At four years old, a dire warning from doctors cast a shadow over my childhood, predicting deafness in my left ear. An urgent pursuit of American Sign Language ensued, preparing for a silent world that never fully arrived. Persistent hearing led to cochlear implant discussions by age seven. Embracing radical deafness, my parents granted me entry into a vibrant community where sound was felt, not just heard.
My project embarks on a mission to empower the deaf community, unraveling the mysteries of the mind’s workings and spatial perception. Utilizing an assortment of scrap metal, each piece contributes its unique resonance, crafting a symphony of healing frequencies. This venture fosters a reclamation of sensory experience, providing a platform for exploration and understanding.
In its second phase, the project redefines Harlem’s architectural landscape through the lens of Radical Deafness. It’s a fusion of architecture and cultural identity, challenging conventional notions of deafness and space. Collaborating with the Harlem Independent Living Center, six architectural interventions along 125th Street emerge. From Visual Auditory Printing Devices to Nature’s Touch, each intervention amplifies sensory engagement, fostering inclusivity and cultural expression.
This journey towards an accessible future echoes with the vibrant spirit of the radical deaf community, reshaping urban landscapes into arenas of diversity and belonging.
