Foster + Partners has unveiled VARID (Virtual and Augmented Reality for Inclusive Design), a design tool created by the firm's Applied Research + Development team to support academics, designers, and architects in better understanding how visually impaired individuals perceive their environment.
In collaboration with City, University of London (City), and UCL's PEARL Lab, the Applied Research + Development team at Foster + Partners developed VARID (Virtual and Augmented Reality for Inclusive Design). This tool is focused on enhancing the understanding of how visually impaired individuals perceive their environments to support academics, designers, and architects in creating more inclusive designs.
Utilizing real-time image processing techniques, VARID simulates various symptoms and stages of visual impairment, including warping, blurriness, or peripheral vision. Researchers at UCL and City have not only tested, expanded, and validated VARID's capabilities but have also contributed to advancing knowledge in human behavior and spatial experiences. By doing so, they have aided designers in creating more inclusive environments. VARID is currently available for download and use on GitHub.
In addition to this groundbreaking initiative, Foster + Partners has been selected by the Turkish Design Council to contribute to the reviving of the historic city of Hatay, severely damaged in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck in February 2023.
