DeafSpace: Architecture And The Deaf Community
At first glance, little sets Gallaudet University's newest dormitory apart from new construction projects on other campuses. But look a little closer, and you begin to notice subtle design features that make it easier for deaf students to communicate visually: better natural lighting, wider corridors and surfaces that minimize distracting vibrations. We examine the new architectural framework of "DeafSpace," how design elements in buildings can be manipulated to make built environments more accessible.
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The Living and Learning Residence Hall 6 is Gallaudet University's newest DeafSpace building, residence hall and collaboration space. Sorenson Language and Communication Center opened in 2008 and is the first DeafSpace building on campus. All photos courtesy Gallaudet University. Renderings courtesy LTL Architects / Quinn Evans Architects.
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I wanted to take a few moments to thank you for putting this information out into the wider community.
My daughter is 6. When she was four she had a serious accident that resulted in severe unilateral hearing loss. Though I heard this information on NPR months ago, it recently came home how important that this information is not just for deaf people but those hearing people in their world.
My daughter has been called clutzy. Because she had verstibular damage as a result of her accident, I thought that was the cause of her problem even though she has had extensive rehab to recover from the balance issues. Today a teacher was demonstrating her falling. She mimicked my daughter looking at a friend and falling as she was moving during their conversation. My daughter did not look where she was going because she could not concentrate on the conversation without looking at the friend. Add in balance issues and you have a recipe for disaster.
Aah-AH! The light is on now. We are going to find a way to make her more aware of the potential problems so she can integrate this into her world to make safer decisions. Thanks for helping our family. I hope others can benefit in some way by being more aware of the differing needs of others.