Architecture Enhanced
Understanding Wayfinding Design for the Blind and Partially Sighted
Bilal Y. Rashid
ARC7467 Special Study
June 2022
Word Count: 13,353 (Including, Title, Content and. References Page)
This dissertation is submitted to the School of Architecture, University of Birmingham, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture.
Declaration Form
I hereby declare this dissertation to be my own work. This is to be submitted to the School of Architecture, at Birmingham City University, for the degree of Master in Architecture; hence, this dissertation has not been submitted previously for any degree or examination at any other University.
Signed by Bilal Y. Rashid on 06/2022Acknowledgement
Many thanks to my family for their support and aid in my path and love for architecture; Both my mother and father for their support and prayers during my struggles.
To my tutors Dr. Mersha Aftab and Professor Rachel Sara thank you for your enthusiasm, guidance and readiness to help. Furthermore, Michael Dring and Dr Colette Jeffrey. Thank you for all your support and encouragement to look beyond the initial narrative. To my Colleagues at BM3, thank you for your time and thoughts during my blocks.
To those who willingly shared information and gave their time to me, I would like to thank you as without whom this dissertation would not have been clear.
This dissertation explores how inclusive methods have enhanced the architectural design of public buildings and how architects have found ways to transform space into an extensive user experience. While considering individual need wayfinding methods are integrated to enhance the environment for the navigator.
In particular, this research aims to highlight the methods used to support individuals with blindness and who are partially sighted; while navigating an environment that they might not be familiar with. Wayfinding can play a significant role in user experience for both the visually acute and visually impaired as inclusive design can ensure safety and comfort for the user while exploring an environment that might be considered as unfamiliar space.
Principles of wayfinding presents theories and methods that have been identified as effective wayfinding techniques in a building. With these principles highlighted, the case studies in this dissertation would explore public building that are likely to be used by an individual with blindness and partial sight. The study of these buildings aims to identify methods that have been integrated into the function of the building and analyse the relationship between these principles and the user experience in the built environment.
particular, with focus on enviornments that are enhanced to include the blind or partially sighted. This is considered to encourage how design should aim beyond designing with visual dominance in mind, but to also consider the realm of the visually impaired. By utilising a tool proposed by the researcher and the data gathered from the case studies, the researcher will integrate the found node of wayfinding into three selected public buildings to demonstrate how effective wayfinding is within the public building.
Rethinking an existing built environment can bring forth newer ways that we can reform our surrounding and communicate better with the existing fabric, resulting in space that connects the world of the blind and the sighted, where consideration towards a deeper and meaningful user experience is achieved for both the visually acute and visually impaired.
The case studies will be concluded with review of the architectural design including effective wayfinding techniques in enhancing user experience. In
The materials explored in this study are developed to benefit designers and architects on wayfinding techniques and appropriate measures to take when aiming to integrate inclusive design into their building. In particular, when considering a proposal which includes users such as those with blindness and partially sighted. It is important to note, that while architecture can be considerate towards visually impaired user experience, it is necessary to be inclusive of all types of disabilities when the user is required to navigate the proposed environment.
Glossary of Terms
Wayfinding : A system designed to help users in a space navigate an environment with ease by introducing simple elements or features in a space that the user can adapt to.
Public Building : A space that is accessible by the public and funded by public sources.
Visually Acute : Someone that is able to see with both of their eyes and is able to tell the different between forms.
Blind : Someone that is unable to use their eyes to see.
Partially Sighted : Someone with partial vision in one or both of their eyes.
Visual Impairment : Any sort of loss in vision.
Inclusive Design : Space designed with consideration given to the state of different people in mind.
1.0 Introduction
This dissertation aims to examine how public buildings are designed to enhance the experience of the blind and partially sighted users while navigating familiar or unfamiliar space. The research aims to propose a tool in response to the research and data collected; hence, a tool for architects and designers to refer to when checking the effectiveness of wayfinding in a built environment in the UK.
1.1 Research Questions
1. How could wayfinding methods be integrated into built environments in particular to accommodate the blind or partially sighted?
1.1. What are the principles of wayfinding theoretically?
1.2. What does it mean to be blind in an unfamiliar space?
2. What is the relationship between a built environment and principles for wayfinding for the visually impaired.
3. How can architects and designers determine whether a built environment has integrated effective wayfinding?
1.2 Aims and Objectives
Aim 1: Identify the impact of public buildings and unfamiliar spaces upon the blind and partiality blind.
Objective 1: Conduct a literature review on wayfinding measures and principles in the field of architecture.
Objective 2: Conduct research on fabricating a tool for designers and architects to use when measuring how effective is wayfinding in a built environment.
Objective 3: Identify what is Unfamiliar Space to the blind or partially sighted in comparison to the visually acute?
Objective 4: Explore the tools and methods used by the blind or partially sighted to navigate space, to understand distance in relation to position, to understand orientation with space and to explore the dangers of being blind within unfamiliar space through literature review.
Aim 2: Study the methods used in public buildings in respond to inclusive built environments in particular wayfinding for the blind and partially sighted.
Objective 1: Explore case studies of public buildings that are inclusive of wayfinding for the blind or partially sighted.
Objective 2: Identify methods integrated into the case study buildings.
Objective 3: Bring together the findings to analyse the effectiveness of the used methods .
Objective 4: Demonstrate the proposed method against the principles found in case studies.
Objective 5: Summarise findings and designs used within the above study.
1.3 The Problem
We tend to navigate through different environments using our natural senses. We depend on our senses to determine location, position, orientation and obstacles ahead of us. However, when one of our natural senses does not function as it supposed to we instinctively rely on the other senses to help us navigate the space or environment.
In most instances, we rely on previous memory of the environment, but this is only when what we are navigating is a familiar space or a space we might have been told about. Inclusive design tends to question, what happens when it is an unfamiliar space? How can we coordinate the user to navigate the space with comfort and safety, this is referred to as wayfinding.
Various pieces of literature have been produced by architects and designers in response to inclusive design within architecture. Arthur and Passini (1992) where consideration to the visually impaired has been expressed with adage to highlight signage as a method of wayfinding been not enough within an inclusive space. Other literature such as Robertson (1998) explains the need for environments to be uncluttered. In other instances, architects such as Juhani Pallasmaa and Peter Zumthor give much light to phenomenology within space to invoke inclusive design within architecture through the
human senses. Pallasmaa expresses the importance of consideration in design by introducing the term “phenomenology” to introduce a deeper expression of the design and encourage architects and designers to consider designing for more than the visually acute (Pallasmaa 2005)
Juhani Pallasmaa argues that there is bias within architecture which is growing stronger by using phrases such as “the mechanism of visual” and “visual expression” within Pallasmaa (2005: 29). Pallasmaa introduces the idea of multi-sensory architecture to look beyond the visual experience of internal space. This theory can be integrated with wayfinding theory and practice to develop space with connection to the user to help navigate its users with or without visual impairment.
