How DeafSpace Principles Create Better Places for All

At Quinn Evans, inclusive design is fundamental to our philosophy. We are deeply committed to creating environments that enhance the lives of all individuals, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds.

Through projects at Gallaudet University and the Maryland School for the Deaf, we've learned a lot from collaborating and codesigning with Deaf communities—especially about the environmental needs of people who communicate primarily through sign language. The work has reinforced our belief that inclusive design is good design; strategies that support one person or improve the user experience for everyone.

The lawn and various buildings at Gallaudet University. — *We’ve completed both renovation and new construction projects on the Gallaudet University campus and have learned a lot about DeafSpace in the process.* *Image by Sdkb via Wikimedia Commons.*

DeafSpace Principles

In 2010, Gallaudet University, the world’s only liberal arts university for Deaf and hard of hearing students, released the DeafSpace design guidelines: a comprehensive set of architectural principles to create environments that support the needs and experiences of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. These principles have been implemented and refined in building projects at the University (including our Living and Learning Residence Hall) and have been adopted by other campuses and facilities serving the Deaf community as well as practitioners of inclusive design the world over.

The DeafSpace guidelines include more than 150 architectural design elements that make it easier for Deaf people to navigate the built environment. These elements aren’t just important for places that cater specifically to the Deaf community; after all, Deaf people use all kinds of spaces, from parks and libraries to grocery stores and apartment buildings.

Furthermore, inclusive design elements aimed at supporting one group tend to help everyone else as well. A classic example is curb cuts at intersections, which were originally designed for people using wheelchairs but also make life easier for caregivers pushing strollers, delivery people wheeling dollies, etc. The same is true of many DeafSpace principles; inclusive design is good for everyone.

The following are examples of DeafSpace design principles in action at Quinn Evans projects—some designed specifically for Deaf communities and some for the wider public, of which Deaf people form a part.

‍

SLOPES, NOT STEPS

People engaging in signed communication look at each other’s facial expressions and hand motions. At best, steps interrupt a signed conversation as the participants look down to navigate them; at worst, they become a trip hazard. Sloped walkways, like curb cuts, are a design move that makes everyone’s life easier. That’s why we integrate them widely in our projects, as we did at the National Museum of Natural History’s South Entrance.

Students engage in signed conversations in a seating area and on a walkway. — *At Gallaudet’s Living and Learning Residence Hall we used sloped floors rather than steps to facilitate signed conversations.*

NATURAL LIGHT

Lighting should be bright, even, and without glare to facilitate visual communication; diffused natural light is best. Architectural interventions can minimize glare, shadow patterns, and backlighting from windows and skylights.

Aircrafts hang in an open space in the National Air and Space Museum. — *We added a shading system to the atrium skylights at the* *National Air and Space Museum* *to retain the natural light while reducing glare.*

WIDE CORRIDORS

Signers in conversation need to stand at a distance where they can see both facial expressions and hand motions. Therefore, paths of travel should be spacious.

Visitors walk through sloped walkways inside Heritage Hall. — *Wide corridors like those at the Michigan State Capitol’s* *Heritage Hall* *facilitate better circulation for everyone, and particularly for people communicating visually. Note the sloped walkways in addition to stairs!*

CONNECTIVITY

Transparent walls and large openings between areas foster a sense of community and allow for signed communication across different spaces. Large openings or glass panels in walls help maintain visual connectivity.

A rendering of a cafe and common spaces for the Maryland School for the Deaf's Veditz Building. — *Our design for the renovation of the Maryland School for the Deaf’s Veditz Building emphasizes visual connectivity between difference spaces and levels.*

CONTRASTING COLORS

Colors should contrast with a diverse range of skin tones, making hand motions more visible and reducing visual fatigue. Soft greens and blues are recommended.

A paleontologist examines bones. — *We used a soft green color on the walls of the Paleontology Laboratory at the National Museum of Natural History to provide an optimal environment for closely detailed work.*

FLEXIBLE SPACES

As more people join a signed conversation, participants need more room to allow for clear sightlines. Easily moveable furniture allows signers to adjust the environment to their needs.

Students sit at circular tables while having lunch in the Maryland School for the Deaf's cafeteria. — *Circular tables and moveable chairs in the Maryland School for the Deaf’s cafeteria allow students to communicate more easily than with bench-style seating.*

TACTILE CUES

Changes in floor texture provide tactile cues for navigation and spatial orientation, preventing interruptions to signed conversations.

A library patron interacts with the front desk worker while other patrons enjoy the library's books and technological services. — *The main circulation routes at* *Allegan District Library* *are subtly announced by smooth flooring, while the rest of the space is carpeted.*

TIERED SEATING

Varying seating levels ensure clear lines of sight during lectures, presentations, or large group discussions.

Chairs, tables, and couches fill the lounge.

image_compare

The Gallaudet University community fills the lounge to attend a presentation. — *The tiered common area at Gallaudet’s Living and Learning Residence Hall doubles as a lounge and presentation space.*

‍

Creating Visually Aware Environments for All

We're committed to continually collaborating with and learning from the Deaf community to refine our approach to creating spaces that enhance the experience of the built environment for all users.

By sharing these principles and examples, we hope to show building owners and other designers to consider the needs of the Deaf community in their projects. As with most inclusive design, many of these features benefit everyone, not just those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Ultimately, creating more visually aware spaces can lead to better, more inclusive environments.