Architect Chris Downey Presents 'Outsights in Architecture' Lecture on Sept. 8

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Chris Downey is an architect who, after 20 years of architectural practice, unexpectedly and instantly lost all his sight in 2008. (Image courtesy Chris Downey)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Architect, planner and consultant Chris Downey will present a lecture titled “Outsights in Architecture: Design Across the Visual Divide” at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, in Ken and Linda Sue Shollmier Hall, Room 250 of Vol Walker Hall, on the University of Arkansas campus, as part of the Fay Jones School of Architecture lecture series.

Downey is an architect who, after 20 years of architectural practice, unexpectedly and instantly lost all his sight in 2008. Even through trials, Downey never considered giving up his practice, and instead used his new perspective as a way to create a more multi-sensory immersive approach to architecture. He now specializes in projects that are specific or challenging for people who are blind or visually impaired, as well as focuses on projects that are grounded in universal design.

Downey has gained insights since losing his sight, or “outsights” as he likes to call them. He celebrates the new ways to understand, design and appreciate architecture that he’s able to discover being blind. He has actually found a greater passion and desire for his work in architecture than ever before.

He has been working with the SmithGroupJJR to build a blind rehabilitation center for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Palo Alto, California. Other works include the new Transbay Transit Center in San Francisco with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, as well as ophthalmological clinics including the Duke University Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina, with HOK Architects.

Downey has also consulted on several transportation projects in the San Francisco Bay area and has helped on renovations for Associated Blind Housing in New York City. He has also consulted on the accessibility of the content in exhibits for blind visitors for a new museum in Boston.

More recently, Downey has completed his first commission as the lead architect and designer for the new offices for the San Francisco Independent Living Resource Center. He is working with Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects on the design of the new headquarters for the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco.

Aside from his many work ventures, Downey teaches accessibility and Universal Design at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2013, he accepted a gubernatorial appointment to the California Commission on Disability Access. Downey is active in his local and disability community and is the vice president of the board of directors for the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco.

As one of the few practicing architects in the world who is blind, Downey speaks regularly on the topic and has been featured in numerous media stories. He also has delivered three TED talks, the latest titled “Design with the Blind in Mind” as part of the 2013 TEDCity2.0 event held at the TimesCenter in New York.

The public is invited to attend. Admission is free, with limited seating.

For more information, contact 479-575-4704 or architecture.uark.edu.