Foreword
Welcome to the unveiling of the extraordinary outcomes of Archiol's ground-breaking initiative, "The Blind Experience Design Competition." In the realm of design, where vision often takes center stage, this competition challenged participants to transcend the visual and delve into the profound world of tactile and auditory sensations. The anticipation surrounding the results has been palpable, and we are thrilled to present the exceptional works that emerged from the convergence of creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of inclusive design principles.
This competition, anchored in the philosophy of inclusivity, sought to redefine the parameters of design by focusing on the often-overlooked sensory experiences. By inviting participants to design spaces that cater to those with visual impairments, Archiol aimed to catalyze a paradigm shift in the way we conceive and construct environments. The Blind Experience Design Competition has not only pushed the boundaries of conventional design but has also fostered a more profound appreciation for the diverse ways in which individuals interact with and perceive the spaces around them.
The competition has been a testament to the power of design to shape experiences, challenge assumptions, and pave the way for a more inclusive future. We hope that the results showcased in this announcement will serve as an inspiration for the design community and beyond, encouraging a broader dialogue on the transformative potential of accessible and inclusive design.
Top 3
FIRST
Dwiti Singh, Aditya Vijayraj, Shubhangi Sharma & Tejas Wagh
India
SECOND
Yuting Cai, Hongyang Deng, Jiakang Liang & Yufu Li
China
THIRD
Nandini Gera & Akriti Pathak
India
FIRST PRIZE WINNER
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NOOR -E-NAFZ- The light of the soul…an urban exploration of the blind experience
Dwiti Singh, Aditya Vijayraj, Shubhangi Sharma & Tejas Wagh
India
JURY COMMENTS
The design demonstrates a strong commitment to empathizing with the blind experience through thoughtful spatial translations and installations. The use of textures, spatial sequences, and tactile surfaces in "Sparsh" engages the user's senses effectively. The layered walkway in "Nazariya" and the exploration of light in "Jyoti" contribute to a rich sensory experience. The emphasis on creating a transformative and empathetic encounter is commendable. The concept of decoding the blind experience through an urban museum is innovative and well-executed. The use of symbolic representations in each installation, such as the changing levels in "Sparsh" and the layered panels in "Nazariya," showcases creativity. The exploration of light in "Jyoti" adds another layer of innovation, creating a dynamic and unexpected experience for users. The installations are designed to be accessible to a larger audience, promoting inclusivity. The consideration of steps and ramps in "Sparsh" demonstrates an awareness of diverse user needs. The transparent glass panel with the message in "Nazariya" adds an inclusive touch by providing information visually. However, further details on specific features enhancing accessibility would strengthen this aspect.
The design exhibits a strong aesthetic quality, with attention to detail in the choice of materials and spatial arrangements. The emotional impact is profound, as the installations aim to evoke introspection and understanding in users. The use of darkness and light in "Jyoti" adds a dramatic and emotional dimension, enhancing the overall impact.
SECOND PRIZE WINNER
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Blind Light
Yuting Cai, Hongyang Deng, Jiakang Liang & Yufu Li
China
JURY COMMENTS
The design demonstrates a commendable effort to create empathy and sensory engagement by simulating the experience of blindness. The use of a ring-shaped pavilion to represent the progression from good vision to blindness, and the manipulation of light levels, effectively conveys the changing perception of space. The inclusion of slices of daily life in a dark environment allows visitors to experience the world through touch, hearing, smell, and taste, fostering a deeper understanding of the blind experience. The concept of the ring-shaped pavilion and its symbolic representation of the journey from sighted to blind is innovative and thought-provoking. The incorporation of an empty lawn in the center, surrounded by earth walls, adds a unique element, allowing visitors to connect with nature and engage their senses beyond vision. The emphasis on reawakening and heightening other senses, as well as prompting a reevaluation of societal facilities for the blind, showcases creativity and innovation. The design appears to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity by providing a multi-sensory experience that accommodates individuals with different levels of visual ability. The consideration of touch, hearing, smell, and taste ensures a holistic understanding of the blind experience. However, the effectiveness of accessibility features should be thoroughly tested to ensure they cater to a diverse range of needs. The emphasis on sensory engagement and the connection with nature suggests a potential for a meaningful and emotionally impactful experience.
Overall, the design exhibits strong qualities in empathy, innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity.
