The completed Sorenson Language and Communication Center features long, open sight lines, visibility between floors, gently curving corners, and ample windows. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gallaudet University
What is Deafspace?
Essentially, any space can be transformed into a Deaf Space. The concept of Deaf space also encompasses many different aspects, not solely focusing on the dimensions of a room or specific location. There are fundamentally 5 aspects of Deaf Space. These include: sensory reach, space and proximity, mobility and proximity, light and colour and acoustics (Bauman, 2014).
Sensory Reach
Those belonging to the Deaf community are exceptionally attuned to their surroundings. They are aware of the minute shifts in lighting, vibration, shadow, as well as the subtle movements and expressions of the people in the vicinity.These changes are typically ones that the non- deaf population are not aware of. A way to facilitate communication is to build spaces that promote 360 degree awareness and spatial way finding (Bauman, 2014).
Space and Proximity
In order to have full visual access to a signers space as well as facial expressions and movements during communication, Deaf individuals stand at a distance where there are able to clearly discern the person they are speaking to. The space between two signers is usually bigger than the space between two people communicating verbally. At a Deaf social gathering where the number of people taking part in a conversation can go from 2 people to 6 or more, the space and proximity between speakers changes to compensate. This concept of space and proximity greatly impacts design within Deaf homes (Bauman, 2014).
Mobility and Proximity
Deaf individuals while walking and conversing are able to carry on a conversation, shift their gaze between the other signer and their surroundings, attend to any obstacles, as well as alert their companion to these obstacles. They are able to do all of this without interrupting the conversation. A truly 'DeafSpace' is not inhibited by obstacles or hazards that can impede communication or mobility(Bauman, 2014).
Light and Colour
The absence of adequate lighting can result in glare, moving shadows, and interruptions in communication between Deaf people. Harsh light as well can lead to eye fatigue and result in severe strain to Deaf eyes. Comfortable electric light or light that is diffused to minimize the harsh glare of sunlight, is ideal for Deaf eyes. In regards to colour, bright or vibrant colours can be harmful and distracting to Deaf people and create visual distractions. Colours present should work to compliment the skin tones or natural colouring of a space (Bauman, 2014).
Acoustics
There are many different degrees of hearing loss. Devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants work to amplify and enhance sound. Many sounds can be detected or felt by those who are Deaf. Reverberations or feedback from very loud or jarring sounds bouncing off of hard surfaces can be very harmful and uncomfortable to Deaf individuals. Spaces should be designed to reduce instances of reverberation and background noise (Bauman, 2014).
Sensory Reach
Those belonging to the Deaf community are exceptionally attuned to their surroundings. They are aware of the minute shifts in lighting, vibration, shadow, as well as the subtle movements and expressions of the people in the vicinity.These changes are typically ones that the non- deaf population are not aware of. A way to facilitate communication is to build spaces that promote 360 degree awareness and spatial way finding (Bauman, 2014).
Space and Proximity
In order to have full visual access to a signers space as well as facial expressions and movements during communication, Deaf individuals stand at a distance where there are able to clearly discern the person they are speaking to. The space between two signers is usually bigger than the space between two people communicating verbally. At a Deaf social gathering where the number of people taking part in a conversation can go from 2 people to 6 or more, the space and proximity between speakers changes to compensate. This concept of space and proximity greatly impacts design within Deaf homes (Bauman, 2014).
Mobility and Proximity
Deaf individuals while walking and conversing are able to carry on a conversation, shift their gaze between the other signer and their surroundings, attend to any obstacles, as well as alert their companion to these obstacles. They are able to do all of this without interrupting the conversation. A truly 'DeafSpace' is not inhibited by obstacles or hazards that can impede communication or mobility(Bauman, 2014).
Light and Colour
The absence of adequate lighting can result in glare, moving shadows, and interruptions in communication between Deaf people. Harsh light as well can lead to eye fatigue and result in severe strain to Deaf eyes. Comfortable electric light or light that is diffused to minimize the harsh glare of sunlight, is ideal for Deaf eyes. In regards to colour, bright or vibrant colours can be harmful and distracting to Deaf people and create visual distractions. Colours present should work to compliment the skin tones or natural colouring of a space (Bauman, 2014).
Acoustics
There are many different degrees of hearing loss. Devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants work to amplify and enhance sound. Many sounds can be detected or felt by those who are Deaf. Reverberations or feedback from very loud or jarring sounds bouncing off of hard surfaces can be very harmful and uncomfortable to Deaf individuals. Spaces should be designed to reduce instances of reverberation and background noise (Bauman, 2014).