Designing for inclusive space requires consideration and questions such as: what if? How? and why?. Aligned with consideration, design which includes wayfinding can be of high challenge. This is often due to several components that come together to form a functional inclusive environment for the sighted and visually impaired. Furthermore, it is even a greater challenge without standards to check a built environment against to see whether the design provides effective wayfinding.
research and selected case studies have introduced as part of the process to review and analyse different expressions of wayfinding; also methods used by architects and designers to respond to inclusive wayfinding. Further information on the research method and methodology of this dissertation can be found under Section 3.0.
1.4 Research Method & Methodology
This dissertation has been driven by qualitative
2.0 Synopsis to Blindness
2.1 What is Wayfinding?
Wayfinding has been defined as an "information systems that guide people through a physical environment and enhance their understanding and experience of the space." (SEGD, 2022).
This does not apply to a specific section of the public, as required to help navigators with unfamiliar spaces to enhance user experience. However, the method of wayfinding changes depending on the section of the public, i.e. the visually impaired would require a wayfinding technique that would enhance their senses for navigational purposes; alternatively, they would require the assistance of a specialist to help them transition within an unfamiliar or familiar space, (SEGD, 2022).
Wayfinding occurs during our daily routines, this can be from the ability to navigate through an environment to orientating one's self to research a destination. We can find ourselves navigating by our environment and these controlled methods can be found in all forms by lighting, flooring, colours, signage and physical guidance. Hence, techniques to navigate one through a building can differ depending on the space and its user, (Arthur and Passini, 1992).
2.2 Wayfinding in Design
The conceptual characteristic of a building's function, size, and method of circulation contributes towards defining its parameters for the user experiencing a
transition and the way the user moves within the environment [see figure 2_01], which elaborates on the connection within an environment.
2.3 Principles of Wayfinding
Methods used can differ from exterior spaces to internal space of an environment to help people navigate. While certain methods can be of similar bases, it is natural that these similarities are what help the individual to analyse and understand the surrounding before taking action to move to the next position within the environment.
Within the design, consideration towards wayfinding principles would give light to Louis Sullivan (1896) the term 'form follows function' principle of design; as this would motivate the designer to look at user needs, behaviour, and communication with the fabric, creating a richer environment.
Wayfinding in an environment with low visibility tends to follow orientation and mobility, (Passini and Proulx, 1988). This is where the orientation supports the navigator with positioning one's self within the space and mobility would refer to how one could cross the space with safety and awareness of the surrounding obstacles.
According to Mark Foltz (1998), there are three criteria which can be used as the basis of wayfinding: (1) Location; (2) Orientation identity; (3) Clarity of Navigation. This is to move the user from their current position to their desired position; and if the user experience has taught the user to remember the space, therefore going from being in an unfamiliar space to familiar space.
Foltz, lays out the principles that should be found in a building for effective wayfinding within the following categories:
• "Create an identity at each location, different from all others."
• "Use landmarks to provide orientation cues and memorable locations."
• "Create well-structured paths."
• "Create regions of differing visual character."
• "Don’t give the user too many choices in navigation."
• "Use survey views (give navigators a vista or map)."
• "Provide signs at decision points to help wayfinding decisions."
• "Use sight lines to show what’s ahead." (Foltz, 1998, p.60).
Location Identity
It is essential to give each location its own identity this helps the navigator identify the space while navigating the environment. According to Foltz, it is important that each location should ultimately function as landmark and for this reason, the location gains a notion of identity [see figure 2_02].
Well-Structured Path
A "well-structured" refers to a path with characteristics. It is noted by Foltz that a path should have "a clear beginning, middle, and end when viewed in each direction." (Foltz, 1998, p.62). This should support the user to understand which way they are travelling [see figure 2_04].
navigator to focus on the intended element within the space [see figure 2_06].
According to Foltz, the principles above can be defined into two classes; the first class as "vocabulary of spatial features" & "imageability"; and secondly the "views", (Foltz, 1998, p.69).
Memorable Landmarks
Landmarks can help the user to identity orientation within the environment and can factor towards creating an non-visual map of the building or space, as part of the user experience within the space [see figure 2_03].
Visual Character
Regions within an environment should have an aspect of visual appearance where they should be distinct to help navigators identity the location. Visual character sets cues for location recovery in the user [see figure 2_05].
Use Survey Views
While finding a way within a space, it is useful to have access to a map to aid the user in identifying the location, orientation and scale of space.
Decision Points
Signs can be essential in wayfinding to help direct the user from their route onto the next. Decision points are not limited to the method used to help the navigator make a choice.
Sight lines
To review the standards of wayfinding within the case studies presented, the following table [see table 2_01] will highlight the principles and a traffic light score to indicate whether these characteristics are met in the case study; these will be according to the principles elaborated in Foltz's 'principles for effective wayfinding'.
The table below works as a tool, with the case studies being tested against the questions in 'Principles for Wayfinding 8' (PfW8) and awarded with a traffic light score. An in-depth table [see table 2_01] can be found in the next page to elaborate upon the questions that will be asked under each principle.
Minimalism
The minimalist principle helps to avoid confusion and traffic within a space due to too many options presented to the user. The idea is to encourage the
When telling a storey within a space, extensive views can be used to draw the navigator towards a particular direction or inform the user to move through a certain route to get to a goal [see figure 2_07].
2.4 Principles for Wayfinding 8 (PfW8)
In Practice designing, residential properties require a well thought out layout in reflection of local policy which informs a set of requirements that has to be considered. However, some policies don't provide detail that compels the designer to design as per the policy, therefore the designer would interpret the policy to the best of their ability.
To ensure properties are designed with care and bias towards its resident, some councils require the completion of Building for Life 12: The Sign of a Good Place to Live. BfL12 is an Industry Standard and favoured by the government for well-designed homes and neighbourhoods.
The researcher's experience of PfL12 and the importance of this assessment in residential development. It is felt the creation of a new assessment with a similar principle is required when considering design for the public, in particular questioning the informed decisions of designers when designing for the blind or partially blind. Informed by BfL12 from having to work in the residential sector it is important to the researcher that the designer is given the opportunity to reassess their proposal after completing this assessment.
The format of this assessment is similar in principle to BfL12, where it is used to assess residential development and in the process, they would be then awarded a traffic light score to see if the development
meets the requirements of a well-designed home. This assessment will work in a similar manner using a traffic light scoring if the relevant question is found to be considered within the case study.
