ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN A CGI of the internal


atrium. Arcadis says: “A renowned project like Oriel has the potential to stand as a powerful precedent for user


engagement, particularly within the blind and visually impaired community.”


Jessica Whincop


Jessica Whincop is an Architectural designer at Arcadis’ Architecture and Urbanism division. She worked closely with the team on Project Oriel, in partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and Moorfields Eye Charity. Jessica has been an influential member of the Arcadis team since joining the business over two and a half years ago, and has worked on some notable healthcare projects across the UK – including her main project, ‘Oriel: A Moorfields Eye Hospital’, which has a 2027 completion date. She is passionate about designing easily accessible and innovative buildings for the healthcare sector. Arcadis has various healthcare projects across the United Kingdom.


was on interior design. Various materials and additional models were introduced to support the different design discussions. This included a full stacking model that was not included in the initial patient engagement events. Users could physically take apart each floor of the building, to get a better understanding of how the different areas of the building fit together as one. Floorplans were printed on large format paper using specialised raised, touch-sensitive ink, allowing users to explore the building’s layout through a touch-feel experience. Additionally, A3 boards at a 1:25 scale showcased four key waiting areas with co-located toilets, demonstrating the flexibility in seating arrangements for both standard chairs and wheelchairs. Printed sheets enhanced with tactile materials and labelling assisted the users in independently navigating the floorplans alongside the larger-scale models.


Using 3D printed models and tools accompanied by suitable textures provides a tangible representation of the proposed spatial dimensions, reflecting a real-life experience. 3D printing of furniture, people, and guide dogs, supported discussions, and further enhanced this part of the design process. Bright printing colours were used for visual depth and colour contrast aiding. High- contrast colours such as orange and blue figures create clear distinctions between different architectural elements, making it easier for people with sight loss to identify walls and furniture items within a physical model.


Valuable feedback Architects received valuable feedback from individuals sharing their lived experience of sight loss on the spatial requirements and personal space preferences; primarily this was from users interacting with the people and guide dog figures in spaces such as the 1:20 models of toilets – which included both disabled and unisex variants. This ensures that the architectural designs are both suitable and comfortable for the users. In addition, tactile tape marked out physical spaces of


different rooms on the floor, providing a life-size sense of scale and layout. Users were able to physically interact with the individual spaces, enhancing their understanding of different room proportions and circulation paths in a way that traditional two-dimensional drawings or digital models could not. Key spaces – such as the external dog relief area, and consultation rooms – were marked out. This facilitated further collaborative discussions on spatial preferences, and users were able to suggest modifications based on their experience. To enhance material selection, various wall and flooring samples were provided, allowing for a touch-feel


60 Health Estate Journal April 2025


experience. This hands-on approach enabled users with sight loss to engage with the different textures and finishes, ensuring that materials were functional through touch, and suitable for aiding cane orientation through spaces. For cane users, flooring samples played a crucial role in


differentiating areas within the space. Large vinyl samples were included to demonstrate the contrast between tactile and non-tactile surfaces, in areas such as waiting areas and corridors. This distinction is essential in guiding movement through the building, and reinforcing the wayfinding strategies. A Corten steel sample was provided, introducing discussions about material choices for the designated dog relief areas. The robust and weathered characteristics of Corten create a very distinguished and identifiable surface, allowing guide dog users to effortlessly find this outdoor functional area. The integration of a variety of materials not only supported inclusive design decision making, but also highlighted the importance of sensory engagement in architectural planning for an eye specialist facility. When users have limited sight, utilising touch and feel senses is the most effective way for architects to convey their designs. Responses from participants have so far been


‘overwhelmingly positive’, with these 3D methods proving an invaluable tool for comprehending the new centre’s layout. This allows users with sight loss to better navigate an environment that is built for them – with the confidence that their feedback from engaging in user meetings has been taken on board.


Value of ‘hands-on’ interaction The feedback from participants has highlighted the value of hands-on, in-person interaction with various 3D tools in understanding the new centre’s layout. Through physical exploration of different scale models, tactile floor markings, and material samples, users can form a clear mental map of the space. This will be beneficial not only for feedback purposes, but also for navigation of the eye centre, helping them navigate with greater ease and confidence. The opportunities presented in these meetings foster both collaboration and inclusivity. The perspectives of staff, patients, and the sight loss community, are not lost, but are actively considered throughout the design process. When those in attendance observe their feedback being implemented, it provides them with confidence that the space is being developed with their needs in mind, ultimately creating a more user-friendly atmosphere. This approach empowers visually impaired individuals by


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