Written by: Saram Maqbool
Posted on: January 27, 2025 | 
Architecture is often considered by many as more of a visual art form, rather than something rooted in practicality. At its core, the job of architecture is to serve humanity by shaping spaces that reflect and cater to their diverse needs. While this does involve an element of visual design, it goes far beyond just designing pretty facades. This is particularly evident in architecture that’s designed for those without sight. The traditional built environment presents unique challenges to people who cannot see, which necessitates a connection between spaces and the senses beyond vision. This has resulted in various projects worldwide, specifically designed for the visually impaired, with many examples stemming from China and beyond.
Galleria Borbonica in Naples (
For the blind, architecture is experienced in layers of sound echoing through corridors, textures under fingertips tracing walls, and the subtle gradients of light and temperature on the skin. When architects design with these considerations in mind, they create spaces that are not only functional but also deeply human. A building designed for accessibility is a building that embraces the essence of sensory exploration, offering dignity, independence and safety for all who enter. In China, where nearly 17 million people are estimated to live with visual impairments, the conversation around accessible design is growing louder. Traditional Chinese architecture offers a cultural foundation to build upon, with its emphasis on harmony and tactile details. The use of intricate carvings, raised patterns and textured tiles in ancient courtyards, exemplifies an architecture that naturally invites people’s touch. Modernizing these elements lets Chinese architects blend the nation’s history with the very practical needs of the visually impaired.
Tactile paving in various countries helps navigate spaces without sight.
In Beijing, a museum within the China Braille Library has been inaugurated to provide the visually impaired with tactile and auditory experiences. Spanning approximately 1,050 square meters, the museum displays over 700 exhibits and includes a section dedicated to ophthalmology knowledge. This space is designed to be a comprehensive hub, serving as an educational base, exhibition center, and a venue for research, exchange and leisure for visually impaired individuals. China’s efforts are part of a broader global movement toward inclusive design. In Spain, the CaixaForum in Barcelona incorporates textured walls and braille signage, alongside auditory guides to create a museum experience accessible to blind visitors. In the United States, the Helen Keller National Center in New York has developed spaces where architecture is centered on haptic feedback, using vibration and texture to communicate information. Meanwhile, Japan’s train stations often feature tactile paving systems to guide visually impaired passengers safely through complex transit hubs. A very strong example of a good design for blind people is seen in the Centro de Invidentes y Débiles Visuales in Mexico City. By using different textures, volumes and changes in light, this whole complex is easier to navigate for blind users than other spaces. A central water channel also runs through the primary walkway that guides people from one point to the next, highlighting the importance of sound as a guiding element.
Centro de Invidentes y Débiles Visuales is an excellent example of how texture, light, sound and volumetric differences help blind people navigate spaces.
However, the challenge of designing for the blind goes beyond public spaces. Residential architecture also needs to evolve to accommodate the needs of visually impaired people. Traditional courtyard houses in rural China with tactile flooring and clear layouts help reduce the risk of accidents. Such adaptations blend seamlessly with the vernacular architecture and preserve cultural heritage while enhancing usability. There’s a big gap in large-scale residential developments, though. A majority of visually impaired people don’t have access to living spaces where they can feel truly at home. A good example of how to do this, at least on an individual level, is a residence designed by So & So Studio for a blind client in Italy. The house features an intuitive layout that enables easy and seamless navigation from one space to the next, along with multiple other elements like different textures and materials to specify different areas. Implementing such design decisions on a larger scale must be done as well, so that those who cannot see are able to call communal spaces their home too.
Residence by So & So Studio
Designing for the blind also requires listening to their lived experiences. Architects must collaborate closely with visually impaired individuals to understand their needs and perspectives. This process ensures that the resulting spaces are not only functional but also empowering. Italy’s Galleria Borbonica is an excellent example of such collaborative design. This historic underground tunnel in Naples offers a multisensory tour where those without sight can navigate the space via touch, sound and smell. A vivid and inclusive experience is created thanks to the cold touch of the stone walls, the echoes of their footsteps, and the earthy scent that encompasses the space. Another example can be found in Sweden’s Stockholm Public Library. The design incorporates tactile maps and contrasting colors for low-vision users. Audio assistance enriches the experience of the visually impaired, making this a space where anyone and everyone is welcome. Examples like this show why it’s important to design in a way that not only makes spaces accessible for those who can’t see but also celebrates their unique way of interacting and experiencing the world.
Sweden’s Stockholm Public Library
The future of inclusive architecture lies in universal design principles, which include creating spaces that work for everyone, regardless of ability. This approach prioritizes flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that spaces are not merely accessible but also welcoming. In China, where technological innovation is advancing at an unprecedented pace, smart cities offer immense potential for inclusive design. By integrating technologies like voice-activated systems, GPS-based navigation tools, and AI-powered assistance, architects can transform urban environments into truly accessible spaces for the blind.
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