Radhika Chagane

The representation of communities that are overlooked within society through architecture can lead to a progressive civilization where people come together, supporting, and understanding the embedded issues revolving around us. Working as an interior architecture and design student, I have been able to get an overview of these concerns and meticulously study them to find a solution. Where the design process involved the abstract collaboration of drawing, modelling and other various mediums, to characterise a variety of people as well as the culture and history of the site.

My narrative is set in the future where the outbreak of COVID-19 presented a dark, future-less world. The reassurance from the government gave the public hope, that through the invention of vaccinations the virus was under control. However, the sudden uproar of a new mutation meant new vaccinations were in order. Nevertheless, the mysteries of the long-term effects were still unknown.

We currently stand 10 years in the future, where the cloudy vision is now blind. The side effects of vaccinations leftover half the population on Earth visually impaired. With the number of those who fell victim to the unwanted alteration of sight increases, day-to-day activities were a battle. The struggle of feeling vulnerable and scared has led this community to feel isolated. But, by reforming our current lifestyle, we can adapt and create a society where the collaboration of designers, communities, and the exploration of other heightened senses can awaken a new, restored culture of hospitality. As a designer, I was challenged to devise a project that has a purpose to bring communities together, to share, inform, and teach new ways of life. Where food becomes an interactive object for the young and the old to experiment with.

Vision is an interactive space that provides independence and a reformed reality for the blind community. Recreating an atmosphere that reflects the old ‘normal’ through the play of light, smells, and intricate clay textures. The space provides events, talks, therapy sessions, sensory activities, several forms of entertainment, and a play area for guide dogs. Various forms of entertainment are provided by blind and local artists around the site to help promote and assist the progression of the creative community within Canterbury. The purpose of the concept is not only to provide a support system for those that are blind but to also comfort and teach their families and friends how to communicate with them. It also offers opportunities for employment by educating the blind community on cooking and serving; subsequently designing a facility that brings visually impaired individuals to the forefront of the design not only as visitors but also as employees.

Email Address: Rad_iad@hotmail.com

Instagram: @Rad_iad

Website: https://rchagane2011.wixsite.com/projects-2021