Similar to BfL12 designed to allow all parties involved to assess the proposal during any point in the process to understand what is required to achieve maximum number of green lights and minimise the number of amber and red lights. This process helps to identify any amber or red results at early stages of the design.
To show the benefits of this method and how a designer would perform the assessment the researcher has provided three case studies. The case studies presented in this dissertation are assessed based on the questions in the table [see table 2_01]. In addition, a review statement of the case study will be drawn to support the analysis and to give an understanding of the marking criteria.
Below symbols are used to support assessing the case study in response to the question as part of the traffic light scoring.
Legend: Satisfied: Consideration has been given to the question in the case study.
Satisfactory: Fragments of this question can be found the case study.
Unsatisfied: This question is not considered in this scheme.
LOCATION IDENTITY
01. Does the building integrate location based principle to help navigators identify their position within the building?
02. Has the building's circulation space been designed to have a unique perceptual identity? So therefore, Identity is what makes one part of the space distinguishable from another.
MEMORABLE LANDMARKS
03. Does the building integrate landmark principles to help navigator orientation cue?
04. Have the local landmarks within the building been made clear to the navigator to help them understanding their position within the building by the relativity of the landmark identity?
WELL-STRUCTURED PATH
05. Has a Well-Structured Path been integrated throughout the building?
06. Does the integrated circulation path helps to maintain the orientation of the navigator?
VISUAL CHARACTERISTIC
07. Has the building been subdivided into regions with distinct set of characteristics?
08. Would the regions integrated into the building provide a set of cues for recovering navigator location?
MINIMALISM
09. Does the building offer clear(limited) options of route at junctions of the circulation to the navigator?
10. Does the circulation space direct the navigator to a point of exiting the building or area?
USE SURVEY VIEWS
11. Does the building offer a survey(map) or information space of the building to help navigators find intended destinations?
DECISION POINTS
12. Does the building offer visual sign(s) or sign(s) to interact with at decision points within the building to help the navigator find way to the next navigation choice?
13. Does the building offer clear and reasonable decision points?
SIGHT LINES
14. Does the building offer extensive visual or non visual attraction to draw the navigator towards a particular direction?
15. Does the building offer a 'wienie' - this is when the navigator is given a goal to navigate towards?
2.5 What is Blind and Partially Sighted?
The definition of visual impairment suggests "a decrease in the ability to see to a certain degree that causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses.", Understanding Vision Loss (2022).
Blindness is a state where an individual can not see and this can be due to any factors that might have caused the condition.
'Blind' refers to an individual with complete loss of sight. 'Partially Sighted' would be an individual with partial vision and this can be both or only one eye.
2.6 Blind within Unfamiliar Space
For the research to be understood, this section explores blindness while navigating unfamiliar environment by exploring the tools that are found to be useful to individual with blindness, such as a cane that is considered as an extension of body; how distance and position can be determined within the building; the way the user could navigate the building to avoid the obstacles and danger due to the lack of guidance set by the designer to allow visually impaired users navigate more fluently and independently.
2.6.1 Tools
According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) the following tools can be used in
assistant for individuals with visual impairment. The following tools are filtered from a variety list to narrow the focus to architectural public space:
a. Video Magnifiers
This technology is there to help with magnifying distant information. The use of a camera or screen magnify can allows the user to understand/read into the intended object, signs, and information that they would normally find difficult to do so from their position within a space.
i. Camera:
The use of mobile camera technology is quite common among individuals with low vision as it can be used as a digital magnifying glass to decrease distance between the user and the intended information.
Other use of the camera technology on such portable device is the use of the inbuilt flash which can be used to illuminate the intended object, helping the user to understand and see it clearly.
Another would be the camera filter system; this can be used to help the user differentiate between multiple shades and colours when the user has difficulty with certain colours or shades.
ii. Zoom:
Most mobile devices have built in zoom technology that is suitable to users with low vision requiring enlargement of distant information or objects.
b. Braille’s
Braille informative elements is a form of reading system presented to people with visual impairment. With similar principles to standard alphabetical language, where changes to the alphabet have not gone through many changes over time, the Braille system has not changed at all since its inception; making the system quite useful to teach and be understood by the needed.
Within architecture the system can be found across multi spaces that are deemed as of importance. An example of this would be, information stands, buttons of an elevator, pedestrian stopping areas and crossing and signage.
c. Low Tech Resolution
This method is considered as Low Tech however effective. Alternatively, this solution involves tools such as: Cane, Human Assistant, Guide Dogs. These methods can be utilised commonly as they provide a straightforward access to solving encountered issues.
2.6.2 Distance
Distance and perspective can be an issue for visually impaired. Estimation of distance in unfamiliar space can be difficult depending on the type of visual impairment. People that are visually acute have the ability to map out their basic surrounding within an unfamiliar space; they can determine distance and position to relative obstacles and landmarks with the space.
While so, people with visual impairment determine distance to relative obstacles via other methods such as a physical extension or sound; due to these limitation unfamiliar space can become much more challenging to navigate without the consideration of an external extension of them self, such as a Cane or other external guidance.
A reliable method that tends to be naturally popular among people with visual impairment during navigation is relying on the non physical and physical sensory senses such as the ears for echo locating, as discussed in a publication called 'How Does Human Echolocation Work?' by Nathan Hurst. Also, hands for connection with physical form of the space and nose to detect aroma of the environment.
Naturally adapting to our environment is an instinct which helps with protecting our physical form; this is supported by additional sense when indoor and outdoor and in the moment these sense can heighten to become a source of navigation.
2.6.3 Orientation
Navigating within an unfamiliar space can be challenging for people with visual impairment due lack of information on the following:
technology indoor. The traditional method, sighted guides such as (Dog guides, and Human assistant) is turned to for aiding them in their journey.
2.6.4 Danger
a. Position in Relation to Unfamiliar Space
To identify where one stands within a space, it requires visual analysis, and observation. For many with visual impairment this takes quite a long time to get used to. The help of the sighted guide is considered to ease this process. A Sighted guide would include guide dogs and human assistant. This process of familiarisation with unfamiliar space is supported by as discussed previously, the aid of humans sense to navigate and understanding of surrounding impediments.
b. Steady Route
While been able to familiarize with unfamiliar space, the ability to maintaining a steady route becomes another challenge that must be related back to. As this been able to maintain a steady route also plays a key role to wayfinding in a public building space.
Some rely on smart phones to help them navigate outdoor space. Though, due to limitation of smart navigation technology; this is unable to aid in wayfinding within indoor spaces. Unless the user has be given access to custom made navigation system specific building to the attending building, which is normally very cost positive depending on the scope, the user would not be able to make use of such smart
Meanwhile, sight guides are considered an option to maintaining route. An alternative would be relating back the human sense in correlation with simultaneous clues such as landmarks, surface textures and atmosphere cues.
c. Steady Movement
Orientation within unfamiliar space is another key role to navigating indoor space. People who tend to be visually impaired would naturally ask surrounding sighted people, this is a straightforward and simple method to consider.
