Bite #9: DeafSpace Communication Design Principles in Arts Spaces

DeafSpace was created by d/Deaf architects and designers at Gallaudet University in D.C. Developed to make spaces that fit the needs of Deaf people, it focuses on how they move, communicate, and interact with the world.

DeafSpace principles can be applied to the designing of arts spaces to make them more accessible and welcoming for d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing artists and musicians.

Acoustic panels can absorb or diffuse (scatter) sound in a big, airy space. This helps to control echoes, reverberation, minimize noise build-up, and make communication easier by helping voices or instruments to be heard and understood.
A lecture room, with Acoustic panels on the side of the walls. The acoustic panels are brown, on white walls, with several rows of brown wooden chairs.
Acoustic panels can absorb or diffuse (scatter) sound in a big, airy space. This helps to control echoes, reverberation, minimize noise build-up, and make communication easier by helping voices or instruments to be heard and understood.

The 5 Principles of DeafSpace

  1. Space and Proximity: Visual communication without obstruction by maintaining comfortable distances for signing or lip reading.
  2. Sensory Reach: The ways people can see, hear, or feel their surroundings.
  3. Mobility: pathways that support smooth and unobstructed movement while maintaining connections
  4. Light and Colour: lighting and colour schemes that support visibility for signing, facial expressions, and movement.
  5. Acoustics: Reducing unintentional noise, echoes, and reverb for sound clarity
A graphic that shows the benefits of a Deafspace design, showing unobstructed sightlines. The top image shows a right angle corner and how it would be difficult to see around the corner when two people are walking towards each other. The second graphic shows that with curved walls, people walking towards each other would see folks approaching much easier.
An example of Deafspace design showing unobstructed sightlines at a turn in a corridor.
Image credit: Asmaa Hamed Abdel-Maksoud licensed under CC BY 4.0

Setting The Stage

A d/Deaf experimental musician is rehearsing alone in the venue before opening hours, working with vibrational soundscapes. When a fire alarm goes off, the venue’s lack of visual or tactile alerts prevents her from being informed of the emergency. Thankfully, it was a false alarm. This situation underscores the importance of accessible communication systems to keep everyone safe.

Reflection

How does your venue use DeafSpace principles to support effective communication and create inclusive environments for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists?

Actions

Sensory Reach
  • Install visual alarms like flashing strobes, throughout the venue including green rooms
  • Use pagers or vibrating devices to notify artists of stage calls, emergency alerts, and announcements. Group text threads can serve as a practical solution.

Space and Proximity
  • Remove obstacles to keep facial expressions and body language within the line of site and designate open backstage areas
  • Arrange seating in circular or semi-circular layouts in green rooms or jam spaces.

Mobility and Proximity
  • Hallways and ramps should be wide and free of obstacles, making it easier for people to walk and communicate.
  • Emergency exits should have illuminated signs that can be seen from all angles, ven in dim lighting.
  • Use screens like tablets or monitors backstage to visually share updates, schedules, and emergency instructions in real time.

​Light and Colour
  • Use soft lighting that avoids glare and makes it easier to see hands and faces when signing.
  • Install dimmable, adjustable lighting in green rooms and backstage areas to reduce visual strain.
  • Choose contrasting colours for directional and informational signage to make backstage navigation easier and faster.

Acoustics
  • Use acoustic treatment with sound absorptive and diffusive materials in backstage areas to minimize ambient noise, echoes, and reverb. This helps people who use hearing aids or prefer quieter spaces.
Resources:
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