The enhancement of deaf teenage girls' institutionalized environment through multi-sensory design

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to generate a social outreach project by raising funds as well as getting sponsors to enhance the living environment at an institution for deaf girls. The focus is on Huis Soekie, a hostel which accommodates 17 deaf girls between the ages of 11 and 15. It is one of eight hostels situated at the De La Bat School for the Deaf in the rural town of Worcester. Frank Vodvarka and Joice Manice Malnar's work about Multi-Sensory design was used as inspiration to establish creative ways in which to enhance the living environment of institutionalized deaf girls. The living room of the hostel was chosen as focus area, since interaction among deaf people is important and the girls spend most of their time in it. To contribute to a more relaxing environment in this living room, secondary research was done on how nature together with the correct choice of colours can have a positive effect on humans' emotions. The living area of the hostel therefore has a central narrative and theme portraying nature as inspiration. All of the products that were designed for this space also incorporate elements of multi-sensory design. This type of design should be beneficial to the Deaf, because their other four senses are better developed than those of able people. This should also enhance their experience of the products.