Beyond Vision: An Empirical Study of Multisensory and Universal Design in Inclusive Institutional Environments for Visually Impaired Users

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6239-747-7_3How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Multisensory Architecture; Universal Design; Inclusive Design; Visual Impairment; Spatial Experience

Abstract

Architecture has traditionally emphasised vision as the primary means by which our senses engage with space. It is through sight that we imagine, understand, and judge architectural works. Unfortunately, this focus on the visual has, in fact, been at odds with the experiences of people who are partially or totally blind. The goal of this paper is to enhance accessibility and special experiences for people with visual impairments. The paper presents a comprehensive evidence-based multisensory architectural framework that integrates the theory of multisensory design, the principles of universal design, and empirical findings to enhance the inclusiveness of architecture for visually impaired users. The empirical study conducted in a library setting included measuring illuminance, conducting special documentation, and analysing user tasks based on user performance. The users in this study had low vision conditions, such as albinism. This paper integrates a conceptual framework with on-the-ground evidence, identifies environmental barriers, and offers innovative design proposals that rely on non-visual sensory stimuli and assistive technologies. The findings reveal a discrepancy between traditional design standards and the real needs of visually impaired users, thereby calling for a change in attitude toward environments that are truly inclusive and responsive.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Vivek Jain
AU  - Saptarshi Kolay
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/08/24
TI  - Beyond Vision: An Empirical Study of Multisensory and Universal Design in Inclusive Institutional Environments for Visually Impaired Users
BT  - Proceedings of the International Seminar on Designing the Future (ISDF 2026)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 33
EP  - 54
SN  - 3091-4442
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-747-7_3
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-747-7_3
ID  - Jain2026
ER  -