for partially sighted people therefore actions must be taken to ensure the lighting
quality in all spaces is adequate.

Achieving natural ventilation is a common goal amongst architects and is

indispensible in Durban's humid summer. For the blind and partially sighted, natural
93
ventilation has an additional benefit of providing the sightless with clues from the
outside giving them information about wind direction, outside temperature and
outside scents which aid the formation of their environment. The constant use of air
conditioners dulls ones sense due to the constant noise and the stale environment
they produce. Furthermore air conditioners are costly to install, maintain and run.
Therefore natural ventilation is the ultimate goal.

Construction System and Materials

Due to the charitable nature of this organisation the building must not incur
unnecessary costs in daily running and maintaining of the building. An appropriate
construction system would be frame and infill. This is a method which allows for
flexibility of construction as it allows for uncomplicated future expansion.

The building will respond to blind and partially sighted users on a sensory level thus
stimulating the user's remaining senses and aiding their interpretation of their
environment. Therefore a variety of tactile materials will be juxtaposed so as to
animate the building and provide detectable surfaces for orientation purposes.

Site and Location Requirements

The fundamental factors to consider when selecting a site are integration,
accessibility and exposure. The Society's philosophy is integration; the site therefore
should ideally be located in an area that encourages integration with the greater
community. Mrs Merle Brown, general manager at the Society, highlights that
accessibility is key to the siting of a building of this typology; the site must ensure
good access by public transport, the sole means of independent travel for people
94
with a visual impairment. It is also advantageous that the site be close to other
amenities so that visitors can combine their visits with other activities. In addition it's
beneficial for the site to be part of an area of mixed use, as a varied environment is
essential for mobility training. The site should be reasonably peaceful so as to be
conducive to the appreciation of the buildings facilities. The site must be secure and
perceived as safe to ensure visitors are at ease when orientating themselves
between the building and their means of transport.

With these views in mind the following criteria have been set:
• Sufficient in size to accommodate the wide range of facilities
• Accessible by public transport as this is the sole means of independent travel for
people with a visual impairment
• Integrated into the community rather than isolated from society enforcing the
Society's philosophy of integration
• Integrated with other amenities so that visitors can combine their visits with
other activities
• Situated in an area where linkage can be established with other sensory
elements that are already present; for example adjacent to a park or public
gardens
• Street frontage as exposure is essential for the showroom to ensure successful
trade
• Part of an area of mixed use as a varied environment is beneficial for mobility
training
• Peaceful so as to be conducive to the appreciation of the buildings facilities

95
 • It must be located in a safe environment where crime is not an immediate threat
to blind and partially sighted pedestrians

Functions within the Building

The building serves as the headquarters for the KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind.
Of equal importance is the Resource Centre which serves the blind and partially
sighted community with facilities such as mobility instructors, physiotherapists,
optometrists, occupational therapists and social workers. The Society also provides
services that empower the visually impaired providing them with a means of
acquiring an income. This is in the form of weaving and furniture making. The
society runs a six-month course that teaches individuals to produce weaved/furniture
products and start their own business ventures in the areas that they come from with
the skills learned. The building contains studios and residential units for weavers
attending the course. Furthermore the Society houses a showroom where these
weaved products made on site are displayed and sold. The building also provides
social facilities where a group of visually impaired people meet on a weekly basis to
learn crafts, drink tea or listen to motivational speakers while at the same time
enjoying social interaction.

Discussions held with the General Manager, Mrs Merle Brown and the Head of the
Rehabilitation Services Department, Mrs Rosh Subrayen, are the basis for
accommodation provided.

96
 6.2. Accommodation Description

Approach & Entrance

The most important factors concerning the approach and entrance to the Society are
accessibility, legibility and security. Blind and partially sighted people must be able to
locate and identify the entrance with ease and feel secure and safe on approaching
the building from the bus stop or parking facility. Secondly the entrance is to be of a
welcoming nature and of appropriate size for mobility purposes; to allow for multiple
blind, partially sighted and sighted persons to navigate the approach and entrance at
their leisure.

Reception & Orientation Areas

It is essential for blind and partially sighted visitors to locate the reception with ease
on arrival. This is a point of reference where visitors can attain further information of
which direction to take in order to reach their desired destination within the building.
The use of detectable tactile surfaces at this location will be helpful for blind people
to serve as guidance to the different routes facing the visitor at the reception point.
Colour and contrast will aid the partially sighted visitor in determining the routes of
circulation. These routes need to be clear and legible to all users.

Showroom
It is essential for the showroom to have good street frontage as visibility of products
to the public ensures sales. The showroom must be easily accessible from the
parking facility as on occasion loading of products will be necessary.

97
 Seminar Room
The inclusion of a seminar room for education, activities, promotional talks,
discussions and demonstrations of topical issues facing visually impaired people in
Durban will benefit the Society. This accommodation will also serve as a revenue
generator where the public can hire the venue as desired. This furthers interaction
with the community by providing a facility permitting the community access into the
core of the Society.

Outside Areas
It is important that outside areas be navigable for blind and partially sighted users.
Large open spaces require pathways for the visually impaired to follow. These
pathways can take on a variety of forms, physical, tactile or aural. Outside areas
should be quiet and peaceful, as well as secure but at the same time connected to
the surroundings in order to further encourage social interaction with the greater
community.

Social Areas
These facilities are to be welcoming and user-friendly for blind and partially sighted
users. They should be easily accessible from all areas of the building. A tea kitchen
facility should accompany these facilities.

Administration Offices
The offices need to provide all the standard spaces required by administration.
Natural light and ventilation is the ideal.

98
 Resource Centre
Due to the nature of the Resource Centre where patients are to be counselled and
tended to, the facility should be quiet. Ventilation and high light levels are required
especially for instructors who need an abundance of daylight to aid them in teaching
the partially sighted to maximise their residual vision.

Workshops
These areas are to be well lit so as to maximise the partially sighted individuals
residual vision. However it is important to remember that direct light causing glare
must be avoided therefore orientation and solar control are essential in these
working environments. They are typically large open spaces where communication,
interaction and sharing of skills amongst trainees can occur. Compartments are
required so that each member has their own individual space in which to work and
store their personal belongings and materials. Break-out spaces for resting and
social purposes would greatly benefit the quality of working life. These spaces are to
be well ventilated; as these large working areas can get very uncomfortable.

Storage
Adequate storage areas need to be provided for the storage of materials, semi-
complete products and finished products.

Residence
The cane trainees program teaches visually impaired people skills they can use to
create an income for themselves. There is an accommodation demand for the
provision of 10 beds. This accommodation should be in the form of residential units
99
which will adapt residents to apartment-style living. Sharing of facilities such as
lounges and dining areas would encourage socialising and interaction amongst
residents.

Parking
The total number of sighted staff members currently working at the Society is 21.
Therefore a total of 30 parking bays for staff and visitors are estimated. The
proposed seminar room will facilitate 40 people therefore another 25 parking bays is
required. A total of 55 parking bays are therefore required.

6.3. Developing the Accommodation Schedule

The following accommodation schedule is based on discussions with the managerial

staff at the existing KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind. Discussions regarding the
current needs of the Society and the potential future needs have aided the author in
establishing an accurate accommodation schedule for the final designed product.

