Designing through writing : A gallery for handicaps

Written by Aina Farhana

Problem Statement

The natural behaviour of human is that we are sometimes unconsciously selfish. We put ourselves first before others without realizing it. In order to achieve our goal, we pollute our Mother Earth and jeopardise the needs of our future generation, we destroy the surrounding environment and the living eco-system, and we even ignore and neglect our own kind; - the disabled.

The build environment is also guilty of committing this crime. Buildings are design without considering people with disabilities as the end users. It is difficult and challenging for the disabled to navigate their way in the build environment. Street furniture that obstruct their way, no clear defined edging and no delineation from the edge of the curb to the road are some of the examples of poor construction in build environment that can be hazardous to the disabled.

The culprit behind this issue is the fact that we confine them in their own world. Yes, we do acknowledge their existence but we segregate them from our society. People with disabilities are often excluded from social activities and shut away in the social circle. Some even think of them as incapable to function as a human being.

The negative thoughts ought to be push away in order to solve this problem. Disabilities are not hindrance of a success, instead it pushes one further to break and redefine the barriers which were ruthlessly set by the society. Art is one of the medium that they used to express themselves. The freedom that they cringe, the respect that they demand and the right that are rightfully theirs are clearly portrayed through their artworks.

The task for this project is to design a gallery which also serves as their community centre. Here is where they can exhibit and showcase their works for the world to see, appreciate and understand. It is also a statement of acknowledgement of their existence. Designing for the disabled opens up the door of opportunity for them to express themselves through creative manner. They do not ask for sympathy, it is respect that they demand.

Design Concept

The main emphasize in this project is on natural day lighting and accessibility. The function of the building as a gallery requires natural day lighting to be maximize and employ as much as possible. Under natural lighting, the collection of artworks can be viewed at its best. Designing with natural lighting also enables the interplay of interesting shadow pattern thus animating the interior space. The shadow pattern that changes over time offers a dramatic experience to the visitors. Besides that, the use of natural day lighting contributes towards a sustainable and greener future. The energy consumption of a building is significantly reduced as the building relies on sunlight to light up the interior spaces.

Accessibility is crucial in designing for the disabled. Barrier free spaces enable them to navigate their way easily without the aid of others. The absent of obstructions that barricade their movement also allow them to be independent. A disabled user friendly building should provide an environment in which they are able to manage and run the building on their own. In this case, the term user friendly building refers to the ability of the building itself to aid and cater the activities of the disabled. The building itself helps them to manage and ensure the smooth running of the building.

As a gallery that exhibit the best and finest collection of the disabled artist, the building should serves as an icon of recognition that carries their image and reputation. Art creates and generates endless possibilities to be explored. Origami is one of the forms of art that intrigued many. The natural folds and lines of the origami combine precision and art hence create a different, one of a kind interior space. The crease of the exterior envelope sculpted the interior.