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Tactile Living Spaces Enhanced by Integrated Furniture and Natural Materials for Visually Impaired Residents

Authors:
Kseniia Veselova, Tatiana Kargina
Tactile Living Spaces Enhanced by Integrated Furniture and Natural Materials for Visually Impaired Residents

Project in-detail

Designed with integrated furniture and tactile surfaces, this residential facility prioritizes navigation and safety for visually impaired residents while fostering a sense of community through open, accessible spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated furniture design minimizes hazards and maximizes functionality for residents.
02
Tactile surfaces guide navigation and enhance spatial awareness within the facility.
03
Sensory gardens are incorporated into the landscape for therapeutic engagement with nature.
04
A modular layout allows for flexible room configurations tailored to individual needs.
05
Sound cues are strategically placed to assist in orientation throughout the spaces.
The "Home for the Blind" architectural project is designed as a residential facility tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals with visual impairments. The project's design philosophy centers around creating a secure and navigable environment that facilitates independence while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. It combines safety, accessibility, and functionality through thoughtful spatial organization and material selection.

Adaptability is a fundamental aspect of the design. The layout consists of linear pathways and modular rooms that utilize a grid-based system, allowing for consistent spatial relationships. This intentional design feature enables individuals to navigate their environment with confidence, reinforcing familiar routes and minimizing disorientation. Each space is characterized by its distinct functionality, further facilitating routine and independence.

Unique Design Approach
One distinctive element of this project is its emphasis on built-in furniture. By integrating furniture directly into the architectural framework, the design minimizes obstacles and creates a more cohesive living space. This approach not only optimizes spatial efficiency but also enhances safety by reducing clutter in common areas.

Additionally, the project employs sensory design principles that consider tactile surfaces, sound cues, and varied lighting arrangements. These features provide sensory feedback that aids in orientation and enhances the overall living experience for residents. The inclusion of sensory gardens in the landscaping further supports engagement with nature, fostering well-being through therapeutic outdoor spaces.

Spatial Configuration and Materiality
The spatial configuration prioritizes wide, open areas free from structural hindrances, allowing for unobstructed movement. The choice of materials is equally intentional, with concrete, wood, glass, steel, and textiles selected for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and sensory compatibility. For instance, solid flooring contrasts with softer textures in designated sitting areas to assist residents in determining their location.

Furthermore, the project's design includes varied surface materials that guide residents through the different areas of the facility. These design choices leverage the tactile properties of materials to enhance navigability while maintaining a coherent architectural aesthetic.

This project serves as a comprehensive response to the unique needs of individuals with visual impairments, embodying an approach that seamlessly merges architecture with the principles of accessibility and usability. For those interested in a deeper exploration of the project, a review of the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas can provide valuable insights into its innovative design strategies.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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