by Lauren Beavis
South West News Service
Emily Annakin has lost most of her sight through Stargardt disease - a form of juvenile macular degeneration which means she has no central vision.
She is now a UWE Bristol Architecture and Planning student and as part of her final degree course redesigned part of Bristol Harbourside.
"Being blind has given me a different perspective on how people interact with their environment, and I want to use that to create a more inclusive and accessible urban space," said Annakin, a 23-year-old Wolverhampton native.
"Everyone experiences space differently, whether you have a visual impairment or physical impairment, whether you're neurodivergent, living with dementia, male, female, young or old.
"In design, there's so much focus on creating something visually pleasing, but input from people who experience the world in a different way is critical to creating much more inviting places for all," Annakin said.
Her journey into architecture began at school, with a love for art and a knack for math. After being encouraged by her parents and teachers, she decided to pursue a career in architecture.
Throughout her studies, Annakin has had to adapt to accommodate her visual impairment, using technology such as an iPad and Apple Pencil to create detailed designs.
"Sheer determination is what's got me through," Annakin said. "That, and a desire to produce good work and to make a difference in the world, if I can."
"It's not been easy. I've had to change my approach to drawing and designing year-on-year, as my eyesight deteriorated. When I started my foundation course at UWE Bristol in 2019, I was able to draw with pencil and paper, but I'm now fully digital with the iPad enabling me to zoom in to focus on a small area at a time."
Despite a rapid deterioration of her sight in the last four years, Annakin recently exhibited her final degree project at the university's showcase.
She was one of 1,200 students displaying work at Showcase, UWE Bristol's degree show. It featured work from the university's graduating students from the College of Arts, Technology and Environment and took place at Bower Ashton, Arnolfini, Spike Island and the university's Frenchay Campus June 6-12
For this final degree project she used the experience of being visually impaired to design "a more welcoming" urban environment based on all the senses.
It included adding a stream running adjacent to Bristol Harbourside to enhance auditory senses.
The exhibition marks the end of five years of study for Annakin, who completed a Foundation year at UWE Bristol, before embarking on the four-year dual Architecture and Planning degree.
The university's joint program leader, Elahe Karimnia, is hoping Annakin's achievements will inspire others, as she praises the student for her hard work throughout university.
"As Emily's tutor during the last year, I've learned how inclusiveness is achieved in the journey and process of designing places, not only for people with additional needs but by them," Karimnia said. "Having the experience in planning and architecture means Emily has a broader awareness of the wider process of shaping the built environment and provides strong grounding for a career in urban design."
With Annakin's graduation just around the corner and job hunting underway, she is reflecting on what she has achieved but acknowledges the challenges she has faced.
"I really didn't know if I would get this far with my degree, but I've submitted my final project despite my changing vision being extremely stressful," Annakin said. "I'm quite proud of what I've achieved."
"I've learned to cope with the additional stress, and the support of my course tutors has been key. I've found alternative ways of working while adapting to the change in my vision."
"Nonetheless I have completed a full final portfolio, presented with drawn, written, and spoken assessment."
With her attention now turning to securing a job in urban design, with a focus on accessibility, she's keen that potential employees don't make assumptions about her ability to work in a creative and technical industry.
"We hope Emily's accomplishment in completing this extraordinary dual degree inspires future students who would have avoided stepping in the world of urban and architectural design due to any perceived limitations," said Senior Lecturer and Program leader Allison Dudoit. "Accommodating Emily's needs showcases the possibilities for us in the university to transform architecture and design pedagogy by diverse needs and capabilities."
"Our professions would gain from being more open to many. The places we make can only really reflect and invite everyone if we -- the designers -- embody and reflect everyone," Dudoit said.
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