Enviro-Braille: A Transcribed Language of Architectural Elements

Abstract

Architecture has an immense effect on our perception of reality. The way one gains understanding of their surroundings depends heavily on stimulation of senses. The pitfall of designers is the consciousness paid to occupants who have an impaired sense of sight or blindness. It is the architect’s responsibility to make design decisions that cultivate environments that everyone can thrive in. Information for this research will be gathered by analyzing perception as it relates to the visually impaired and comparing the principles of language and semiotics to gain an understanding of how architecture is used as a tool of communication. From this information, an indication of architectural elements that should be used to communicate to the visually impaired will be made. The goal of this research to produce a framework of elements that can be applied to any typology.