search

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: 7 Architecture Projects You Must Know

Every year, on December 3rd, in observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations urges the entire world to recognize persons with disabilities. On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the UN estimates that 1.3 billion people experience disability, representing 16% of the world population. 

In this context, architectural design and architects hold a crucial responsibility in ensuring accessibility for disabled people. In the built environment, whether indoors or outdoors, the threshold requires a thoughtful universal design to enhance the user experience for those with disabilities. With much of the infrastructure still not disabled-friendly or inaccessible, these seven inclusive projects in India set an inspiring example to follow.”

1. School for Blind and Visually Impaired Children / SEAlab

Picture credits: archdaily.com

The Gandhinagar School for the Blind and Visually Impaired caters to students from Gujarat’s outlying towns and villages, as well as teachers who are committed to providing them with enhanced educational possibilities and social prospects. At first, the school resides in a structure that used to house a primary school. Academic activities take place in classrooms on the first floor, while dorms are located on the ground floor. There used to be less room for all of the students (12 kids sharing a dorm room) and no way to accommodate more.

2. Sai Kirupa Special School / Biome Environmental Solutions

Picture credits: archdaily.com
International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Provides children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other learning difficulties customized education and career development. The school envisions a facility that promotes students’ freedom and self-sufficiency and concentrates on their whole progress. The campus’s design creates an atmosphere that fosters growth by reflecting a careful response to the various needs of its users. The project’s comprehension depends significantly on funding from donors because the school operates under a charity trust. Therefore, depending on the funding, the design is to be adaptable to enable incremental, staggered building.

 

3. M. A. C. Community Center / Made in Earth

Picture credits: archdaily.com

The project is an outcome of a collaboration between Made in Earth and Terre des Hommes Core Trust, an NGO that provides homes, education, and potential support to disabled children (abandoned orphans, handicapped, or mistreated) until they reach the age to work. Made in Earth’s design philosophy is very practical and (possibly) non-self-referential, ensuring that it attempts to avoid enforcing any preconceived notions. For example, the materials are chosen based on their actual availability and cost rather than a subjective vision of exotic architecture.

4. Soukhya – Children’s Development Centre

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities
Picture credits: Ishita Sitwala

The ethos of Soukhya, coming from the Sanskrit term soukhyam, which means harmonious well-being, is fundamental to the principles of this brand-new children’s development facility in the verdant Goan rural. Opportunities exist in Soukhya, a peaceful sanctuary with a caring way of life. It was designed by Shiraz Jamali and Mammen Paul and is situated on a 55,000-square-foot triangular block of land covered by multiple trees in a vast green neighborhood.

“The trees were a part of the original landscape and the reason for the selection of the plot. It made for a beautiful and natural environment that would otherwise not be possible,” quotes Jamali. In addition to providing a safe environment for learning and development, the center’s mission is to engage children with special needs and promote fun and a sense of community. The center’s design, which revolves around a central courtyard and relies on meticulous movement creates a lively mood that permeates various spaces.

5. Centre for the Deaf-Blind, Goa, India

Picture credits: architizer.com

They adaptively reuse an existing Goan Portuguese house. The old building showed minimal structural damage, but it required restoration of its architectural style and modification for its new purpose as a center for the Deaf-Blind, which Caritas-Goa will operate. There, the differently-abled will receive learning mentorship to help them become self-sufficient. This type of work, involving an older, architecturally significant structure, requires a thorough examination using measured drawings and photographs of the site’s conditions to ensure that the adapted design is appropriate.

6. Sankalp School, Kollapancheri, Chennai

Picture credits: bennykuriakose.com
International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Sankalp, Children with disabilities, such as dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder, can receive extra help at the Learning Centre & Special Needs School in Kollapancheri, Chennai. The goal of the autistic school’s design is to give children a comfortable, perfect environment. By minimizing challenges, this method enables students to completely participate in the learning process with their hands, heart, and head.

The school features a simple layout with courtyards that double as extra classroom space. Courtyards provide daylight and serve as spaces for sensory escape. Verandas act as a buffer between low-stimulus pursuits like music, art, and crafts and high-stimulus ones like classrooms. Since primary colors are visually stimulating, they are avoided; instead, more natural hues are used for various sections.

7. India Autism Center, Sirakol, West Bengal

International Day Of Persons With Disabilities
Picture credits: practicedesign.net

Making autistic persons believe in themselves is the main objective of this project. Firstly, to support, understand, and reassure those who require assistance and hope. The autistic center has about 7 acres of land in a 54-acre institutional village outside of Kolkata. Additionally, it becomes a resource for learning and support for adults and children with autism.

Through the design approach, they were given a tour of their environment, first by understanding their concerns. Secondly, how vulnerable they are to excessive sensory input, and how they perceive and categorize objects. This program not only aids those in need but also teaches us designers how to be more considerate of the needs of those.

In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize the significance of inclusive design in the backdrop of the popularity of large retail establishments and elegant luxury home interiors on social media platforms. These seven architectural projects, all of which have been designed specifically for people with disabilities. Moreover, it serves as a reminder that our built environment should prioritize careful design and accessibility. 

As we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is crucial to recognize how these projects contribute to creating more inclusive spaces. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, these initiatives stand as an inspiration to how architecture can enhance the lives of individuals. Additionally, ensuring that spaces are not only functional but also empowering!

Research And Curation By: Ar. Baarat Krishna

Ananta Spa And Resort: A Retreat Rooted in Nature and Luxury | Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL)

Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]

Read More

Habitat 0 Creates A Communal Space Anchored by A Community Club House | RA Design Studio

The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating a communal space where every area has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a […]

Read More

This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance | Vaktra Architects

Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]

Read More

Pranjali is a Modern Bungalow Design Rooted in Calm and Humility | Samast Design Studio

Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]

Read More

The Stone-Crete House Is A Brutalist Ode To Contemporary Style Architecture | MPA Design Studio

The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]

Read More

This Retreat in Velhe Shows How Organic Homes Connect Deeply with Nature | Fractal Chaos

Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]

Read More

This Modern Traditional Kerala House Stands As A Refined Architectural Response | i2a Architects Studio

Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]

Read More

10 Tropical Houses in India: A Symphony of Design and Nature

Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]

Read More

Kerala Style Homes: 15 Must-Know Projects In India

Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]

Read More

This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects

Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]

Read More
  • This Holiday Retreat Embodies Relaxation and Style | Anarr Gunjaria Interiors

    This House Showcases Modern Traditional Interior Design | Malvi Gajjar Architect & Interior Designer