

Unique situations can necessitate a rethink of accepted beliefs and processes. The Gallaudet University is one such case in which accepted design concepts have been questioned. In fact, the university challenged the principles of architecture in terms of how deaf people communicate within space, and have since developed a new understanding of how a person’s sensory experience can be enhanced within the built environment.



Researchers from the university’s Department of ASL/Deaf Studies and the campus architect, Hansel Bauman of hbhm architects, created the DeafSpace Project in 2005.

The project adopted a new approach that looked at the ways deaf people use and occupy public space, which can be uniquely different from how those who can hear use the same space. Together they developed best-practice principles which catalogue over 150 distinct architectural patterns.

The project has now been codified into the DeafSpace Design Guidelines, which are being used to design new buildings and upgrade existing buildings on Gallaudet’s campus. These principles align very well with the principles of universal design and, like many of these design aspects, they not only benefit the deaf community, they provide great benefit for everyone.

The DeafSpace Project has also been recognised for its general contribution to accessibility and the universal design movement and won the Gold Award in the Regional Planning category from the International Association of Universal Design in 2015. It’s obvious that consideration of these guidelines will extend far beyond the boundaries of Gallaudet University in the future.

The guidelines consider five basic design principles:

  1. Space and proximity
  2. Sensory reach
  3. Mobility and proximity
  4. Light and colour
  5. Acoustics

Space and proximity

Space is particularly important for people communicating by signing to each other. Therefore, people need to maintain a clear line of sight to each other to read facial expressions and sign language. This means group spaces, classrooms and lecture rooms are arranged in semi-circles or ‘U’ shapes so all students and lecturers can see each other. It relies on creating public space environments with good wayfinding and visibility over other areas.

Sensory reach


Mobility and proximity

People who communicate by non-verbal means need a wider ‘signing space.’ This means pathways need to be wide enough for two people to walk side by side, with sufficient space to sign to each other and enough visual field or distance. If they were to approach a door or other obstacle, the two would move around or through the obstacle together, which means someone might be walking backwards or sideways as communication continues. For this reason, the use of stairs is avoided as they require more care and attention, therefore, wide ramps are preferred where there is a change of level. Good design of circulation spaces makes it easier to communicate and safer as people signing can move without being distracted by hazards.

Light and colour




DeafSpace is a great initiative that challenges perceptions and presents being deaf as a positive that can help bring about new perspectives in life. The application of DeafSpace principles not only benefits the proportion of society with reduced or no hearing, but can benefit everyone in society throughout all stages of a person’s life, making it a paragon of universal design.