THIRD PRIZE WINNER
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दिव्य अनुभूति – THE SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Nandini Gera & Akriti Pathak
India
JURY COMMENTS
The concept of "LOSING YOUR SIGHT TO SEE ANEW" effectively emphasizes empathy and sensory engagement. The three levels of interaction, especially the experience spaces, provide a multi-sensory journey that aims to make visitors more empathetic towards the blind. The inclusion of tactile experiences, blind cricket with augmented reality, olfactory sense zones, and a stairs and road crossing simulation demonstrates a thoughtful approach to engaging various senses. The design concept is innovative, as it goes beyond a traditional museum setting. The idea of a blind experience museum, incorporating a dining experience in the dark, and the three levels of interaction showcase creativity. The inclusion of a variety of experiences, such as the tactile labyrinth and augmented reality cricket, adds a unique touch. The abstract eye-like void and the metaphorical representation of peripheral vision loss in the architecture contribute to the innovative design. The consideration of different types of visitors, including those who may only want to learn a little about blindness, those interested in dining in the dark, and the most adventurous ones looking for a full blind experience, demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. The choice of site near an institute for the blind Boys and Blind Girls hostel further emphasizes inclusivity. The design aims for a high aesthetic impact, with the cuboidal volume, abstract eye-like void, and the metal statue of an old blind man creating a visually striking entrance. The use of metaphors and the carefully crafted experiences contribute to an emotionally impactful journey. The integration of a monolithic concrete volume as an introspection space adds to the emotional depth of the experience. Overall, the design shows a commendable effort in creating an immersive and inclusive experience for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of blindness and foster empathy.
SPECIAL MENTION
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JURY COMMENTS
Honorable Mention
Sameh Emam, Ahmed Hamdi El Metwaly, Samar Helmy Alii & Asmaa Ibrahim Mahmoud
Egypt
Fuxia Zhuang
China
Ting Ting Nong
China
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Fingerprints on Water
Sameh Emam, Ahmed Hamdi El Metwaly, Samar Helmy Alii & Asmaa Ibrahim Mahmoud
Egypt
JURY COMMENTS
The design exhibits a high level of empathy by immersing visitors in the daily struggles of visually impaired individuals. The use of various sensory experiences, such as sound, fragrance, texture, and taste, allows participants to engage deeply with the challenges faced by the visually impaired. The incorporation of water elements and waterfalls enhances the sensory engagement, especially for those relying on hearing. The wet or soaked handrail with dyed water adds a unique and tangible element, creating a memorable and empathetic experience.
The concept of using game theory and gamification to guide visitors through the museum is innovative and adds an element of interactivity. The progression from using one sense to eventually incorporating all five senses is a clever and unique approach. The abstraction of a pentagon to represent the five senses in the museum's form is a thoughtful design choice. The integration of braille in the concrete bases and the incorporation of various textures, smells, and tastes in the tasks showcase creativity in design. The design's aesthetic, with the abstraction of a pentagon and the use of green concrete, is visually appealing and aligns with environmental friendliness. The inclusion of water elements and natural scents from lavender, mint, and lemon trees enhances the emotional impact, creating a serene and immersive atmosphere.
The design provides a clear and detailed overview of the museum's concept, layout, and the sequence of tasks. It effectively communicates how each zone and task contribute to the overall experience, tying back to the theme of leaving a "fingerprint" through mastering the senses.
The design is commendable for its empathy, innovative concept, aesthetic appeal, and detailed description. While it successfully addresses sensory engagement, there is room for improvement in enhancing overall accessibility and inclusivity for a wider range of individuals with disabilities.
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Seek and See
Fuxia Zhuang
China
JURY COMMENTS
The design demonstrates a strong commitment to creating empathy and sensory engagement for sighted visitors by simulating the perspective of blindness. The emphasis on touch, sound, smell, and taste to compensate for the lack of visual input is commendable. The use of spatial experiential design to construct a sensory experience of blindness is a thoughtful approach, fostering a deeper understanding of the daily life and challenges faced by the visually impaired. The innovative aspects of the design lie in its use of a steel truss structure, which allows for a column-free layout, providing a high degree of freedom in the exhibition hall's design. The incorporation of a 6.8m floor height and the absence of natural light contribute to the uniqueness of the design concept.
The focus on creating an accessible environment is evident in the design, with a well-planned layout, two fire staircases, and careful consideration of evacuation distances. The commitment to promoting social inclusion and equality through the exhibition's goals aligns with the principles of accessibility and inclusivity.
While the design prioritizes functionality and the sensory experience, the aesthetic and emotional impact could be further emphasized. Integrating elements that evoke emotional responses and aesthetics aligned with the theme could enhance the overall impact on visitors. Striking a balance between functionality and aesthetics would contribute to a more holistic experience.
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Dialogue within Visual Impaired
Ting Ting Nong
China
JURY COMMENTS
HONOURABLE MENTION
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JURY COMMENTS
HONOURABLE MENTION
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JURY COMMENTS
Shortlisted Entries
Announcement in Media
Organizers