100
ACCOMMODATION SCHEDULE

DescriDtion Particulars Quantity Area Cm2} Area Total Cm

2
FumiturelFittinas Eauipment

Entrance

Entrance Fever adeauate space for circulation & orientation waitina soace & area for vertical circulation 1 50 50 seatTriO
Recention line of entrv to intercept reception desk for easv location thereof 1 9 9 receetion desk, chair
Showroom street frontaae , easilv accessible from Darkina facilitv 1 100 100 diselav units, shelvinn

sub-total: 159
Headnuarters

General Manaaer 1 18 18 desk chairs

General Manaae~s PA 1 18 18 desk, chairs
Financial Manaaer 1 18 18 desk chairs
AdminClerk
- 1 18 18 desk chairs
Fundraise~s in Kind 2 18 36 desk, chairs
Fundraiser Manager 1 18 18 desk, chairs
Tea Kitchen visible for monitorina eurecses 1 15 15 counterton cunboards, sink fridge kettle
Boardroom accessible from parkina facilitv. naturalliaht & ventilation 1 40 40 board table chairs
Ablutions naturally ventilated 1 16 16 4 wc's, 2 whb's

sub-total: 197
Resource Centre

HOD Rehabilitation 1 18 18 desk, chairs

Braille Instructor instruction area for 2 learners at a time 1 25 25 desks chairs
MobilttVlnstructor instruction area , high light levels reouired 4 25 100 desk, chairs
Social Worker seatina area for counsellina sessions 4 20 80 desk, chairs, seatinn
sueeort Service diSDlayarea for assistive devices 1 20 20 desk, chairs , diSDlavunit
ODlometric Clinic shutterina device required to block Iiaht durina eve testi"" 1 20 20 desk chairs, Ootometric chair optometrv eQuip
Comnuter Room accommodate 5 learners at a time, classroom environment 1 25 25 desks, chairs 5 DC'S 1 printer
Staff Room accommodate 11 people, recreational space, tea kitchen 1 35 35 seatina, countertnn, sink fridge, kettle
Phvsio/OT Room eauipment store theraov area room shared bv Dart time Dhvsio & occunational therapist 1 25 25 desk, chairs, OT mat
Seminar I Activnv Room accommodate 40 Deople access to cafe and ablutions 1 90 90 seminar table , chairs roiector
Cafe artlv covered 1 100 100 tables, chairs
Kitchen direct access to cafe 1 30 30 counter sink, hob fridges
Ablut ions naturallv ventilated 1 16 16 4 wc's, 2 whb's

sub-total: 584
Studios

Studio Manaaer access to workshoDs and loading zone 1 18 18 desk, chairs

Framina Studio high light level, natural ventilation, interactive environment 1 330 330 work benches, chairs
Weavina Studio high light level, natural ventilation, interactive environment 1 330 330 work benches chairs
Material Store access to loadina zone 1 220 220 shelvina
Finished Products Store access to loadina zone and showroom 1 110 110 shelving
Ablutions naturallY ventilated 4 16 64 4 wc's, 2 whb's
Tea Kitchen 4 16 64 countertop, cunbords, sink fridae kettle

sub-total: 1136
Residence

Dwellinn Units natural Iiaht & ventilation 6 68 408 Bed, chair closet

sub-total: 408
Parkinn for buildina users, visitors, showroom customers and KZNSA customers 45bavs

overall sub-total: 2484

10%circulalinn 248.4

total: 2732.4

101
 Introduction
This chapter outlines conclusions reached in this document and provides
recommendations for an appropriate response for the design of a facility for a
Society for the Blind in Durban.

The building serves as a base and a resource for all visually impaired members of
the community and thus should strive to accommodate the combined needs of the
users. The building is visited periodically by individuals and provides temporary
accommodation for those who are part of the weaving and carpentry training.
Therefore the building should be a safe, pleasant and considerate building for the
visually impaired users.

A balance between achieving normalisation within the design while at the same time
ensuring the right amount of specialisation is to be achieved. Design considerations
which will aid visually impaired individuals in their mobility will serve to empower
individuals by providing them with practical, enabling information about the
environment they find themselves in.

Normality and Independence

Achieving normality is essential. The building should not be institutional or

'mothering' and should thus avoid handrails cluttering every available wall and rather
adopt a subtle approach where tactile clues provide guidance. The building should
not be 'hostile' and totally undecipherable in its design either. Sensory design that

103
offers guidance and orientation clues provide a subtle approach to specialised
design.

The design should enhance independence by providing elements that serve for
training purposes; an environment that teaches visually impaired people to navigate
a variety of surfaces and built forms will benefit visually impaired people in their
progression towards independence.

"The physical environment should assist visually impaired people in their efforts to
achieve full mobility since mobility is an essential prerequisite to independence and
successful integration". (Vanoli: 1972,78)

Layout and Circulation

The key component to the circulation system is legibility. The route must be easy to
navigate. Therefore a clear and simple circulation method that links all spaces is
appropriate. A layout that is easily mind mapped and memorised by the users will be
successful. Many visually impaired people use route memory where changes of
direction, tempo or function are associated with memorised clues.

Counting doors or identifiable forms is a common method used by visually impaired

people to locate the room or facility they seek. Clustering of doors reduces
monotonous counting and tactile or bold forms are simpler to locate and count than
actively seeking individual door openings.

104
 Sensory Architecture
The building should display the possibilities that exist for sensory conscious design.
The research has revealed that designing for the senses not only encourages a
deeper more intimate interaction with the building but serves as important wayfinding
information for visually impaired people providing them with key information about
their surroundings.

Sight
Established in this document is the benefit of bold forms, tonal contrasts and use of
colour for partially sighted users. Visual elements maximise residual vision and
provide location clues determining different functions within the building.

Sound
Common sounds within buildings provide people with clues. These sounds should
not be suppressed but rather expressed. The sound of a cash register within a shop
provides direction or chimes when the lift doors open announce the positioning of
vertical circulation.

Furthermore, acoustical differences between areas, such as changes in ceiling

heights or differing materials causing different reverberation sounds and echoes,
assist visually impaired people in their understanding of spaces. These techniques
should be employed in the design.

105
 Smell
Aromatic clue givers such as fragrant plants in strategic areas help with navigation.
Kitchens and coffee areas release odours. Manipulating the position of such areas
as far as possible will serve as clues that are easily recognisable.

Touch
Tactile surfaces can be used for guidance in a trail rail and underfoot. Tactile
surfaces underfoot provide warnings of changes in direction or changes in floor level
or warn of hazards within the path, such as columns, bollards or street signs.

Materials
In order to achieve a building which addresses the senses and encourages
exploration of surfaces, a range of tactile materials, with varying tactile properties,
must be adopted. Materials such as stone, slate, smooth steel, rough rusted steel,
brickwork, timber, off shutter concrete, polished concrete and coloured glass should
be explored and manipulated within the design.

Conclusions
Sensory design is to be translated into the building's design so as to aid visually
impaired people in their independence. A balance between a 'mothering'
environment and a 'hostile' environment will achieve an overall sense of normality.
Sensory design offering guidance and orientation clues provide a subtle approach to
specialised design.

106
 b · b § ; o n!f:~ n h \1.
. B ~I ~llS1lography
Books
BARKER, P et al. 1995. Building Sight. London: Royal National Institute for the
Blind.

DAY, C. 1990. Places of the Soul. Oxford: The Aquarian Press.

EGAN, M.D. 1988. Architectural Acoustics. USA: McGraw-H ill, Inc.

GOLDSMITH, S. 1997. Designing for the disabled the new paradigm. Oxford:
Architectural Press.

HOLMES-SIEDLE, J. 1996. Barrier-free Design: a manual for building designers and

managers. Oxford: Architectural Press.

KRUFT, H-W. 1994. A History of Architectural Theory from Vitruvius to the Present.
London: Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd.

ENGEL, H. 1999. Words and Things in the Work of Aldo van Eyck. In V. Ligtelijn
(ed.) Aldo van Eyck Works. Netherlands: Thoth Publishers. pp26-29.

LYNCH, K. 1960. Image of the City. USA: The M.1.T Press.

PALLASMAA, J. 2005. The Eyes of the Skin. Great Britain: Wiley-Academy.

107
PASSINI, R. 1984. Wayfinding in Architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

ROTH , L. 1994. Understanding Architecture. Great Britain: Herbert Press.

