Faculty of Design
Environmental Design
Jonathan Espana
The Ganancia Complex
Environmental Design
2020
The mixed-use residential complex will challenge the way we think about design for the deaf and hearing-impaired community by implementing Deaf Space Principles to bring awareness to the neighbourhood and general public. Ensuring that the built environment is not only inclusive for the deaf but accessible by all. Using the residential complex to create a space where the deaf can live comfortably without any worries. Proving how we can apply the five Principles of DeafSpace to seamlessly integrate beauty and usability in all projects, rather than just for deaf users. The Deafspace principles are an approach to architecture and design that is primarily informed by the unique ways in which hearing impaired individuals perceive and inhabit space. The name “Ganancia” translates to Gain from Spanish. It comes from the idea that hearing loss should not be looked upon as a loss but rather a gain. It is interesting how society can categorize someone who is born deaf as experienced hearing loss. I believe its important to look at it from a positive light and realize that being born deaf is not necessarily a bad thing. Deafspace is born of the idea that there is something to offer the design world, since being deaf can confer some interesting perspectives on life. This residential complex, designed to be beneficial for the deaf and hard of hearing, is a gain.