School For The Blind In Gujarat Incorporates Smell, Touch, Hearing & Sight In Inclusive Architecture
Recognizing the crucial importance of inclusivity in contemporary society, it is now acknowledged as an essential aspect of our world.?Inclusivity, defined as a proactive strategy that embraces diversity, strives to establish an environment where every individual can participate equally.?This commitment to inclusivity is exemplified in architectural designs that foster inclusiveness.?
A noteworthy instance is a school in Gujarat designed for the visually impaired, setting an example by creating an inclusive space that caters specifically to their needs.?
Transforming education for the blind?
Crafted by SEALabs specifically for children from distant villages in the state, the school's design integrates the senses of smell, touch, hearing, and sight to enhance the learning experience for its students.?
Touch?
In terms of touch, the school features white walls adorned with five distinct types of plasters and textures, providing students with tactile cues to identify different spaces.?
Additionally, varying textures on the floor, including both rough and smooth Kota stone, signify entry points to the classrooms.?
Notably, every area, from classrooms and corridors to courtyards, is labeled in Braille for accessibility.?
Hearing?
To cater to the sense of hearing, the school has designed varying volumes and heights for its buildings, producing distinct echoes and sounds that aid students in recognising different locations within the premises.?
Sight?
Recognising that a significant number of visually impaired individuals do perceive light or color, the school strategically incorporates these elements.?
Classrooms feature brightly painted doors, distinct entrance hues, and toilet doors adorned with contrasting yet vibrant colors.?
This thoughtful use of color contrast aims to facilitate easy spatial identification for the students.?
Smell?
The architects incorporated the sense of smell by planting fragrant plants at entrances, providing a unique olfactory experience that aids students in marking and identifying different locations within the school.
Watch a video of the school here:? ?
Architectural inclusivity, exemplified by this school for the visually impaired, is a pressing necessity, serving as a testament for future initiatives.
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