THORPE, S. 1986. Designing for people with sensory impairments. Great Britain:
Centre for Accessible Environments.

VAUGHN , C. 1993. The Struggle of Blind People for Self Determination. USA:
Charles C Thomas.

Unpublished sources
FETHERSTONE, J.M. 1958. Building for the Blind. Unpublished thesis .

VANOLl,D.V. 1972. Unsighted Barriers. Unpublished diploma thesis.

Journals
BERNARDO, J. 1970. Architecture for blind persons. New outlook for the blind.
October 64(8). pp262-265.

BOBROVA, T. 1990. Architecture for Visually Handicapped Persons. Review of the

European Blind. 19(4) 70th issue. pp24-33.

BRODEY, W. 1965. Sound and Space. New outlook for the Blind. January 59(1).
pp1-4.

108
DAWSON, S. 1997. Designed to Lift the Spirits. The Architect's Journal. May. pp23-
32.

DAWSON, S. 1993. Sensory Impairment. The Architect's Journal. October. pp40-50.

FILLER, M. 1978. Extra sensory perceptions. Progressive Architecture. April. pp82-

85.

JEN, L. 2005. Uncommon Sense. Canadian Architect. February. pp32-35.

JENSEN, S. 1990. Danish architecture for the blind. Review of the European Blind.
19(1) 6th issue . pp22-25.

METTLER, R. 1987. Blindness and Managing the Environment. Journal of- Visual
Impairment and Blindness. December 81(10). pp476-481.

PASSINI , R et al. 1986. Special mobility of the visually handicapped active person: a
descriptive study: short report. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness. October
80(8). pp904-907.

PASSINI, R. 1988. Wayfinding information for congenitally blind individuals: short

report. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness. December 82(10) . pp425-429.

PHILLlPS, R. 2005. School Design for the Blind: Learning to See without Sight.
Architectural Record. December. pp67-69.
109
STEPHENS, S. 1978. De-institutionalising for the Blind. Progressive Architecture.
April. pp92-93.

Interviews
Anonymous (partially sighted Head co-ordinator of disability unit at tertiary
institution) 15 March 2007, Durban

Bosse, N (Manager of John Edward Palmer Residence) 7 March 2007, Durban

Botha, G (Occupational Therapist at Open Air School) 8 March 2007, Durban

Brown, M (General Manager of KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind) 5 March 2007,
Durban

Clark, B (Architect of conversion at KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind) 7 March

2007, Durban

Frank, D (Principal of Arthur Blaxall School) 13 March 2007, Pietermaritzburg

Moosa (Blind Teacher at Arthur Blaxall School) 13 March 2007, Pietermaritzburg

Subrayen, R (Head of Department Resource Centre) 3 April 2007, Durban

110
 DESIGN REPORT

L,

J -i

K W A Z U L U -
N A T A L S 0 C I E T Y F 0 R T H E B L I N D
• ••• • • ... •••• • .•
• . •
•• ••
. • .o
•
. ••
•
• • ••
• •• • •• •
.... .
. • • • •• •• ••••• •• .o •• • •••• •.o... • .. •• •.. ..
•• • • •• •••
...o

••• ~
•• •• •
 INTRODUCTION

This report documents the key elements considered during the design process of a
new facility for the Kwazulu-Natal Society for the Blind in Durban.

The existing Kwazulu-Natal Society for the Blind is inadequate in its design, layout
and size. A new facility is proposed that is tailored to both the Society's corporate
needs as well as the visually impaired person's individual needs.

A need exists for a Society for the Blind in Durban as it serves as a facility which
provides tools which aid, train and instruct blind and visually impaired people to cope
in their daily activities without sight. The Society provides visually impaired people
with treatment, advice and helpful aids for each individuals specific needs.
Furthermore the Kwazulu-Natal Society for the Blind provides onsite training in
basketry weaving and carpentry that provides visually impaired people with skills
that they can use in order to provide themselves with an income.

113
 SITE SELECTION

Site and Location Requirements

The fundamental factors to consider when selecting a site are integration,
accessibility and exposure. The Society's philosophy is integration; the site therefore
should ideally be located within an existing community where integration is
encouraged. Accessibility is key to the siting of a building of this typology; the site
must ensure good access by public transport, the sole means of independent travel
for people with a visual impairment. It is also advantageous that the site be close to
other amenities so that visitors can combine their visits with other activities. In
addition it is beneficial for the site to be part of an area of mixed use, as a varied
environment assists in mobility training. The site should be reasonably peaceful so
as to be conducive to the appreciation of the buildings facilities. The site must be
secure and perceived as safe to ensure visitors are at ease when orientating
themselves between the building and their means of transport.

With these views in mind the following criteria have been set:
• Accessible by public transport as this is the sole means of independent travel for
people with a visual impairment
• Integrated into the community rather than isolated from society enforcing the
Society's philosophy of integration
• Integrated with other amenities so that visitors can combine their visits with
other activities

114
 • Situated in an area where linkage can be established with other sensory
elements that are already present; for example adjacent to a park or public
gardens
• Street frontage as exposure is essential for the showroom to ensure successful
trade
• Part of an area of mixed use as a varied environment is beneficial for mobility
training
• Peaceful so as to be conducive to the appreciation of the buildings facilities
• It must be located in a safe environment where crime is not an immediate threat
to blind and partially sighted pedestrians

Three viable options emerged, the sites that met the majority of the .above criteria
were considered carefully. The site on Bulwer Road was considered to meet the
criteria most accurately and was therefore selected.

115
Site Selection Criteria Site 1 Site 2 Site 3
Bulwer Road Essenwood Botanic
Park Gardens
Accessible by public
transport e (! <!
Integrated into the
community e e
Integrated with other
amenities
@) @)
Link to sensory elements
that are already present e @) @
Street frontage for
showroom exposure e e ~
Part of a mixed use area
@) @) ~
Peaceful : conducive to
appreciation of bldg facilities G a e
Safe environment
i) e a
 THE CLIENT
The Kwazulu-Natal Society for the Blind acted as the client. The Society is a charity
organisation providing support, training and healthcare services to blind and partially
sighted people in the Kwa-Zulu Natal area.

FUNCTIONS OF THE BUILDING

The Kwazulu-Natal Society for the blind houses the Society's headquarters. It also
includes the Resource Centre which serves the blind and partially sighted
community with facilities such as mobility instructors, physiotherapists, optometrists,
occupational therapists and social workers. The Society also provides services that
empower the visually impaired providing them with a means of acquiring an income.
This is in the form of weaving and furniture making. The society runs a six-month
- - - .-- - - -+

course that teaches individuals to produce woven goods and furniture products and
start their own business ventures in the areas that they come from with the skills
learned. The building contains studios and residential units for weavers attending the
course. Furthermore the Society houses a showroom where these weaved products
are displayed and sold. The building also provides social facilities where a group of
visually impaired people meet on a weekly basis to learn crafts, drink tea or listen to
motivational speakers while at the same time enjoying social interaction.

