Title

FOSTERING BLIND PEOPLE'S WE LL BEING: Multisensory Sun Shelters in Green and Blue Spaces

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Acronym

SHADE

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Date

2026/2030

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Summary

According to the World Health Organization, about 40 million people worldwide are blind, and an additional 250 million have visual impairments, a number rising due to age-related conditions like glaucoma and diabetes in aging populations. Thus, the development of solutions enabling interaction with the sighted world for these individuals is increasingly crucial. Green and blue spaces, such as public gardens, parks, and river beaches, offer diverse physical, mental, and emotional benefits, enhancing overall well-being. Yet, these spaces are often underutilized by blind and partially sighted people (BPSP) due to heat-related illnesses from sun exposure. The broader impact of sun exposure on health underscores the need for awareness and proactive measures among BPSP and social relations. While changes in vision may not result from sunlight, other aspects of well-being are affected, such as challenges in temperature regulation and skin health due to difficulties in perceiving sunlight intensity.

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Sun shelters protect BPSP from heat, reducing risks of illness, and enhancing community spaces for outdoor activities, improving life quality for all. They also offer a safe haven during extreme heat for those without cool shelter access. While architecture is theoretically recognized as a multisensory discipline, the practical focus in the field tends to strongly prioritize visual perception.

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This visual-centric approach presents a challenge when addressing the needs of BPSP. How can non-visual sensory modalities be effectively integrated into the architectural design process, particularly in the creation of inclusive, comfortable, and sustainable sun shelters, with the overarching goal of enhancing the well-being of BPSP?

SHADE focuses on non-visual sensory design, aligning with the EU disability rights strategy. Its mission is to cultivate innovative, culturally sensitive design thinking, enhancing understanding of sensory-informed architectural practices. The objective is to create a new reference framework and contribute to the discourse on inclusive, sustainable built environments centered around human needs.

The exploration of integrating sensory elements into architectural design adopts a participative strategy, with a specific emphasis on designing sun shelter structures. These structures are designed for green and blue spaces, including parks, gardens, waterfronts, and public pools. SHADE is practice-based research that places an emphasis on the experimental and practical aspects of research, aiming to generate insights and contribute to advancements in the architectural field. It incorporates co-creation workshops and collaborative design studio work and field research. This innovative approach disrupts the conventional architectural design process by promoting design practices that involve a diverse range of participants and end users with varying sensory preferences and needs. SHADE progresses through dialogue among researchers, students, instructors, the Blind (BP) facilitators, and municipal representatives from architecture, urbanism, and social science fields. This approach fosters cooperation among stakeholders and creates a dynamic learning environment for all involved.

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To this end, SHADE invited important stakeholders and scholars to the project, having engaged the support of three Portuguese municipalities – Mirandela, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, and Sines – and three consultants whose expertise is relevant to the development of the project – Bruno Miranda (Assistant Professor at Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa), Ann Heylighen (design researcher at KU Leuven), and the participation of APEC (Associação Promotora do Ensino dos Cegos). Consultants are proposed to offer support and guidance during assessment and experimental stages (T2 and T3), for which the participation of APEC will also be determinant. Municipalities will engage in later project stages, focusing on scaling up and policy integration (T4 and T5).

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SHADE is strategically focused on several key areas to advance its mission. A central element of SHADE’s work is the formulation of a comprehensive theoretical and methodological framework. This framework intricately weaves together distinct approaches, encompassing design-based research, action and participatory research, and narrative research. By integrating these methodologies, SHADE aims to establish a robust foundation that guides its innovative architectural design practices.

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SHADE conducts a thorough survey of the state of the art within the field of sensory-informed architectural design practices. This involves a meticulous examination of current trends and evolving methodologies. It entails the identification and comparative assessment of case studies and diversified experiences. The chosen case studies aim to capture a nuanced understanding of diverse local characteristics and environmental constraints. SHADE’s work is at the forefront of knowledge and practices, fostering cutting-edge contributions to the field.

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SHADE engages in co-creation workshops, deliberately integrating BP into these forums. This approach serves to raise awareness about the specific needs of BP, fostering an understanding of inclusivity in architectural design. To achieve these objectives, SHADE will produce a series of tools such as virtual 3D architectural models, tactile panels, and models of architectural elements. SHADE will also draw up guidelines for rendering architecture accessible to BP, as well as for the creation and printing of 3D architectural models, in order to increase and replicate the use of these tools. To support these tasks, SHADE will benefit from partnerships with Lisbon’s FABLAB and IST’s laboratories – ISTAR and Lab2ProD.

Design studio work involving architectural students stands as a cornerstone in SHADE’s initiative. This hands-on component facilitates the practical application of the previously developed theoretical and methodological framework, along with knowledge acquired from workshops and feedback provided by BP. Within the design studio, innovative solutions are actively explored, and theoretical concepts seamlessly transform into tangible, impactful designs. This immersive process validates theoretical foundations and propels them into practical, real-world applications, ensuring that SHADE’s contributions are both meaningful and transformative.

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SHADE recognizes the importance of effective communication and dissemination of its findings. To achieve this, SHADE will establish an online collaborative platform. This platform serves as a hub to communicate research findings in an integrated and systemic manner to a diverse audience. By leveraging online tools, SHADE ensures that its insights reach and engage a broad public, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange. This multifaceted strategy positions SHADE at the forefront of practice-based research, contributing meaningfully to both the academic and public discourse in the architectural field.

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