A smart Building Analysis Tool (BAT) designed for architects to enhance the accessibility & navigation of healthcare spaces for visually-impaired users.
Features:
1.Graph-based spatial analysis: Spot potential navigation bottlenecks, identify wayfinding improvements.
2.Image segmentation of interiors: Highlight key elements (doors, ramps, tactile surfaces).'
3.RAG: Recommend accessible design strategies tailored to visually-impaired users.
Importance values excel: We included an Excel sheet that ranks different spaces within a healthcare facility based on their importance for visually impaired users. Each space was evaluated using a priority score from 1 to 10, where:
10 = most critical for independent and safe navigation
1 = least critical or non-essential for direct user access
This hierarchy was developed to guide our design and analysis tool in emphasizing high-priority zones like entrances, reception areas, restrooms, and examination rooms. Lower-priority zones (e.g., staff-only areas or storage) were treated with less accessibility emphasis in automated recommendations.
File: space_priority_scores.xlsx
A project developed by:
- Sahil Youssaf
- Eleftheria Papadosifou
- Kacper Wasilewski
- Nouhaila ELMALOULI
- Elena Papakosta
This tool was collaboratively developed with contributions from multiple team members to advance accessibility in healthcare design.
Developed as part of the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment 2024–25, during the 1st term research studio. Institution: IAAC – Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia Special Thanks: Faculty and advisors at IAAC for technical and theoretical guidance. Refer for more info: https://blog.iaac.net/building-analisis-tool-designing-for-the-visually-impaired-enhancing-accessibility-in-healthcare-architecture/