117
 ~ -- --- -- - - -- ~ - - - - - ~- - - - --- - -- ~ - - ' - --~-- - " -- --- - - - ' --- - -~- ----
__._ _-----
. .. - -._--.---_. - -._-_._--- - --- '_. - - - - ~- _ ._- -- -- - -_ ...•--_.- --_._-. _ _..__ ._~._- - - -

ACCOMMODAllON SCHEDULE

DescriDtlon Particulars QuantitY Area 1m2 ) A rea Total 1m2 Furnlture/Flttlnas Eq u ipment

'Ent rance

Entranc e Fover adeauate space for circulation & orien tation , waitina space & area for vertical circulation 1 50 50 seatina
Receotion line of entry to intercept reception desk for easy loc ation thereof 1 9 9 reception desk chair
:Showroom street frontaae, easi lv accessible f rom parkina fac ilitv 1 100 100 d tsoiav units sheMna

sub-total; 159
,Headauarters

General Manaaer 1 18 18 desk chairs

General Manaaer's PA 1 18 18 desk chai rs
.Financial Mana aer 1 18 18 desk, cha irs
Admin Clerk 1 18 18 desk cha irs
Fundraiser's in Kind 2 18 36 desk, cha irs
Fundraiser Manaaer 1 18 18 desk cha irs
Tea Kitch en visible for monitorina purposes 1 15 15 countertop, cupboards, sink fridae , kettle
Boardroom accessible from parking faci litv . naturalliaht & ventilation 1 40 40 board table, cha irs
A blutions naturall v ventilated 1 16 16 4 wc 's 2 whb's

sub-total: 197
Resource Centre

HOD Rehab irrtation 1 18 18 desk cha irs

Braille Instructor instruction area for 2 learners at a time 1 25 25 desks cha irs
Mob ilitv Instru ctor instructi on area , hiah Iiaht levels requir ed 4 25 100 desk cha irs
Social Worker seatina area for counsellina sess ions 4 20 80 desk c hairs, seatina
DtudenWolunteer Offi ce 1 15 15 desk , cha irs
Support Service display area for assistive device s 1 20 20 desk cha irs, disolav unit
Optometric Clinic shutterina device requ ired to block light during eye testin g 1 20 20 desk, chairs, ootometric chair optometry eauio
Corn outer Room accommodate 5 learners at a time , classroom environment 1 25 25 desks, cha irs 5 pc's , 1 orinter
Staff Room accommodate 11 people, recreational space tea kitchen 1 35 35 seatin a. countertop, sink fridae, kettle
Phvsio/OT Room eoui ernent store , therapy area room shared by part time phv sio & occupational theraoist 1 25 25 desk cha irs , OT mat
Seminar I Activitv Room accommodate 40 people acc ess to cafe and ablutions 1 90 90 sem inar table, cha irs proiector
Cafe lo artlY covere d 1 100 100 tables chairs
Kitc hen direct access to care 1 30 30 c ourrter, sink , hob fridaes
Ab lUtions naturallv ventilated 1 16 16 4 wc's , 2 whb's

sub-total: 599
Studios

Studio Man aoer ac cess to workshops and load ina zone 1 18 18 des k cha irs
Fram ino Stud io hiah liaht level, natural ventilation, interactive environment 1 330 330 work benches, chairs
Weavin~ Studio hiah liaht level, natural verrtilation, interactive environment 1 330 330 work benches cha irs
Materi al Store access to loadina zo ne 1 220 220 sheMn a
Finished Products Store access to loading zone and showro om 1 110 110 sheMna
Ab lutions natu rally ventilated 4 16 64 4 wc's 2 whb's
Tea Kitchen 4 16 64 countertop, cupbo rds , sink fri dqe , kettle

sub-total : 1136
Residence

Dwellinq Units natural lioht & ventilat ion 6 68 408 Bed , cha ir , closet

SUb-total: 408
Parklna f or buildino users visitors, showroom cust omers and KZNSA cust omers 45bavs

overall SUb-total: 2499

10%circulation 249.9
I
I total: .. 2748.9
 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Designing for Visually Impaired People

Research reveals two prominent and opposing schools of thought surrounding the
issue of designing for disabled people. Those that believe the building should be
custom designed to accommodate the disabled persons every need and those that
believe the building should be normal as other buildings in the built environment that
do not accommodate the disabled person's every need.

The group that believe the building should be normal believe that a building which is
specially designed provides a protective environment that 'mothers' the visually
impaired user. (Bernardo: 1970,262) This disadvantages visually impaired people
when they find themselves outside of this protective environment. It is believed that
specially designed buildings enhance segregation as the users become familiar with
them and then cannot cope when in the normal environment. Visually impaired
people will therefore avoid the normal environment thus reducing interaction with
sighted people.

The group that believe the building should be custom designed to visually impaired
peoples needs believe that buildings specially designed aid visually impaired people
in their ability to navigate and orientate themselves. It is believed that architects can
make a valuable contribution to the blind person's ability to orientate him/herself.
They believe that a visually impaired person would benefit positively from an

119
environment that complements and assists him/her in his/her mobility and
navigation. (Vanoli: 1972)

Legibility
Legibility is of particular importance for visually impaired users and features need to
be included in order to ensure that legibility is achieved using non-visual aids.

Kevin Lynch suggests that structuring and identifying the environment can be
achieved through the use of many cues, namely; visual cues of colour, shape and
tone as well as sensory cues such as smell, sound, touch and kinaesthesia. Visual
cues are useful to the partially sighted however blind users rely entirely on the
provision of sensory cues for their ease of orientation and wayfinding.

In order to achieve an environment that is legible and easily identified there are
certain elements which need to be in place for the visually impaired user. Structuring
and identifying the environment can be achieved through the use of cues, namely;
colour, tone, smell, sound and touch. This technique of consistent use of sensory
cues aids the visually impaired person's orientation and wayfinding.

Wayfinding

Wayfinding is the term used to describe the process which people go through in order
to find their way around an environment. If an individual successfully solves a
wayfinding problem on their first visit to a building and have the ability to remember
that solution, then they should not have a problem on their subsequent visits to the
same building.

120
Less than 10% of visually impaired people are totally blind. The remainder rely on
their residual vision to determine shapes, contrasts and colours to aid them in their
wayfinding process. The visually impaired rely heavily on sound and touch to find their
way. Exploiting these elements will create an environment that is easily navigated by
the blind or partially sighted person.

It is important to note that an excess of orientation clues can become confusing and
result in a clutter of information that cannot be deciphered; "Such information must
not be chaotic, for it is only when information changes visually handicapped
individuals' perceptions logically and directly that we can talk of a clear architectural
idea of the environment." (Bobrova: 1990,26)

SENSORY ARCHITECTURE

The Human Senses

People use four of their five senses - sight, sound, touch and smell - in varying
degrees and sometimes subconsciously when interacting with the built environment.
The consequence when one sense is removed or its effectiveness reduced is that
the other senses are greater depended upon. Architecture that appeals to one's
senses is committed to memory on a deeper level thus aiding the visually impaired
person to memorise a buildings layout.

Sight
Sight is the sense most relied upon. Our eyes reflect the environment back to us.
Less than 10% of visually impaired people are totally blind. It is therefore important

121
not to exclude the inclusion of visual elements in the way of bold forms, tonal
contrasts and colour.

Sound
For a person without sight, the most informative and developed sense is hearing.
Sound is omni-directional providing information about activities which are all around,
far or near. Sound gives warning and offers direction. Buildings return sound to us,
structuring and articulating our understanding of space.

Touch
Texture can only offer information at arms length. Texture can be informative but
cannot give information about something a long distance away, only that which is
imminent. Tactile aids provide information about their position within an environment
-- -

by the feel of their surrounding surfaces by hand or underfoot. Changes in floor

textures to delineate different areas are useful aids.

Smell
Smell is rarely used as a directional clue. However it can be used as a source of
information and guidance. A coffee shop, for example, emits an aroma of coffee
disclosing its location to the visually impaired person.

122
 THE DESIGN

This building provides the visually impaired community with a safe environment that
serves as a base and a resource for visually impaired people in Durban. The
building provides blind and partially sighted people with tools that aid them in dealing
with and living with their impairment. The building provides the visually impaired

\, \
\-,,.'--'" , ,
person with assistance in navigation and orientation but at the same time it provides
r"-- ~ I '"

the user with challenges designed to aid with rehabilitation. The design approach is
::;='\ t~-h;~.
'" L..-. ~_ . .,.'""t-,, 1-~ , therefore a balance between a normal environment and a specialised one.
~~::,>><{'~ I '__ fI,
"""-'r;.· tI1""';l~"":":: ,
,: ,; '<~"- ~ ~!':J1?:1~ ,
\ I

.'
' \''':
The design is aware of the visually impaired person's sensory perceptions. The
building enhances the visually impaired person's independence by providing clues to
aid with orientation using touch, sound and smell. The building harnesses sounds
- -

and smells that penetrate from the outside thus providing additional clues about the
surrounding environment.

