The Deaf Academy has received the Selwyn Goldsmith Award for Universal Design. It was selected as one of only two successful projects from 160 entries to the Civic Trust Awards 2022.
Winners in the Selwyn Goldsmith Awards are selected by a specially convened panel of universal design experts. The award seeks to promote and applaud schemes which have gone beyond building regulations to put people at the heart of the project.
To be considered for the award, buildings and spaces should be responsive, flexible and welcoming, and importantly must allow all people to use them with dignity and equality.
The judges praised The Deaf Academy, saying:
“The facility is delightful, uplifting, flexible and enchanting for the Academy and the community. It is nestled in the community and extends way beyond basic inclusive design good practice and regulations.”
We worked alongside an inspiring client to create this world-leading educational facility which includes a state-of-the-art teaching hub, residential block and refurbished theatre building.
The design was developed in line with DeafSpace standards, and the latest technologies in Deaf education, to create spaces honed to the needs of visual communication.
“The way The Deaf Academy has been designed means that Deaf Children are able to focus on their educational and social needs without added barriers like accessibility and acoustic disruptions. The space gives a modern but relaxed feeling which puts students, like my son, at ease.” – Parent
Commenting on the award, Divisional Director Carl Harding said:
“We are delighted that this project has been recognised for the positive impact it makes on the lives of the young people, staff and visitors who use it. It was an incredibly challenging but equally rewarding project for our team. Inclusion of all building users was a key part of our client’s brief and it was fantastic to work with The Deaf Academy to design and deliver a building which allows everyone to thrive.”
To find out more about The Deaf Academy and its ground-breaking design, click here or get in touch with project architect, Carl Harding.
Images copyright Jim Stephenson 2022.