The Zero G Theater

1. What was the concept behind the project?

As the theater is for the deaf, the purpose of the design is to enhance the vibrations caused by sound and to ensure that the ASL narrator is visible from all parts of the seating area. This is a multi-dimensional theater design that creates an immersive entertainment experience for the deaf audience. 

2. What was the intent behind the organization of elements across various levels (Architectural, Site, Urban)?

The overall exterior of the theater is accentuated by two circular roofs which are designed to depict the ASL sign for theater. The interior design is intended to create a feeling within the audience that they are in an entirely different place compared to the community outside, thereby opening up their senses to new experiences. 

3. How many iterations were tried to arrive at the final outcome?

Four iterations were tried, and the first three were discarded because they did not meet the design goals of the project. 

4. Which methods of design investigation?

I did a contextual inquiry into how deaf people can have an uplifting aesthetic experience. I also went through a lot of documented anecdotal experiences written by the deaf to get a feel for what would resonate with the audience that is not able to hear sound. 

      5. What/How were the materials chosen?

The materials were chosen so that they are soundproof for the outside as well as sturdy structurally. Further, all the material was chosen so that they could be sourced in an environmentally friendly manner. 

      6. How was a specific objective attempted to be met?

The design accommodates the spectrum of deaf ranging from completely deaf to someone who is just hard of hearing. Also, accommodations were made in the design for wheelchairs. 

      7. What is the expansion plan of the project?

The project is planned so that it allows for expansion for showing 3 D Cinema, and 4 D Cinema and can be tweaked to be a regular Theater with an acoustic room for the Orchestra to cater to an audience who is not hard of hearing.