The building is legible and clear with a memorable circulation method that is easily
navigated and which links all spaces.

Interaction within the building is encouraged; the inclusion of spaces that promote
interaction between visually impaired people are provided in the design.

Urban Design and Approach to the Building

Textured strips guide the visually impaired person from the bus stop to the threshold
of the building where the paving texture changes demarcating the buildings margin.
123
 Traffic calming elements and a pedestrian crossing are positioned on Bulwer Road
providing a place for visually impaired people to safely cross the road. A woven
screen runs along the front of the building guiding the visually impaired person to the
entrance. A port coche with large panes of coloured glass highlights the entrance for
partially sighted visitors and colours reflect on the ground as the sun shines.

It is proposed to widen Ferguson Road in order to provide an adequate parking area

that serves both the Kwazulu-Natal Society for the Blind as well as the KZNSA.
Users of the KZNSA are then encouraged to walk past the studios encountering the

;~ :.\;. ~. . \'....::.,
weaving and carpentry which takes place in them past the showroom, thus
... ' .

:::..•\.'1< " ' \ 0~'.

maximising the exposure of the products to the pedestrians.
!l@':_· d
r~~

The link between the Kwazulu-Natal Society for the Blind and the KZNSA is paved
and planted and steps down from Bath Road to Bulwer Road. This connection
accommodates overflow parking in Bath Road and provides easy passage for
\i
.\
\
"1/
visitors to the KZNSA. Pergolas stretch out from the building to engage with the
~, - - \ KZNSA but touch down within the sites boundary without touching the KZNSA. The
pergolas provide shade to the building and the pedestrians'using the connection.

On the northern edge of the site the residential units overlook Bulwer Park providing
passive surveillance. The circulation axis along the courtyard terminates at an
existing tree on the site where a screened seating area looks out onto the park and
playground providing further surveillance of the park.

124
 Building Layout
· ~:t~ The building's functions are arranged around a central courtyard. The building's
if' if' -f1JF .
-,, -- 1~ i l·f.. :~~ '1
,
~~!iJ!~W _IJi
\" ut
I;;~ entrance area is located on the corner of Bulwer and Ferguson roads. The resource
Co:
\J I "" 'iq I I
',5~l: Q> Hi r ..... ......,
centre forms an L-shape along Bulwer road and stretches up towards Bulwer Park
~~,:<! , -~, ;;:~"--- ,( If';~ ". :: · ' • sharing a boundary with the KZNSA. The Headquarters offices sit a level above the
Resource Centre, removed from the flow of visitors thus a quieter environment. The
: ','f)"/1Il~
' ~h;/
"
." , .,:' 1 ! showroom where the basketry and furniture is sold is situated on Bulwer Road and
tfljJIif, I
,A~')
....., " ,J

. ';I, fh,itil,rjff.,7!tfJ!11 steps out to stand in line with the KZNSA's shopfront. The studios where weaving
, {.PflJ il' l l l Il,; .:
,.. u t.Jr,I'
and carpentry training occurs is the largest bulk of the building and is thus located
along Ferguson Road along the western facade ensuring that the 3 stories do not
over shadow the courtyard or other buildings from north sun. Wings off of the studios
block the west hot afternoon sun with thick composite stone, block and brickwork
walls and open toward the south where large glazed areas allow soft south light into
the studios. The residential units are situated on the northern edge overlooking
Bulwer Park, they have a direct link to the studios. The courtyard is the hub of the
It centre, it houses the cafe, a mobility instruction garden and a herb garden.

The courtyard concept ensures a safe environment that is simple in layout and easily
_i" mindmapped and memorised. The layout is legible as all functions open onto one
'\'40:.lJ.\
" -f ~

common space; this also encourages interaction between individuals within this
J? 't .,..
fi'
",
:] " ,. ,' . ' ,,I
common space. The courtyard allows the building to be easily monitored by staff.
~. ',t'}~: f! ,:,~
1"'. :2'

'~l' Furthermore for visually impaired visitors it is easy to hear the movement of others
A

within the space thus identifying the whereabouts of other individuals. The clear
circulation route has identifiable places along the route providing orientation clues at
Itl I:. specific places drawing attention to specific things.
~ r

125
 Movement through the building
On arrival the visitor encounters the reception which serves as the command centre
where directions can be obtained. The user then moves in a linear direction through
the reception and into the resource centre area. Tactile clues underfoot and a
mosaic trail rail along the wall guide the user along the circulation route. Circulation
spaces are oversized as visually impaired people require more space than sighted
- " """"'L-._.•.__ ._._ •...•.•_• •.,.••.•._~.

·': '·~~~ ?lI~JU. n.·~

•.
people to orientate themselves. Vertical circulation occurs at the termination of each
major axis.
. ~

The route around and through the courtyard becomes a sensory journey. The
building engages with the user through the provision of navigation and orientation
clues which aid the visually impaired person to identify their whereabouts and direct
. .

them to their desired location. The design thus enhances independence - this being
the visually impaired person's greatest desire and greatest deprivation. The building
uses passive design elements to guide users and avoids cluttering the building with
devices for disabled people which give an institutional feel. Instead a subtle
approach is employed ensuring the building still maintains an element of normality.

Doors are clustered and highlighted by heavy jutting out stone walls which protrude
into the walkway slightly so as to pick up the tip of the visually impaired person's
cane. Light shafts situated above illuminate the space with sunlight. The visually
impaired often use a method of counting elements as means of finding their desired
destination. These elements engage with the user providing a rhythm for them to
count along their journey.
126
 The blind live in a world of surfaces. A variety of textures are explored throughout
the building both on the floor and the walls providing paths to follow. Surfaces can
be explored by hand or underfoot providing orientation clues and adding to the
I i - J'~:'-'~'-
_-, -..y-,.'=1:\ - colour of the visually impaired persons journey through the building.
:tJ~:!"fRR
rL_--Lr
-::._._
-i· \\ _--___
" /1 _ ,

C; '"_~, J
,Jl,
' 1
For the partially sighted robust colours and strongly expressed forms become critical
to the experience of their surroundings. It is important to maximise the use of their
residual vision. Colour is incorporated at key points where important elements need
to be highlighted. At the entrance a coloured glass port coche highlights the
entrance guiding the partially sighted user into the building. At the termination of
each main axis where vertical circulation occurs, coloured glass towers serve as
beacons highlighting the stair and reflecting a multitude of colours onto the ground
below.

The blind and partially sighted rely heavily on their hearing. The observation of one's
own footsteps indicates the nature of the floor surface, the volume being passed
. through and echoes of obstructions to be noted. Ceiling heights have been varied
l ril].lf"'J
·~
k"ll throughout the design providing different acoustics for the visually impaired visitor to
help them identify different areas. The different sound behaviour of one space in
contrast to another provides visually impaired people with an image of where they
are. The reception for example is a double volume; the sound behaviour alerts them
to the vastness of the space thus identifying it as a prominent one. Cantilevering
_.e:::~:
balconies cover the walkway along the studios. At entry points there is a break in the

-
.. 127
cantilevering balconies providing an acoustic difference in these areas thus drawing
attention to these entrances.

At points of vertical circulation at the end of each main axis, giant wooden chimes
hang above the stairs thus identifying them and providing an audible direction clue to
the corners of the building, this helps the visually impaired person to orientate
themselves within the building.

Furthermore a water feature located at the external stairs provides an audible

warning of a change in level.