There are two other methods that tend to aid in informing the individual, but these are less due to its significance, level of understanding and familiarisation through repetition. One of these methods includes determination distance between landmarks within the space; though this would depend on the configuration of the space been maintained and the method been repeated.
Second method is echolocation to identify orientation. While this method is valid, it is particular to the space as not all environments are the same and sound travel change depending on the location and finished surface of the environment.
While people with visual impairment might be able to embrace the above methods of travel and train themselves to follow them. Danger and obstacles are inevitable. Many of the mentioned methods may be disrupted by obstacles due encounter with the uncounted for causing instability in the person and change to orientation.
Navigating without sighted guides for the visually impaired can be challenging as obstacles tend to lead them to dangerous situation. Obstacles tend to drive from what cannot be detected. This would include objects above ground-level where it cannot be identified by walking canes or guide dogs, such as hanging furniture, and wall mount signage. Other hazards that cause the path to be dangerous can cause the individual to fall and hurt themselves.
Encounter does not always regard to interaction with physical forms. Uncontrollable encounters such as noise can play a key role as an obstacle to the visually impaired; within unfamiliar indoor space noise and silence can cause disturbance or inability to detect route subsequent to lose of one’s orientation if they are unable to navigate with sight.
Loud noise can interfere in one’s navigation while visually impaired as their other sense are likely to been heightened too much noise will create panic and the inability to determine their route. With similar consideration to a space where it is quite
silence, it creates panic, hesitant and unassertive behaviour resulting in inability to determine orientation and route.
2.7 Summary
In summary, the information collected from the research on principles of wayfinding and blind within unfamiliar space will inform the researcher while studying the selected buildings as part of research on case studies.
The principles and methods of the research above will help the researcher with identifying the methods used by the architect or designer of the selected case studies.
The fabricated PfW8 will support the researcher with analysing and reviewing the case studies to determine the effective techniques of wayfinding used to inform the navigator in selected the buildings.
3.0 Methodology
3.1 Method & Methodology
The information presented is supported by Groat and Wang’s ‘Architectural Research Method’ as this has assisted to build the research method. Chapter 5 has become an informative piece of text by informing the researcher on the importance of defining clear and readable information by breaking down the focus and providing background on the subject. The methods highlighted in Groat and Wangs text remind the researcher of another important principle, to reference sources are to ensure that the information found in the contents has meaning to the research. Chapter 12 has assisted the researcher to inform the reader through data and analyses in the form case study.
To support the information presented in this dissertation, according to Groat and Wang, It is important to also consider elaboration to encourage a wider view (Groat, Wang, 2013, p.428) therefore, the researcher considers clarity to help inform the reader on the train of thought behind each topic.
To understand the selected topics, the researcher refers to Yins categories of case studies, namely 'Exploratory, Descriptive and Explanatory'. To note the form of the selected case studies and the form of the presented research.
The dissertation is structured based on the following three parts:
Part One: Analytical Framework
Presents the analytical principles of this study and the focus of the writing is on bringing together background on blindness and visiting unfamiliar spaces while living with a visual impairment. To identify the importance of clear wayfinding within architecture and how designers and architects have put in place different languages of wayfinding systems through different mediums within public buildings.
Part Two: Case Studies
Case studies are considered to be a vital aspect of this study as we can learn from existing spaces designed to function as intended by designers and architects to create functional spaces for both the visually impaired and visually acute. The chosen case studies as part of this research include an Airport, School and Train Station. The selected case studies are to be analysed and understood in order to identify the solutions and language used by the designers to create an inclusive space.
The buildings are considered public and likely to be utilised by all sorts of individuals and as part of the process, the research will collect data such as photographs, background research and useful information in relation to the case studies.
Part Three: Data Analysis
The data collected from the case studies will be analysed by the researcher to inform further research and experimentation using the identified principles when considering inclusive design for public buildings.
The analysis will contain a reference to an existing method that has previously proven effective in practice and inspired by this method the researcher wishes to produce a new assessment to evaluate buildings that are considered public and likely to be utilised by individuals with blindness or partial blindness.
This dissertation has been written using the following two writing strategies ‘Architecture Strategy‘ and ‘Oil Painting Strategy’ these methods combined to allow for a rationalist approach towards the work, with the opportunity to revisit and refine the ideas later on. The nature of this research is more practical research and not as theoretical; therefore, there will be trial and error in the process, the research will help to build a good understanding of the backgrounds of different topics and analysis of findings.
3.1.1 Primary Research
The primary research found in this dissertation has been written from the experience of the researcher during a site visit to one of the public buildings. To
understand the process of navigation through the public space and the principles in place to ease the navigator's movement through the space.
3.1.2 Secondary Research
The secondary research of this study is collected from online sources, books, and online literature that has been written by others and this is then gathered through a good understanding of the literature and drawn conclusions. Furthermore, this is then analysed by the researcher to understand the principles and methods of this research.
The research within this dissertation is comprised of mostly qualitative data, this is due to the researcher's need for a good understanding of the background to the study on the principles and methods that defined the study, rather than quantitative data.
Public Buildings designed with inclusive intention from online resources such as The Architects Journal Magazine, Dezeen, ArchDaily and Architizer and site visit.
In correlation with the chosen topic why does inclusive design matter from theories and literature. Chosen topic: Architecture Enhanced Understanding Wayfinding for the Visually Impaired
Previous Studies of inclusive design from phenomenology perspective.
How have architect and designers enhanced internal space for the visually impaired in correlation with wayfinding?
Conduct research on fabricating a tool for designers and architects to use when measuring how effective is wayfinding in a built environment.
Theoretical Case Studies:
• London Heathrow Airport, UK
• Hazelwood School, Glasgow, UK
• New Street Station, Birmingham, UK
• How does the architect define wayfinding?
• What are the methods used?
• What are the correlation of these methods in relation to 'Principles of wayfinding'?
Tools, Distance, Orientation & Dangers
Reason for the chosen topic is due to interest in human movement and sensory experience in architecture.
Case Study: Hazelwood School Glasgow by Alan Dunlop Architect
ARC7462 Research Principles: “Architecture Designed for the Senses Space & Geometry” by Bilal Y. Rashid
Principles of Wayfinding
Wayfinding
What it means to be Blind within unfamiliar space?
How can architects and designers enhance internal spaces to enable the blind or partially sighted people adapt quicker to the surrounding environment.
Human sensory connection to the physical form of architecture. How architecture can trigger the human sense?
