A Milestone Project in My Career The interior architecture of the rehabilitation center for the visually impaired, my 2009 graduation project, was a pivotal milestone early in my career. This endeavor offered valuable insights into human potential and the unique ways individuals without sight engage with their surroundings through non-visual senses. It ignited a profound […]
The interior architecture of the rehabilitation center for the visually impaired, my 2009 graduation project, was a pivotal milestone early in my career. This endeavor offered valuable insights into human potential and the unique ways individuals without sight engage with their surroundings through non-visual senses. It ignited a profound appreciation for the transformative impact of architecture and design on enriching lives.
Situated in the historically vibrant Vatra Luminoasa district in Bucharest, with strong connections to the blind community, the center’s location held special significance. Throughout the project, I had the privilege of engaging in illuminating discussions with the then-president of the blind people association, a respected blind journalist and writer. His narratives on the district’s history, the blind community in Romania, and his personal experiences provided a rich context.
The president underscored the necessity of such a center, particularly for adults facing sight loss due to accidents or incurable diseases, revealing a notable gap in support programs within Romania. His insights fueled my interest in understanding how blind children develop techniques to navigate reality, influencing my decision to embrace a minimalist design style.
Functionally, the building includes areas such as a foyer, reception, pharmacy station, a lounge area, a conference and event hall, as well as ophthalmology and psychology offices. A notable aspect of the project is the rehabilitation room, which we designed like a small apartment, aimed at helping individuals develop skills for independent living, such as cooking. Additionally, the center includes specially designed spaces for training in various trades traditionally practiced within the blind community, such as reflexology, IT, foreign languages, and communication.
Guided by research on how blind individuals perceive space, I incorporated tactile 3D floor tiles, thoughtfully designed lighting, chromatic contrasts, and diverse materials to enhance acoustics. The inclusion of greenery and subtle sounds aimed to guide individuals through the space.
Adhering to the principles of universal design, the space was curated to accommodate individuals with varying degrees of sight and foster comfort and delight.
This project, which I later donated to the Romanian Association of the Blind, played a key role in my development as an interior architect. Every time I think back to it, I realize how much it influenced my vision and how it helped me understand, on a deeper level, the power that interior architecture has to make a real difference in people’s lives.
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