Windows communicate information to blind people in a variety of ways. They serve

as ears which emit sounds from the outside, bringing the outdoors into the room,
- --
enlarging the space, aiding in orientation and providing the blind person with key
information about the nature of the environment he/she finds himself/herself in. All
window are thus operable and those facing onto the streets are tall to maximise the
information attained.

At the termination of the main axis the building opens to the outside allowing sounds
and breezes to penetrate into the courtyard. This further assists the visually impaired
person to formulate the surrounding environment in their mind and provides begins
the process of integration into the community.

There are elements within the design which actively release aromas into the
environment further engaging with the visitor and providing clues which aid in
128
rnemonzmq the buildings layout. The cafe provides both the sound of chatter
combined with the aroma of food and coffee. The herb garden releases scents into
the air towards the north of the site.

129
 ENVIRONMENTAL

The use of natural heating, lighting and ventilation is the ultimate target. Short spans

-'~~~ Ei.~~E.~ Tn= ~ ~r ' ~ ~.

and adjacent openings achieve cross ventilation. Glazing in the recommended
proportions to room size and maximising of the north orientation for habitable rooms
,; I i
~ !
"i' .
i such as offices and residential accommodation and the south orientation for studios
~"" ~:assistwit~ n~tural ~
_ !, j' 1 ..
' I\ow ftoor plate ,

i i f+tt__-=-. ;.')~" cross ventilation help to achieve natural light and ventilation.
~;:'. :,.. ' .: i : ... ".. " .. i .. ~~~
i." h"\ J,In'
'...p . ..,;,.
.....1 t .....
1l..JlJl..
' ;' ,"_ ' .-1X..

,~ .
Solar control is essential so as to reduce glare and create an environment with a
constant lighting quality particularly in the studios where close work is being
performed. Direct light causes glare and can be problematic for partially sighted
people therefore actions have been taken to ensure the lighting quality in all spaces
is adequate. The studios have glazing facing south so as to receive indirect south
light. On the north eastern facade which opens towards the courtyard, balconies
extending 2.5 metres aid in shading and shielding the studios from an excess of
direct light.

Timber screens have been included throughout the building to provide solar control
and shading whilst at the same time allowing natural ventilation.

For the visually impaired, natural ventilation is preferable over air conditioning as
natural ventilation provides the sightless with clues from the outside giving them
information about wind direction, outside temperature, scents and sounds which aid
them in their formation of the environment. The constant use of air conditioners dulls
,-\
ones senses due to the constant noise and the stale environment they produce.

130
 TECHNICAL

The building construction method is concrete columns and reinforced concrete slabs
with brick infill.

The building displays many textures and surfaces which aid in the visually impaired
persons wayfinding process. Some of these include; stonework, brickwork, exposed
concrete aggregate, polished power floated concrete, cobbles, mosaic, timber
screens, plastered walls, pebbles in mortar, gabion walls and stainless steel checker
plate sheeting.

~-_~ 131
 '"'UN I t:X I
.. "' "li> "
" li> " ..
• aQl IiiI

site criteria

accessible by public
transport: primary form of
transport for visually impaired
people

i n t e g r at e d i nt o the
community : enforcing the
society's philosophy of
integration

inte g rated w ith

amenit ies : users can
combine trips to the society
with shopping and other
errands

l inkage w ith other

sensory e lements :
bulwerpark

street frontag e: maximum

exposure for shop

mix ed us e area : a variety

of uses provides opportunity
for varied mobility instruction

peaceful envi ronment :

for appreciation of the
sensory design and the
buildings facilities

safe environment: where

crime is not an immediate
threat to visually impaired
pedestrians

THE B L I N D
W A L 0 EN : ' • •• •' .' ih ' ..
.. ;lI ....

.. .
. ..
. ...
.. . ..
... ..
 J:-'-
t'.~
/
r------ ----____"".(',11
~ ...~ . ~ .~9~
/ ,,_S,l T E ANALYSIS
a 11 a a a aa a a lIa a a a
/ .. ~~ ..• ' _ / . \ "/1'
''0 11 a lIa a a 11 11 a a a
, . - -'./ j l-/ ~
! f" Z'\\ I/~~~
!~ ~~.~,.
"-?%
\
\ ",.:)i'·y <.,j
)
i
a a a a

bus stops : bus stops are

aa a a

~:r-----/ '-,,I ) located every few hundred

~,(,-;;:-'? :'~:,-->~. ~ metres along Bulwer road
. ,ih" within short walking distance
ofthesite

Bulwer park : soft edge,

breezes, park sounds - bird-
life, rustling trees, children
playing

Bulwer ro ad : hard edge,

commercial edge, street
frontage, traffic noise, busy
edge

surrounding func t ions :

residential, commercial, retail,
" 7<':i
kznia and kznsa

.. KWAZULU-NATAL SOCIETY FOR T '!---E/

E W A L 0 EN : · ... ... •• .. . .. . . ... .. " .. .. .... . .. . . .
.. .. .. :::~ .B L .I . N 0
 CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT
~@ ~

'"
.a
a • • 01
lJ
Iiit
iI
\i
GI__
a
0
IJ@
lid!
lit @

(fa
• \j
•
"
~0.
•
•
\i&...
~~
~ ~
a a
'"
@

a
tl
~a.~.
Q
a ~
lit
aa
\j
~ 0'.
~
0

conceptual framework
:1 ~ !'I.~~
I brjl ~": ~ sensory dialogue
"ilrl l "
"1 ' I .' :~_=_.
between building and
J ',~
0 b.,;l...
bold forms . colour . contrast user.
differences in ceiling heights provide simple well planned
acousticvariations identifying different areas
layout
s...... legible circulation route
~ safe environment with a
~~ Braille wall ~ varying volumes . rustling trees .
senseof 'place'
sensory orientation clues
V'r traffic noise . birdlife aural, olfactory, tactile
Cl ~ andatmospheric.

·Cl outside clues penetrate

core providing external
Cl
....... environmental info.
linkage to surrounding
I!\ en texture . temperature sensory elements ie
(I) bulwer park
rhythm, pattern and
repetition for counting
vertical circulation @ route termination points
contrasts:
herbs . aroma of coffee . trees
light vsdark
in blossom solid vs void
rough vssmooth

E W A l 0 EN : " .. U ~~ : .. " :: ::
.. .
•••• oil
.
. .. . . . ;,) ...... . . . .. .
.. .. .. . ..
;l ".
.. .
 '; U R I;tJ.:\ N D E 5 I G N
<.\.: ''-' ;.( : ';" ~'"

\. I,l .

B"'~;:::; ~~:~~~~~~ ,: ~ ":,""':::;:~fF '

t-
\ '\';::~. .:\>:,~
.'..,..,......

\.

" '....1;

"~ .
' -,

/ { C,t., DC'", ;i~

<. )
'~ ,,' }
; ~':,;':-c~::;:.;;::/
/
r ~ ~~
j -'
. ~., ~, ..~
fi -' \-- - -.-:::r "r:-: (./ C'<,,\:.\
,,~ .: ( ",

I l \- / " .~_! 'J'I

\ \ ~~I ~~,,~'
•• \ ~" ' - .~._,~.- ---i " ~~~/;"''''' '\1
\ \ ':'",1\, ;:"""'\ t )
\ I '> .. , c
\ \ \ \ ~--:;':<
,,\.
..
I
\\ \
\\ ' .
«, ,", -
)\ !l
~,
:~ '\1: :l~~~t "'>;,iY.iX '
.- ~;-~y .),? ;' . ,
'~1 · ,
. .. I 1~
(, !~IIIIiWUII"
i' , } ~~L.~ \ \ - ~ !
"'-..-"
t~ -,,~
\,t.
~

~1 " : " ,,;, I~J I' l ]!

irmrlID! :JII'Bt~·) ~"/;~;~~~';:~,j \ \
• ~. ' 's
« t:,)\
I "",' \\
~\.'..
" , f' : ' " ' .

