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Sailing Centre for the Blind

Part 2 Project 2005
Elvin Chatergon
Amber Barnaby
 University of Nottingham Nottingham | UK
The project began with the concept of sound in architecture and non-visual methods of interpreting and navigating through space. Blind sailing is an activity which encourages independent non-visual navigation. The building is a reaction against the flawed and over-elaborate modern technologies that are available to ‘guide’ blind people. The low-tech structure appeals to an authentic and tactile experience of space and orchestrates a transitional journey between the land and water. The practice classrooms nestle on the lake, progressively becoming more open and reactive to the elements as one becomes more comfortable with the wind and water.


Architectural projects are usually expressed through forms of mediation that assume the able sightedness of the viewer. Rather than uncritically adopt familiar representation techniques, Elvin developed his project through the medium of sound. The scheme comprises recreational and ancillary facilities and a series of training pods: located on the land, the water and on the shore, the pods give the users a partial experience of sailing before embarking on the real thing. In the final presentation of the scheme, drawings and models are combined with a series of texts and soundscapes, which describe different routes through the building and landscape.
Tutor(s)
2005
Blind sailing encourages both social interaction between non-sighted and sighted people, and also confidence in independent, non-visual navigation.
Site analysis: traditional means of site investigation were combined with mapping out sounds and sensations across the site to create a short, abstract video
4 types of visual impairments: how views of site may be affected by each condition
Design process: sound design and writing stories as generative tools took precedence over traditional techniques
Design process: 4 stories describing 4 routes to sailing were given to collegues and tutors. These were interpreted as visual sketches
Design process: 4 tactile diagrams describing the 4 routes
Sensory installation: tactile diagrams, soundscapes and stories combined to form a built 'sensory interface' for the non-sighted
Plan and site model
Long section A and construction section
Long section B
Practice classrooms: sensory 'pods' which nestle on Fairlop Lake
Practice classrooms: close up of 'pod 1'
Practice classrooms: internal view of 'pod 2', comprising of floating platforms, providing a partial experience of sailing
Practice classrooms: internal view of 'pod 4', the structure stripped down and open to the elements, where boats are released out to the lake
Main entrance to Fairlop Sailing Centre for the Blind
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