Influenced by Juhani Pallasmaa “The Eyes Of The Skin Architecture And The Senses”
Arthur and Passini 1992
'Wayfinding–People, Signs, and Architecture'
Mark Foltz 1998 'Designing Navigable Information Spaces'
4.0 Inclusive Design
4.1 Theoretical Case Studies
4.1.1 CS 1: London Heathrow Airport (LHR), UK
Heathrow Airport, 14 miles west of central London.
LHR is been considered as 96% accessible friendly as part of inclusive designing, according to the 'Netflights' website. With 80 airlines to travel to 185 destinations within 84 countries. Including 4 terminals (2 to 5) dedicated to passengers, hosting approximately 80.1 million passengers per year, 219,458 per day according to the 'Heathrow' website. To support the visually impaired, LHR makes use of smart technology to help navigate the space. On December 3rd 2018, the Airport released ondemand personalised assistance via the Aira app.
information on public facilities within the building. Access to this service is free of charge and can be downloaded onto any smartphone. While the Aira app might not be accessible to every passenger. The airport allows for in booking of a supported access service where a trained staff at the airport would support the passenger to navigate the unfamiliar space.
LHR includes 4 passenger terminals, each terminal is almost similar in principle, in regards to the methods used for wayfinding. Therefore, our focus will be on Terminal 2A also referred to as The Queen’s Terminal. According to ArchDaily, designed by Luis Vidal + Arquitectos in 2014 as part of inclusive design within air travel space, the building’s “Navigation is much more instinctive” & “immediate access to the gate areas” (Gaete, 2013).
under 'Facilities for the blind and partially sighted' it has been highlighted that the airport depends on the Aira app to help the blind and partially sighted passengers to find needed locations within the terminal and when it comes to processing through security and immigration the Aira app will direct the customer to an assistance agent or ambassador to support them through this process.
Terminal 2A, has been designed to ease travelling anxiety while navigating the airport. The architect has considered travelling distance between arriving at the airport to the check-in area, through security to the destination lounge [see figure 4_01 & 4_02].
Aira app is a visual interpreter service designed to give a sense of independence for the user as they journey through the airport by connecting the passenger to a trained agent for advice on finding their way throughout an environment,
While travelling with or without sight, people still endure stress and anxiety. Though in the case of the blind or partially sighted this uncomfortable state is greater, researched by Karlheinz Pfeiffer, titled 'Stress Experienced While Travelling without Sight' it was found that "Travelling without sight increased state-anxiety as compared to trait-anxiety".
Wayfinding techniques is been practised for all via surfaces, and signage. While it comes to the blind and partially sighted, on the 'Heathrow' website
Space is generously designed where a great floor area is part of Terminal 2A in a way to have a clutter free installation and encourage an airy space. This allows for a simpler understanding of the process of the airport; helping passengers to not feel trapped or enclosed within a heavily secured building [see figure 4_03, 4_04 & 4_05].
Movement seems to be an important aspect of Terminal 2A, by reducing the walking distance within the space can help to remedy complications during travelling for someone who might be fully blind or partially sighted. The ground floor of the terminal is disconnected from the upper two floors. On the ground floor arrivals from international are directed from the gate to Passport Control Zone ① then to Baggage Reclaim Zone ② and lastly Arrival Zone ③ where they can exit the building [see figure 4_03].
The upper two floors have been dedicated to departing, where passengers would enter the
building from the second floor with immediate access to the Check in Zone ① then to Security and Immigration Zone ② [see figure 4_04] and lastly to Departure Lounge located on the first floor ③ where they await departing planes [see figure 4_05].
The use of smart technology as for assistant used in Terminal 2A to support the blind and partially sighted provides somewhat independence to the individual to interact with the environment without the need for physical support. Additionally, the layout of the terminal has been enhanced to both sighted and visually impaired with travelling pressure by mastering complexity through simplification of dominant corridors or desire lines to help passengers pass through the space with ease.
Please see the following page for Review and Analysis.
Legend:
Departure Check in Zone
Security
Arrival
Analysis Review
PfW8 Score
LOCATION IDENTITY
01. Does the building integrate location based principle to help navigators identify their position within the building?
02. Has the building's circulation space been designed to have a unique perceptual identity? So therefore, Identity is what makes one part of the space distinguishable from another.
MEMORABLE LANDMARKS
03. Does the building integrate landmark principles to help navigator orientation cue?
04. Have the local landmarks within the building been made clear to the navigator to help them understanding their position within the building by the relativity of the landmark identity?
WELL-STRUCTURED PATH
05. Has a Well-Structured Path been integrated throughout the building?
06. Does the integrated circulation path helps to maintain the orientation of the navigator?
VISUAL CHARACTERISTIC
07. Has the building been subdivided into regions with distinct set of characteristics?
08. Would the regions integrated into the building provide a set of cues for recovering navigator location?
MINIMALISM
09. Does the building offer clear(limited) options of route at junctions of the circulation to the navigator?
10. Does the circulation space direct the navigator to a point of exiting the building or area?
USE SURVEY VIEWS
11. Does the building offer a survey(map) or information space of the building to help navigators find intended destinations?
DECISION POINTS
12. Does the building offer visual sign(s) or sign(s) to interact with at decision points within the building to help the navigator find way to the next navigation choice?
13. Does the building offer clear and reasonable decision points?
SIGHT LINES
14. Does the building offer extensive visual or non visual attraction to draw the navigator towards a particular direction?
15. Does the building offer a 'wienie' - this is when the navigator is given a goal to navigate towards?
• The terminal has incorporated location identity well to help the navigator understand their position within building.
• Landmarks are presented in the form of Alphabets to navigator so they can distinguish regions within the building.
• The terminal has been simplified into three regions, by doing so the navigator can maintain their orientation during travel.
• As the building has been parted into three regions the navigator is able to distinguish each region based on its function; however the busy atmosphere of the building can dislocate the navigators sense of location.
• The terminal host's multiple destination gates, navigator can feel overwhelmed by the number of information at junction.
• Information is presented on digital screens at multiple locations within regions across the building to inform navigators on where to go.
• The building does offer signs and information at decision points to information the navigator on their route.
occurring at the same time, while it has been parted into three regions the busy atmosphere can be overwhelming on which way to move towards.