;<q:': \ ' ,;';;':;;" . 1~.p//:-::.•~." lbv, ; :~~.ll cree~,Pic

... , c .:: .- \ ' l ~-:"y.~:-:;" ' ' JI: . . ~~..I\ : '
\Me~
11
.> . ,- ,, '.
/If)!
1I 1 1 r ll
I
I
!:I
rt- 1\
""'nsa .J
\ .
\ " .. r,7 \:l ~ ', ;
" ~o::\,_ .·, l kznia, ) _J_·_ 1
I"

i. Cl.!~ ____' _ Jl~ 1 ~~~ /td-_._:.'s'.~;}~, t I L-/<.~~~<

j ;..
c !
.'t i, ' '"
~·:· · L· : L:i -:~~su~I •• ~.•: ~ •••• J".•o."~~.~ e.".~. ,,,.'I.ll>.,, >, e .... .. .. " _"V " " " :-' ~;(' 7 ..
~. 7 ' " • .•-m~;it -;,. "." "••.".• " "';::t~ ! .• ~ s ».!'. ' ~,•••• ~''; •• X :·' lO;roru:~~~·pavement
= sh~p~t ~teR~~~ ~ . , :~~1~
. ·e..Of~~~h~PfrO!l-
. t ' :::..'l': ;~:<:
~~.•..te..•..x.,,~:'t~r ~. p~."'..'.~W./~s•...V.•.rr~I.rI~e~i~e.a.P.El.6. ~le•. ~..~~'re-lil£s-~tolrlo
eU texture d patn-gUldes-vls!J.e!'¥.llllpalred peoPle-from-tbeeDUs stop to thif'buildlng texture changes identifying bg[l~iG~;; t~re,hold -'-. -~,i:\;: ,e; ~(/j~>J l ' '.
. .. .~ /;c~itia~ulrdlng
!.' J •.•

bu,"", road " street furniIU~ie~~XidEi~

seating identifies a~d :~~~~Cs~~lro:i~.~';j:~~?;" ?' : ; ::: .~~;; ~,.;_ ,, ;., "
the ~oad edg.e;,lfctlng as a warning system Co at point Of.c,\Ossing ,, , ! J <. ." o' ~_
building stepsdown towards the boundary for vlsually,·lmpaired pedestrians .:.~.> ." ,,; <' . ~~ 'i c- ,.; _ ",
.t.()m eelthe height of the kznsa I ',=" . ~~r--'T---
,.a.
".dMJ.11.•·.~
. . "l~"'~'"""'h'~";-';'''~
' ~,' ._, •• '• • • ,.r: •••• '. i l a ,IIl'• • • • • • '• • • ,
.-,. - "'.,"., - -- - - -- -""'exturecipath.guides_vistially-impairelL .
s>lJieldJ ... IL FJmB ! people from the bus stop to the bUilding
• • • tIIIj. .....~ 1 kznSR l l l l 1 l .: b kznia
wer road elevation

'\ ,<.
.,
, F
...;·Lv.·... ::;::~J~ - ,!"
7'1v ,;;·.-'Y.<?" I (l '2.':~ ·
'f:
r: t ·~ . . :, j,'.1{1rJ C '~::
r"" I": ' k l ~~~: ~ll!\kp'i<;'it
~r i:: ,it'L···g.;.~~~~,-~;';L
~; i:tz:"{'~~;V{ifr:+"}. r~~'"
'~j.

...,
~,. tj
. \~:~~ i . ~1 .. c '

woven screen guides v;sit"ito

the entrance ~ approach to entrance
hopfront steps forward meeting the line of
the kznsa shopfront
lhaded and planted pedestrian.link belwee
'Bath and Bulwer roads .... pedestrian link meeting Bulwer road

K W A Z U L U .
... . . ... .. -.. ... . .. . , . . .. .. .. . . .
.. .. . . .
.. .. . . . .... . ... . . :. ... N.. A. ..T ...A .....L ..S.. 0.... C ...I ..E..T Y. . F.. 0.... ..R ..T. .H E
: .B .L ...I ..N... 0..
 -~---" . .L - ---;- r \ ,/ /
UI:.~I\:iN ~I:.N~I:.
-, ...'"'-J ............
.. .. .... .. .. .... a .. .. ..
.a a • QI a. all
.. a .. IiI ..

sensory architecture
~'-- - - architecture that appeals to
?",o the senses is committed to
memory on a deeper level.
it aids visually impaired
and: ceiling height people to memorize a
nges along , building and remember its
.ulatlo n route layout and features.
ntifying doorways sight
I stairs less than 10% of visually

~
ich & sight: bold ~\:---
~ "." touch & sight: ~~JT-~", _:"i.',.: :" .' ~
;- ~ impaired people are totally
tile stone walls ~-bold tactile stone " t1=l!:1--J ';, ... blind - visual elements
i - -• •
:11
:/, ,>' :, ', --------. ',' ' '' . I "f: . ;
ntify entrances ~~ .f:~-J: ails identify door ,?I '~ " I , !i J therefore have importance -
ich: tacti le ~ ~('J,' ' 11 ,'I) - clusters \(ll , / ", ', fL..f
;
[::

~
bold forms, tonal
:-:-~

erences underfoot at contrast, colour.

nt of entry "sound : falling water sound
at stairs identifying the most informative and
change in level developed sense is
I*~"'::fj
hearing. sound is omni-
T" sigl .~
J:.
" _>.1 I:. . directional. information of
." .' ;-~~ , ,9 1~$~~1f1t, ~che
0 I
surroundings is provided
...- ~:_~;, ,!,< rdEiHttfim : ritrance ,,;/~;;;-Y~,r · ·_·, · · · · ·_" •••••~ , ...~l- I. I .
,~
<1
thro ugh sound . buildings
, y'::>l >·t ouc h: pebbles bedded
_' \ :' ~:;c~L " j!~~~i:~I::~~;1# "u . ~~, } ···~~~~~?vv~·~t~.:. : ·~.. ~1It into a sand and cement mix return sound to us - sound
.' . v. I , ~ 1\·:.~_4·",~' :'''; ,;~",-
:' l!\ J 3 ~ ",...:;" ::-,~ ·
,· ,''cc .~
"
i";'~
c:
; ''':1 11 I
I'-; l ~~ '/ '
::':>-t;,I'.r -/ /
, "" I "iIt • •
V•.J
~ ~ L>;l;I;;..Jk=!t"~ L 3J" I ""11.1: ::',.1 L :::oJ ~•• WjllWmt~WJ~m i <:,U,nderfoot articulates our
.-~: ~; ~,
'I
.;".. .• .••••. ,- . .~(.)
1, i ! 1 I i I l I I D

.. t:., - <~:,~ ~ i!;::~ . ~ ~.~/:~~ ~:~ understanding of space.

£
#' . ,. \

••••••• • •••••• » ,/]Q[nnJLn:.~~,~_:;,1 c:::::;: ccc ' q-;.:? .~;: ':to uc h : texture\J/ ":.:; ." d,~~
'. ;~ i texture
IC h:. Bral'1",e, ,'.' \."~-'-, j1' ~"'>I.;:'~"
1<''''>,'.' > . .' u,s igh f :UQnf WeJls at door :-= ' g~ triP ~ndderfoot~~~m )k:jj
:'; ;(\~E/ " --'~I blind people live in a world
~, e S -'2~V !l ~ 1
" " ,,\,I1ic, '
of surfaces. sense oftouch
I at entrc{,ric'e ~: : ', '\1J t?5~~~f~~~,"~JJil,,~ toUCh : woven screen G,luste~r~,'~~-mtnates space , u I
loth a ta<;!.!~~; , . '.. " ~!J "~:" ;:p~~' I . , gUides visually impaired higtllightil1g it ~. ' C, <:; Ji> e des t r i a n I' ti R\ E---r
0 is limited to the radius of the
ment & a~::;~'::' ::: :- ': ,1, " r~~"rtrt, person to the entrance kinaesthetic: warmth from ". fr om the bus U .&I!f~ arms therefore provides
n b 0 I·IC one"',····"..•.
.,....'- .'. '> ,. !t"' "" "" "";,', • • lllc ht well
... stop to exact location informat ion
• ~~·;(r:;:~-i;~;;;7·<~, :l~~~ , .
i , - - - - - - - - - - : f = ; ::::::;.:..:3s:J b u i I din 9 s by hand or underfoot.
I '. threshold smell
.ouch: exposed
sight: coloured glass tower ~~~.
touch: trail rail
along wall laggregate concn element 't ouch & sight: mosaic columns smell is used as a source of
provides guiding underfoot identifi sound: giant wooden wind chi identify boundary between information or guidance.
"'~ element within the circulation spine hung above stair • \ walkway and cafe aromatic clue givers are
'building tudio s easily recogn isable.

