LightHouse for the Blind and the Visually Impaired

LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is on the forefront of technology and training for blind and low-vision individuals. The LightHouse needed a new headquarters that would allow them to expand their services and provide an uplifting, positive environment; through the thoughtful integration of acoustics, materials, and technology, the new LightHouse headquarters is designed to function well for blind users while being beautiful for the blind and sighted alike. This project spans three floors of a high rise in downtown San Francisco and en¬compasses a wide range of services that the LightHouse offers its clients, includ¬ing on-site optometry exam rooms, a retail store, training rooms for hands-on learning of Braille and adaptive technology, a training kitchen, a large multi-purpose room for LightHouse and community events, administrative offices, audio and video recording facilities, conference rooms, and 11 dorm rooms for immersive training and community-building. True to the principles of universal design, subtle design moves are utilized to make the spaces function well for everyone. Wayfinding is aided by a ring of polished concrete encircling the public areas on each floor, while open spaces are defined by metal floor transition strips to give an indication of spatial demarcation to cane users.