Jessica Whincop, an Architectural designer at Arcadis’ Architecture and Urbanism division, explains how a variety of sensory ‘tools’ – such as 3D printed models, and textured floorplans printed on large format paper using specialised raised, touch-sensitive ink, were developed to bring plans for the new Oriel facility being built for London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital to life for prospective users – including visually impaired people, during a series of patient engagement sessions.
'At the heart of eye health innovation', a state-of-the-art new centre for advancing eye health is taking shape — with the new building being created for Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London's Camden. Oriel is a joint initiative — a partnership between Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and Moorfields Eye Charity, which will see services move from current premises near Old Street, Islington, to St Pancras in Camden, London. Due to open in 2027, the new centre is an opportunity to create a world-leading centre for advancing eye health, harnessing the expertise of the partners under one roof to enable delivery of the highest quality care, research, and education.
Designed with the most intricate of details, the eye care centre focuses solely on its users, and caters for everyone's needs and abilities. Arcadis was appointed by Bouygues as the delivery architect to test and develop Oriel's design aspirations from RIBA Stage 3. Advances in technology grant us visualisation of a space before its physical existence, and for those with sight loss, this progression allows for active participation in the design process, and for the creation of spaces to become possible. This has very much been the case on this project.
When proposing any architectural design to potential users, there is a huge dependence on visual representation. Materials such as 2D drawings, digital renders, computer-aided design models (CAD), and even virtual reality immersive experiences, are heavily relied on by architects to portray their designs. When the users have different visual accessibility requirements, this becomes a challenge, but with the capabilities of technology, the 3D models of today are more than just massing blocks of a design.
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