'the sighted individ ual will pay little attention to a sma ll ram p leading into a space; or to the transit ion from a s,oft floor to a ~ard one ; or from a brilliant room with hard surfaces ,to a mellow one with soft wall coverings; or from a warm room to another sligh tly cooler. and he
will pay little attention to these deta ils be,c:<luse that is all they are to him: details, but these clues are not details to a blind IndividuaL these clues are the space Itself. they prOVide the only way blind persons can perceive space and becom e orie ntated to it' bemardo: 1970

.: -... .. .. .. .. . .. ... ...

K W A Z U L U N A T A L S 0 C I E T Y F 0 R
.. .. . .. .. .. . .. ... .. .. .. . ... . .. ... . ... .. .. . . . . . ... .. . .. ..
. . .. . ...
H T E B L I N
... . .. . 0.
W 6. I DEN : . : :
·
 - ~ - -- -:: . ' :.:............ . _~~- =--- _ ._ "- - -_ .-
"' " , ~
-'" - ..
" . _,

,
\ i \ \ \ \ , \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ '. \ \ \
\\ \ \ \ '\ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \
-- /\ /\ .---\/\ - ~ /\, / \ / \ /\ /\ .>, /\
"
~V / V / V /V /'0./ V / V /V /V ~V / V / V /,
\ \,\ \ \ \ '. \ \ \ x ' \ \ \
\ \ \ \ \ \ , \ \ \ \ ' \ \ \
\ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \ ) \ \

,,
.t---===~=====r==r=r=rr-':- - - - - -'- - -- - - - _.....:- - - -- - - '- - - - -
I
/
/
/
,'
'<«:.

...,

...,

;--------------------------------~----------------------J-----------------1jj
/
/
/
/

,/ / \;:
\ ' Gl

11111'
S

/ \
I II

/ 6l~~ "
/ 11

"-"- /
!
\
/ !,,--- " " 11

~ , " "
11
- - - --'- _ - 1 _ -'.-j / \
'f /
; h1t~~----l-~~-L~~~~~-L~- - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~,
Y
.\ / /. 1
/ //
I / _., / /
I
":i."
""~
i"
".1 11 0
,"
,..' "" 0
'"""
" ~
"": "'tl
""" r-
".. 2
""
"»
 t :~
u
' ..··
·'···

i. .,
l.':~_...~:

·.
_D
·..

, . ,..
:E
· )-

.... N
/
/
..· c: /
··· Z
)-
··
-t
..·..· )-
..•
... •Ol'.Ol• c:
r- " ~
"'tJ
5.~
.. en
... "'tJ
!.
··· 0 •
Ol'Ol"
· ., :::a
.. OlOl
"Ol G')
,\
OlOl "
·· ., :::a
· ., •
(;

., ., 0
•., .,
·
., z
.,.,.,
.c:
·..· C
.. .,,,.,
."
··· r-
··.. c
c
: · ~.,., ,,,
:::tl
Ol""
" "'C
... r-
Z o Ol ))
...··
..· C 2
 (J

. ". ~ .. ' - , -

' .

..

.. IIID '

~ I"O~ .i @' ==
......
.. .. ."
. .. ..
-
.... .. :;c
U"'
en
.. ~
.... ."
'"
r-
0
0
: . :;c
~U'-a
.. \
.... ...... r-
.
. z .. »
.. c .. ...... Z
 ~~v IVI'~
.. .. .... ......
I
.. .... .... ..
..
.. <it
.. .. .. .. .. ....

i E C Tl O N A-A

SECTION B-B

1;,1
)'.
....

at Ion route seating area·beneath tree

scale 1:100
KWAZULU-NATAL SOCIETY
... .
FOR
.' . .. .. . ... .. .
..
.... . .. .. .. .
.. .. .... of .. . .. .... ... ...... .... ..
.. . . .
THE
.... . . ... ....
B L I N 0
...... .. . ...o.. f •.
... . .....
 I:LI:VAIIUN~
o • a a ~ a ~a
@ a ~~ ~ 0 ~ ~
0~ Q ~ 0 a

.WER ROAD ELEVATION 1: 100

tGUSON ROAD ELEVATION 1:100

~SA ELEVATION 1:100

rH ROAD ELEVATION 1: 1 00

)
.... ... . - .. ... .. - _.. +
- - - . - _... - - - - -- - - - - _. ~

W A L DEN : " .. ;u .- '"

.. .
.. .. .
ioI>I .....
.. ..
..

it ....."..
it

....... .. .
.... of
. ." ...... .......... ..
 I:.I"VIn.UI~IVIt:N IAL
aa .,
.. .. ....
....
..
.. .
.. • it a {ta ~ ....
ill ..
..
ill ..
.. ... .
.. ill

'.~ !

~ ..p.. .~::'~'!:' ~ L::~]};";,,.~ .:

•/ »:; .:'feZ-'
......... ~

~"
1-'
\';:

_••~!!!!Id"ed residential balcon ies

>,':':;' /
!
'"",. \
\k~:
•j"" ~/j'
,// \
..........
.... . ....- c,..-.... /1

> \ ; ,: (.
_ ~" ,Ii'.I' ,,.....~ .....) f

li~ ./'
:~~.f.~: ,

wings of stu~i1sbl
sun and OP& ow,
receive ind l" s~ i
~
~
section bob
" ~,'?!~~J;!~~I~~ ~hadln,,, 1<>. office s

~A I N WATE'RCOLLECTION •

.\ ..

sediment
filter
e mono pitch roofed are as provide potential for raIn'
t collectio n implementation. Rain water can be used td
late the courtyard and building's landscaped 8rea~
Furthermore can be used as grey w ater for f1ushl",
e. Rain water co llectio n tanks will be loca ted at the to:
=
asitefor ease of dlstrlbution. Water pressure Is provide,
~~'p _ _ ;t'JlI't"»~,.= section c-c r ~" ..:)

)URTYARD SOLAR STUDIES

.,
mid summer 22 December
'i
equinox 22 March & 22 September
.& m U g 'irm

.. S... 0 C E T Y
KWAZULU N A TAL FOR THE B L
WALD EN .. .' . .... .. . . ..... ... .. .. ..N.. 0
-.
' .

....
...
.'

.1 \

~~~
~

~
•
~

~~~
~

~~
•
~
~

~~~
~

/i ~
~

~
"r
~~
(
~~

~
~

61~~
~

5 ..
~

~
"" t
c
z
..
·
·.
'
.....
·.
...
;
o
::!
r-
m
DJ
·. o
»
:xl
c
en

..·.

·...
....

..·
···
··
..·..·
·.
...
..
·...··
o
..
.. m
·· -I

-<
•• 5 •
~

GI
'''' •
Il Il
&I • • -

Illlll

Il •

:
:)
~Il ll r
Il Il _
:
Il :
Il

Il:
Il
~ n
~~"' .