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Tactile Navigation in a Private Community Courtyard

Author:
Ruth Suarez
Tactile Navigation in a Private Community Courtyard
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Occluded Projection creates a tactile environment in Havana's courtyard that fosters privacy for blind residents while encouraging community interaction among neighbors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Occluded Projection redefines spatial interaction for blind residents.
02
The design incorporates tactile elements for enhanced navigation.
03
Projections obscure sight lines, ensuring privacy within communal spaces.
04
It emphasizes sensory engagement over visual perception in a traditional courtyard.
05
The layout encourages community interaction while respecting individual comfort.

The design situated in Havana, Cuba, reinterprets the traditional courtyard to meet the needs of blind inhabitants while allowing for interaction with sighted neighbors. This approach emphasizes inclusivity and engagement with the environment, resulting in a living space that balances community and individual comfort. Central to the design is the concept of "Occluded Projection," which enhances the home experience for visually impaired residents while preserving the cultural essence of courtyard living.

Conceptual Framework

Lines of projection are utilized to convey the complexities of the courtyard’s physical environment. The placement of architectural elements, such as arches and columns, enriches the tactile experience for residents. This design strategy allows blind inhabitants to explore their surroundings through touch, deepening their understanding of space. Projections serve to affirm physical presence while connecting to the broader environment, presenting an innovative take on traditional courtyard layouts.

Privacy and Interaction

Considerate design promotes privacy for blind residents. By blocking sight lines from nearby areas, a secure and comfortable atmosphere is created. This setup enables blind inhabitants to engage with their environment while maintaining a personal space. The arrangement supports a community-friendly setting where personal boundaries are respected and valued.

Sensory Engagement

The approach prioritizes diverse sensory experiences in architecture. It allows residents to explore connection without sacrificing their privacy. By recognizing that architecture can stimulate various senses, the design invites all individuals to appreciate communal life while addressing specific needs. Each space not only serves a function but also promotes interaction and comfort.

The implementation of projection lines extends past mere architectural elements. They act as tactile guides, leading residents through a thoughtfully arranged environment. This design invites exploration while fostering a sense of belonging within the community. Each element provides an opportunity for connection, creating an engaging and thoughtful living area that nurtures individual preferences.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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