BSD+design

A common theme that comes up in research of the Deaf Community is the need for clarity in communication.  This is central to the expression and comprehension of language.  Our interactions with deaf faculty at the BSD reinforced this particular need for clarity.  For example, in a meeting, those with the loudest voices do not automatically dominate the discourse.  Rather, meetings are handled much more diplomatically whereby if someone has something to say, they first raise their hand to get the attention of the ASL interpreter.  The simple act of raising the hand not only prevents people from talking over one another, but it allows those who are deaf to be able to know whom specifically the ASL interpreter is signing on behalf of.

An exciting potential exists in translating this need for communicative and visual clarity to the spatial and architectural realms.  What are the ramifications of clarity and comprehensibility to thee architectural project?  How does this need for comprehension work?  Does the architecture teach?  Can a high level of architectural resolution, rigor and sophistication be easily legible by a deaf four year old?