Winner - School of Architecture Image Award

The project aims to explore the concept of "home" through the lens of Deaf identity and cochlear implants, transcending traditional communication and cultural boundaries. Through visual storytelling, historical analysis, community celebration and personal reflection, the project seeks to raise awareness about Deaf culture and foster a deeper understanding of the diverse tapestry within the Deaf community.

The approach centres on visual communication, emphasising the power of visual language while challenging stereotypes about Deafness and highlighting the capabilities of the Deaf community. The movement of the ritual object, a cochlear implant, is represented through breakdown words like glide - slash, wrench - twist and flip - swift, taken from movement theory, capturing these at an intensity range from 0 to 10. These movements, documented through high-quality photography experiments, contribute to a conceptual framework inspired by Eadweard Muybridge's work and intend to reshape perceptions.

These movements symbolise daily rituals in a world where signing is not universal, necessitating heightened awareness of noise and potential dangers to ensure safety. The adaptability of communication to interact with the world is integral to the concept of "home," encompassing safety, comfort and adaptability.

Objectives include utilising visual media to convey the richness of Deaf culture, illuminating unique aspects of the Deaf community and exploring the emotional impact of cochlear implants. This exploration includes the depiction of frustration, symbolised in dull colours reflecting red colour psychology, and the transition to calm tones, representing a peaceful moment.

The project's impact spans transforming perceptions of Deafness, addressing mental health challenges within the Deaf community through colour theory and body movement exploration, and conveying the universal message that each country has its own unique sign language. The timeline will manage expectations, showcasing the progression of work from word movements to final visual representations, exploring both negative and positive contrasts.