Bortom det visuella
Bortom det visuella explores how patterns can be translated from a primarily visual expression into a tactile experience that can be perceived through touch. By focusing on the fundamental principles of pattern—rhythm, repetition, and variation—the project investigates how artistic expressions in public spaces can become more accessible for people with visual impairments. The aim is to challenge the visual norm and demonstrate how accessibility can be integrated into artistic design from the outset, rather than being added afterwards.
The project is designed for library environments—public spaces that actively promote accessibility and provide a calm context for independent interaction. By placing the project in connection with the library’s tactile guiding paths, the panels become easy to locate and can be explored at one’s own pace, whether the visitor is there for the first time or returns regularly. This approach facilitates a natural encounter with the artwork without the need for guidance.
The work was developed through an iterative, material-based process that combined research, interviews, site visits, and multisensory testing with prototyping in clay, wood, textiles, and MDF. Particular focus was placed on tactile legibility—how the texture, temperature, and hardness of materials influence the experience— to create a balance between visual and tactile expression.
The result consists of six modular tactile panels that can be experienced individually or as a whole. Together, they create an intuitive, multisensory encounter where patterns can be perceived beyond the visual, positioning tactility as an equally valid artistic expression in public environments.
irma.ekstrom@outlook.com