Multisensory Architecture for Blind and Visually Impaired Users in the Digital Age: Enhancing Spatial Perception through Emerging Technologies

The primary challenge faced by blind and visually impaired individuals in the built environment is the limited access to spatial information traditionally conveyed through visual perception. In recent decades, multisensory architecture has emerged as an alternative to predominantly vision-oriented design approaches, seeking to enrich spatial experiences through the integration of tactile, auditory, olfactory, and kinesthetic stimuli. Simultaneously, the advancement of digital technologies -including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), intelligent navigation systems, environmental sensing technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI)- has expanded opportunities for creating interactive and accessible environments. This study employed a descriptive research method. It was conducted using a library-based review, a questionnaire for collecting field data from users, and field visits to directly assess environmental conditions. It investigates the role of multisensory architecture and digital technologies in enhancing spatial perception and promoting independence among blind and visually impaired users. The findings indicate that integrating multisensory design principles with emerging digital technologies can significantly improve wayfinding, increase safety, strengthen environmental cognition, and enhance the overall spatial experience. Furthermore, through a case study of the “Shahid Mohebbi Educational Complex” in Tehran, practical design strategies were ultimately proposed for the development of inclusive, user-centered, and accessible architectural environments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Multisensory Architecture ، Visual Impairment ، Digital Technology ، Spatial Perception ، Accessibility