• The terminal is a busy environment with constant movements of passengers and functions
4.1.2 CS2: Hazelwood School, Glasgow, UK
Hazelwood School for young students between the age of 2 to 18 with deafness or blindness. Designed by Alan Dunlop Architect to develop a space enhance for the dual sensory impaired. With specific design requirements, the school is an excellent example of inclusive design catering to the visually impaired and other physical disabilities. Each aspect of the building is designed carefully to help students find their way within the circulation space of the school. The internal space of the building works to reduce the visual scale of the circulation areas by being introduced as curling across the site, this is also known as the 'street' (Hazelwood School, n.d.).
ordinary letters in simplified form) and has proven effective for the communication needs of the children." (Hazelwood School, n.d.) [see figure 4_07]. Furthermore, "The subtle colors, contrast, and adaptable lighting elements maximize use of children’s residual vision." (Hazelwood School, n.d.). These techniques are found effective on movement throughout the building; hence, this has formed a kind of language for the students. Additionally, the use of 'trail rail' on the cork wall's can work as landmarks.
system that can trigger the human senses as a form of language for all the students to understand and adapt to, carved onto the fabric of the architecture.
The fluent movement within this public environment has been carefully designed to avoid clutter and smooth transition throughout the building. The stem like circulation space of the building designed to with fluency in mind with a tactile navigation system embedded onto the cork walls of the building
all kinds of students" (Hazelwood School, n.d.).
As the school has been designed for special needs students, partially for students with visual impairment, this system can bring forward good insight into what it takes to design with a balance of architecture and inclusive principles. Consideration towards movement and circulation throughout the school is recognised with importance based on the architecture featured, with a simplified language for all individuals to adapt to without much trouble. Furthermore, the architect sought out to understand the function before discovering the form. To understand the function when designing to be inclusive set the parameter to define the form.
The form of the school resembles similar a concept to its context which consists of nature, where the spine of the school is treated as a 'stem' of a flower, as the primary circulation and branching out into the classrooms like the 'petal' or a 'leaf'. The design alleviates the student from having to take too many turns and twists, programming a sense of orientation on to its user [see figure 4_09].
Please see the following page for 'figure 4_09'.
Hence, the uncluttered internal space helps to ease the feeling of entrapment and maze like circulation. While signage within the building has been made redundant "in Braille, in pictures and in Moon (a system made up of lines and curves including some
Factored into the school are tactile flooring, embedded as part of the school's enhancement strategy to invoke "trail walls for navigation and cuing in some locations inside the school." (Hazelwood School, n.d.). More on, the methods used are considerate towards different age groups by implementing a
[see figure 4_08] helps to orient students on the flow of their direction and "this layout has proven an effective device for independent navigation for
Primary Circulation designed to curl across the site also referred to as the 'street'
Secondary Circulation space feeding off 'the street' to classroom and other principle space of the school
Tactile Navigation system carved onto Cork Walls
Analysis
PfW8
LOCATION IDENTITY
01. Does the building integrate location based principle to help navigators identify their position within the building?
02. Has the building's circulation space been designed to have a unique perceptual identity? So therefore, Identity is what makes one part of the space distinguishable from another.
MEMORABLE LANDMARKS
03. Does the building integrate landmark principles to help navigator orientation cue?
04. Have the local landmarks within the building been made clear to the navigator to help them understanding their position within the building by the relativity of the landmark identity?
WELL-STRUCTURED PATH
05. Has a Well-Structured Path been integrated throughout the building?
06. Does the integrated circulation path helps to maintain the orientation of the navigator?
VISUAL CHARACTERISTIC
07. Has the building been subdivided into regions with distinct set of characteristics?
08. Would the regions integrated into the building provide a set of cues for recovering navigator location?
MINIMALISM
09. Does the building offer clear(limited) options of route at junctions of the circulation to the navigator?
10. Does the circulation space direct the navigator to a point of exiting the building or area?
USE SURVEY VIEWS
11. Does the building offer a survey(map) or information space of the building to help navigators find intended destinations?
DECISION POINTS
Legend: Entrance
Primary Circulation
Secondary Circulation
Tactile Carved onto Cork Wall
12. Does the building offer visual sign(s) or sign(s) to interact with at decision points within the building to help the navigator find way to the next navigation choice?
13. Does the building offer clear and reasonable decision points?
SIGHT LINES
14. Does the building offer extensive visual or non visual attraction to draw the navigator towards a particular direction?
15. Does the building offer a 'wienie' - this is when the navigator is given a goal to navigate towards?
• The building offers tactile based walls and floor but the this method does support translating location; rather help with flow of movement within the building; therefore, there is little identity.
• The tactile method on walls and the floor are positioned on a single side of the circulation space. Therefore, students can identify this as landmarks to orientate based on the wall or tactile flooring been on their right or left side.
• The circulation path has been designed like a spine to run throughout the school without interruption.
• The functions of the buildings are place considerably to inform students on regions.
• The building has been designed to simplify movement with a primary circulation path leading across the building.
• The building is not large and has been designed to be inclusive, direction and information can be received from staff or provided tactile methods to get to next navigation choice.
• The building does offer students an extensive non visual attraction with the primary circulation designed as a curve removes the conventional institution feel.
4.1.3
New Street Station, Birmingham, UK
New Street Station is a key aspect of the city's public realm. Positioned in the City Core to handle a large amount of traffic coming in and out. With the station being an important transport hub to the city, it has become part of Birmingham's first impression of the neighbouring cities.
into the train station under the name 'Access for All' this service aims to assist travellers with special needs with an assisted travel lounge as part of the governments 'Department for Transport' to fund the management with £300m for extending the initiative, according to 'Network Rail' website.
The designed proposal of the train station had been given significance to ensure the building would achieve an expression of the dynamic nature of the railway thread.
The building being public brings in a variety of individuals. Therefore assistance for people with visual impairment has been integrated to be part of the architecture. From the entrance to the platform edge, consideration is in place to inform the navigator of their presence within the station.
While this initiative runs as part of the station's method opportunity to support their passengers. The Aira app is an alternative method that can be used to help navigators during their travels through the train station.
As to wayfinding methods used in the station to support their travellers, management of the train station 'Network Rail' has integrated a new service
The station has considered traveller walking distances within the station as part of the inclusive design methods within the station, local lifts are provided across the station to be accessed by everyone that requires its use [see figure 4_12]. Travellers can find accessible lifts to platforms located on level -1; also to upper shopping and restaurants on the first floor.
The building can be accessed from multiple points surrounding it. With immediate access to Platform Lounge(s) [see figure 4_14] travellers can access their destination platform with ease. Travellers requiring assistance with moving through the station due to visual impairment can gain immediate access to 'Accessibility Assistance Point' [see figure 4_17] this is where the traveller can call to request an agent to assist them until they get on their train.
In regards to the layout of the station, level 0 has been designed to allow a constant flow of traffic entering and exiting the building from all four directions of the building. With platform access zones broken up into 3 regions of the building, further movements can be achieved throughout the building and this allows for quicker connectivity between platform zones and other functions of the station [see figure 4_14].
As the thesis explores user experience within a building, the researcher has visited this case study in person for in person user experience navigating the building and below are the finding.
