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Deaf by Design – Design by Deaf

Part 2 Dissertation 2021
Anita Brindley
Birmingham City University | UK
This dissertation explores how Architects can design successful buildings for Deaf people. In order to understand how to design for Deaf people, the DeafSpace and Deafhood theories, which promise a way of changing the way we design for the Deaf, are analysed. Case-studies are used to highlight the positive impact in implementation of these theories but also illustrate the lack of legislation available when designing for the Deaf. The redesign of a previous project, which combines case-studies and reflective practice through video, concludes how to design successfully for the Deaf. It demonstrates a unique ‘hands-on’ design process where collaboration with Deaf users, physical experimentation with materials and continuous design iterations ensure all design features are orientated around how Deaf people see the world.

This writing benefits both Deaf and hearing individuals; it presents a way to increase the number of successful buildings for the Deaf whilst also showing how Deaf design can benefit all users. The design process argues a better way of designing to be implemented across all architectural projects whilst the significance in divide between Deaf and hearing communities, as highlighted, hopes to break down such barriers and establish a built environment which benefits us all.

Anita Brindley

Tutor(s)
Mersha Aftab
Rachel Sara
2021
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