Have you ever imagined, what would a city designed specially for the blind be like? Well, as for me, never. However it occurred to famous architect Chris Downey that it may be a good idea. He had been having this kind of thought since the year 2008, when he suddenly turned blind. The centre of his world was soon overwhelmed by darkness and sadness drained his power. However, through encouragements from the family and friends, he started to get back into his formal state and kick out the pessimistic personality. He entered several competitions about designing and won many awards, plus approvals. Eventually he went on stages and talked to the audiences about his dream and perspective about building a world for the blind, which was welcomed by many. This though continued to thrive as more and more people joined into the plan.
Chris worked with many design teams and clients after that, he draws on his unique perspective as a seasoned architect without sight, helping to realize environments that offer not only greater physical accessibility, but also a dimension of delight in architecture experienced through other senses. He had had about 20 years of experience on designing for architects, so he was pretty confident in the whole plan. However there are the custom residences and cultural institutions to consider about, and the difficulty of being blind. People recommended that he be the designer and leave the rest of the work to the others, but he refused. Insisting that he himself take part in the building and the choosing of building materials. Just to make the whole work easier and much convenient, he looks for doctors and medical supports throughout the world, hoping to gain his eye sight back. He even swore to continue his plan of building a city for the blind even after getting his sight back, which would be a miracle.
It was doubtless that Chris raises a very good point about how "progress" and "solutions" may do more harm to some if not well thought out -as in the roadway renovations. Even for those with sight and all their faculties, such changes, less than "...respectful of the fragility of life,"
may be difficult challenges -no matter how well-intentioned. It may be like having your home rearranged overnight by strangers, and that might be hazardous to navigate even with advanced warnings.
Creating such hazards may imply a negligence of responsibility that may unfortunately be remedied someday within a court-of-law.
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