For the blind and vision impaired, tactile maps afford a different way to experience architecture and design. With human-centred design and technological accessibility now at the forefront of consciousness, tactile maps are three-dimensional objects that replicate an object, building or city to scale, guiding users through a physical journey of scope and perspective.
Axolotl has recently announced their collaboration with the skilled team at Modelcraft to produce high-impact tactile maps of the iconic Sydney Opera House and The Sydney Hyde Park Barracks, both honoured as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House, Modelcraft created the tactile map at a scale of 1:800 and finished it in handcrafted Axolotl Applied Aged Brass. Assembled from nine seamlessly-fused components, the model features a sophisticated array of textures, creating a distinguished and intuitive experience. The hand-polished and aged Axolotl Applied Brass surface was selected to reflect the brass accents featured throughout the landmark building.
In partnership with Sydney Living Museums and Vision Australia, Modelcraft and Axolotl also created a tactile model of The Sydney Hyde Park Barracks. As with all of their models, Modelcraft utilised cutting-edge technology and 3D printing to create this model, providing visitors with a tactile narrative of this heritage site’s storied corridors. Although miniature in size, these models boast an impressive level of intricate detail and serve as a true testament to the skill, precision, design, collaboration, and most of all, inclusivity required for their production.
The three-dimensional representations provide the opportunity for blind and vision impaired people to appreciate the buildings’ forms, cultural significance and design as a whole.
With extreme versatility and less than one millimetre in thickness, the Applied Bronze metal surface can adhere to each grain, curve, step and crevice of the structure, allowing the 3D models to meet the strict guidelines for braille and tactile maps while referencing the grandeur and history of this iconic building.
These artefacts do more than serve the visually impaired; they bring a sense of connection to architectural scale and detail for all viewers, fostering a deeper appreciation and connection to the design. Viewers become privy to a previously unrealised perspective of a building, inviting them to stop and assess their surroundings and personal sense of scale in the world.
These models are now on public display at the Sydney Opera House and The Sydney Hyde Park Barracks.
Images provided.