Eye-centred and multisensory approaches in space design: An evaluation through blindness

Abstract

While eye-centred design approaches support the idea of the superiority of vision in perception, they may ignore the role of other senses in the experience of space. However, spaces that should be designed in an inclusive manner for individuals with different abilities and perceptual structures may pose significant challenges in terms of accessibility and usability for blind individuals by centering on visual perception due to this understanding. The study is based on the assumption that in a world where the dominance of visual perception is increasing, the space perception of blind individuals is inadequate. The studies mentioned in the article show that the eye-centred design approach not only makes it difficult for blind people to understand spaces, but also limits the ability of sighted people to perceive space. This study argues that sensory space design can deepen and enrich the spatial experiences of all users, not only visually impaired individuals, and has the potential to offer a more inclusive, holistic design approach to society. Within the scope of the study, the historical and theoretical foundations of the eye-centred design approach were examined, the limitations of this approach and its effects on the perception of space by blind individuals were evaluated. During the evaluations, how the space perception of blind individuals is shaped within the framework of the eye-centred design approach is examined based on certain studies. The difficulties encountered by these individuals in their spatial experiences are revealed with a descriptive method. The main argument of the research is that the vision-based design approach limits the perception of space not only for visually impaired individuals but also for sighted individuals. In this context, the possibilities offered by sensory space design as an alternative approach were analysed and it was discussed how multi-sensory perception positively affects the understanding of space. Each selected example is a space that predominantly appeals to one of the senses and aims to perceive how the sensory priorities in the design of the spaces are shaped and the effects of the designs on the user. Each space is considered as an environment in which a particular sense prioritises perception so that the relationship and dynamics of the senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste with the space are examined. This approach goes beyond the eye-centred design approach and emphasises the importance of spaces offering a multi-sensory experience. In the study, the descriptive model, one of the qualitative research methods, was used, and the findings were interpreted, and the results were evaluated through existing examples. The findings reveal that eye-centred design limits the spatial perception of individuals and multisensory design makes the spatial experience more holistic for both sighted and visually impaired individuals. In this framework, the study goes beyond the eye-centred design approach and emphasises that enriching spaces with sensory components is critical for accessibility and inclusion. As a result, it is determined that spatial design should be handled in a way that includes not only visual but also multi-sensory interactions, which increases accessibility for blind individuals while providing a deeper spatial experience for sighted individuals.