Blind Sight

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the exploration of the sense of smell, touch, taste, and hearing as main design guidelines. In doing so, an architecture was developed which moves beyond the visual reliance of spatial understanding. The sense of touch became of primary interest as it is an immediate connection between oneself and the world.

The site for this thesis is located in an urban environment in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. A sensitive design strategy was developed to blur the lines between the static geometries of the space with the dynamic influences of experiences.

The program supports the display and creation of art. Promoting collaboration, this community building integrates those who are blind or of impaired vision with sighted individuals. Visual impairment became a vehicle as the true success of the building was found in how well it raised equal sensual awareness amongst users.