At the entrance to the station, Corduroy Hazard Tactile Flooring, and paving are intended to inform the individual of their position within the station [see figure 4_13]. While this could be considered to inform the user of upcoming hazards during navigating the station.
'Accessibility Assistance Point' is dedicated at all entrances to the train station ensuring support can be accessed for those who require a trained agent to assist them during navigating the station [see figure 5_16]. While navigating the station, displays of digital information about train time and platform can be found. Alternatively, travellers can visit the 'Ticket Office' where an agent can provide the information.
The use of two shades of stone and orientation of the floor texture is constant across the station. By keeping the floor similar travellers can easily identify their orientation within the station. This method is helpful for partially sighted travellers [see figure 4_17].
Additionally, in-time verbal aid via speakers is spaced out across the whole of the station to inform passengers of changes and further information about platforms, train time and instructions during an emergency. This is quite useful to individuals with visual impairment.
While different colours have been utilised to identify different zones; bold, large, white text with a clear font has been used to inform the traveller of their location and direction through the station. This technique can benefit multiple forms of visual impairment such as Colour Blind, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Cataracts.
The platform zones within the train station follow similar principles to further simplify wayfinding for its travellers. Where platform areas are found, bold text and dark backgrounds are displayed to inform the passengers of important instructions and signage [see figure 4_20].
the platform edge are quite inclusive regardless of the type of visual impairment or to sighted individuals. In conclusion to the researcher user experience, New Street Station is considerable towards inclusive design to aiding most types of disabilities. The station's response to visually impaired travellers through various means of communication from Colour, Text, Tactile finishes, Verbal Aid, and Physical Support.
The station provides Digital information screens that are of benefit to certain visually impaired; with bright colours [see figure 4_18], bold text, and solid black background as a compliment to the bright orange text colour, aiding travellers to read the information from a distance.
For a simpler wayfinding strategy within the station, each platform access zones have been allocated with a specific colour to help travellers identify their destinations easier [see figure 4_19].
The platform edges are marked with bright yellow thick lines to inform the traveller of a hazard ahead [see figure 4_21], by doing so this method can inform the individual on their position within the building.
Additionally, large text in white 'MIND THE GAP' to inform the user of a hazard ahead. These methods at
The methods used to protect and inform while within the building ensures its users are safe from hazard via recognised methods that are found within the city as a language for the visually impaired and aiding in identifying location and position via vibrant colours, large text, and floor textures.
Analysis Review
• The station has incorporated location identity well to help the navigator understand their position within building.
occurring at the same time, while it has been parted into three regions the busy atmosphere can be overwhelming on which way to move towards.
LOCATION IDENTITY
01. Does the building integrate location based principle to help navigators identify their position within the building?
02. Has the building's circulation space been designed to have a unique perceptual identity? So therefore, Identity is what makes one part of the space distinguishable from another.
MEMORABLE LANDMARKS
03. Does the building integrate landmark principles to help navigator orientation cue?
04. Have the local landmarks within the building been made clear to the navigator to help them understanding their position within the building by the relativity of the landmark identity?
WELL-STRUCTURED PATH
05. Has a Well-Structured Path been integrated throughout the building?
06. Does the integrated circulation path helps to maintain the orientation of the navigator?
VISUAL CHARACTERISTIC
07. Has the building been subdivided into regions with distinct set of characteristics?
08. Would the regions integrated into the building provide a set of cues for recovering navigator location?
MINIMALISM
09. Does the building offer clear(limited) options of route at junctions of the circulation to the navigator?
10. Does the circulation space direct the navigator to a point of exiting the building or area?
USE SURVEY VIEWS
11. Does the building offer a survey(map) or information space of the building to help navigators find intended destinations?
DECISION POINTS
12. Does the building offer visual sign(s) or sign(s) to interact with at decision points within the building to help the navigator find way to the next navigation choice?
13. Does the building offer clear and reasonable decision points?
SIGHT LINES
14. Does the building offer extensive visual or non visual attraction to draw the navigator towards a particular direction?
15. Does the building offer a 'wienie' - this is when the navigator is given a goal to navigate towards?
• Landmarks are presented in the form of Colours to navigator so they can distinguish regions within the building.
• The station has been simplified into three regions, by doing so the navigator can maintain their orientation during travel.
• As the building has been parted into three regions the navigator is able to distinguish each region based on its function; however the busy atmosphere of the building can dislocate the navigators sense of location.
• The station platforms host's multiple destination zones, navigator can feel overwhelmed by the number of information.
• Information is presented on digital screens at multiple locations within regions across the building to inform navigators on where to go.
• The building does offer signs and information at decision points to information the navigator on their route.
• The station can be a busy environment with constant movements of passengers and functions
4.2 Summary
While the studies explore different methods that can be used to enhance space or environment.
Heathrow Airport's Terminal 2A in London and New street Station in Birmingham are common in relation to communicating with their users. The environment of both buildings have been designed to negotiate an understanding through a clear and simple process of enhancing the experience of users with different needs. While some signage and traditional wayfinding techniques can be redundant in Terminal 2A due to the nature and function of the building becoming quiet busy to notice; New Street Station can communicat with landmarks and signage. Though both buildings have embraced modern technology, such as digital screen and verbal communication via speakers as located across the building to counterbalance this need for supporting people with visual impairment.
The Aira app can be beyond what is considered as architecture. Architecture can support technology by defining its functions and parameters in a way that could connect with more contemporary methods of wayfinding, in this case, the Aira app, for individuals within an unfamiliar space.
While Hazelwood School has been designed to ensure that the environment would work with the individual rather than the individual to work with the environment. An adaptive language has been carved into the proposed fabric as a form of
wayfinding for the visually impaired and a method of giving information to its user on movement, orientation and location through the building.
Integrated wayfinding into the fabric of the build enhances the ambience of the architecture and gives character to the space; without disturbing the architecture with obvious elements that are placed only to meet a certain criteria.
5.0 FindingsSensible Architecture
This dissertation began with an aim to find out how architectural design can be enhanced for the visually impaired. Then the focus began to point at how architecture communicates with the blind and partially sights in correlation with wayfinding.
The study then led to an understanding of the importance of wayfinding and the key principles that define effective wayfinding. The research will be brought together in this chapter to present an effective way on how the designer or architect can measure the wayfinding techniques in their built environment and how this tool can be used to ensure inclusivity can be achieved for a more informed environment. Furthermore, a brief understanding of legislation and regulation that is currently in place on visual impairment. In addition, the evaluation of this research will be used to redesign a public building to identify the impact of inclusive wayfinding on the function of the environment.
5.1 Synopsis to Blindness
In search of the answer to what are wayfinding principles, the research led to Mark Foltz (1988) 'Designing Navigable Information Spaces' and Arthur and Passini (1992) 'Wayfinding–People, Signs, and Architecture'. Pioneers in the field of wayfinding for the people; key principles emerged from their studies highlighting the importance of every action in designing an inclusive environment. For example, the concept of location requires an identity to be considered as wayfinding
according to Arthur and Passini, this is part of 'Principles for Wayfinding' in the previous chapters.
The research in this chapter highlights eight principles that work together to inform an inclusive environment. It is difficult to select from the identified principles and state such principle would be more important than the other as the eight principles identify aspects of the built environment in which where the user would require action, this could be visually or mentally to help the user move through the environment with comfort and with safety.
As part of the outcome of research on principle for wayfinding, a tool, Principles for Wayfinding 8 (PfW8) is fabricated and presented to compile the key principles with questions to the designer in the form of a traffic light scoring and similar to an existing tool called Building for Life 12 (BfL12) in essence however focused on inclusive wayfinding in the built environment. PfW8 has been used as part of analysing and reviewing each of the case studies.
By studying 'Blind within Unfamiliar Space', four aspects to being blind were identified as to how individuals with blindness would navigate an environment. Each aspect associates with a specific part of navigating while blind and this study brought together a better understanding of the struggles that an individual with blindness face during a simple exploration of an environment when this can be a simple task to someone with sight. In summary, the tools identified in this section can be used to inform
the key principles for wayfinding to elaborate on the consideration that is needed in order to define a space suitable for the blind.
5.2 Inclusive Design
The case studies selected in this chapter had a single commonality 'Public Space'. This is a space that all sorts of individuals tend to visit or navigate during their lifetime.
London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2A in London and New Street Station in Birmingham both in the UK were similar in certain principles, they both were designed to host large amounts of traffic on daily basis. This traffic would include the visually impaired. Both of these case studies were analysed for their methods of dealing with navigating their users from the entrance of the building to the departing transport away from the building. Common threads were identified as part of the research and this was the simplification of regions/functions within the building, by doing so the navigator can be given goals on how to get from point A to B as they move through the building.
An additional case study has been taken into account, Hazelwood School in Glasgow. This building has been specially designed for individuals with specific needs. Therefore, the design did not adopt the requirements to create an inclusive space but rather the requirements adopted the form; this acknowledges Louis Sullivan's (1896) famous axiom 'form follows function principle of design.
The case studies were then summarised using the fabricated tool PfW8 to review and analyse the building in response to inclusive wayfinding. The conclusion drawn from the case studies could then be taken into account to redesign a public building.
During my research and fabricating PfW8 I used the information gathered in 'Blindness in Unfamiliar Space' to reflect on the importance of sight within a built environment and look beyond the visual dominance of architecture but rather consider the importance of how function and space communicate with the user experience.
If the research was to be carried out once more without a pandemic in place, a visit to each of the case studies to study them in person would have yielded a better overall understanding of the user experience and methods intended to support the visually impaired. Additionally, to interview users and staff working at the selected case studies; doing so would have add-on further understanding and background to the user experience of the case study.
5.3 Legislation and Regulation
In UK buildings are designed following building regulation guidance which includes standard in order to achieve a resonable space that respects its user. Building regulations are set out within Approved Documents, namely: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R and 7.
In particular to this research is Approved Document M which in an written to be an inclusive provision of ease of access and circulation within all buildings.
5.3.1 Part M: Access to and use of Buildings
The Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings has been written to provide guidance relating to the requirements of the Building Regulations for user access to and for the use of buildings. Part M is highly refer to when designing a space that is adaptable and accessible to individuals with physical disabilities.
5.3.2 Equality Act
A section of Part M has been dedicated to the 'Equality Act' which requires 'reasonable adjustment' to be made if access is given to facilities, services, and premises, this is to ensure reasonable adjustments are made in order to provide reasonable access to everyone equally.
However, the focus is often mobility and visual impairment has not been given much. Where a mention of braille is made in reference to navigation for the visually impaired, there is a lack of detail and explanation on other possible methods of navigating. It seems where AD(M) lacks further details on this subject, the details have been left to the designer to provide.
For this reason the researcher believes that there is a need for a sort of clarification or assessment as proposed as part of the planning process to assist designers and architects identify importance of wayfinding within their proposal, especially when designing a public building that is utilised by all sorts of individuals. Inclusive design requires consideration of different users that utilise the space, however there is a lack of detail and explanation within Part M that would refer to wayfinding and the visually impaired.
6.1 Conclusion
Conclusion
The focus of this research and the demonstration of the method via case studies aims to inform and recognise that public space is utilised by all sort of individuals in particular individuals with visual impairment. Hence, to question how design can be improved and with further consideration of principles of wayfinding within proposals for public space.
The aims of this chapter is to summarise the outcomes of the research and objectives behind the chosen method for further clarity on the importance of the proposed.
6.2 Identifying Blindness within Inclusive Space
An important aim of this research is intended to conduct research on fabricating a tool for designers and architects to use when measuring how effective is wayfinding in a built environment and inform on the lack of detail in Part M of the building Regulation on Wayfinding and the visually impaired. The curiosity of this aim formed a new method to support this issue and testing the design against an proposed table of questions with traffic light scoring system called Principle for Wayfinding 8 (PfW8) [see table 2_01].
PfW8 should be implemented from early stages of design work by all parties to ensure there is no bias from the designer, architect, or client. The assessment does not require the creator to assess
its creation in order to identify grey areas within the design that could be improved.
to reconsider their proposal when sent to the local authorities.
The table provided and demonstrated against the case studies is formed of consideration for the user and questions what sort of journey is the designer proposing through the space? The table not only questions but also provides a moment and a solution through simple lighting system for the designer or architect to focus on in their proposal.
Similar to BfL12 where the assessment is conducted and included in the planning application for the local planning officer to consider when reviewing the proposal. PfW8 could be an assessment that is included with the planning documents to support the proposal as to give recognition of the level of detail and importance to wayfinding in project.
The assessment can be given similar consideration as other existing assessments such as BfL12 when designing houses but in this particular case this assessment could be used for spaces that would be an unfamiliar environment to the user in particular to users that are visually impaired. As the visually impaired require more care and assistant then a user that is visually acute.
Within practice the assessment can be activated during initial stages of the design to start asking key questions and help to identify the design element(s) that would need to be improved in order to form an suitable environment that is inclusive of different users. It can also be beneficial for this assessment to be thought of from the initial stages of an project this is for future relief of having to redesign. In addition, consideration of this assessment favour the client by saving them time and capital during later stages of the project when they find out they would have
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Architecture Enhanced
Understanding Wayfinding Design for the Visually Impaired