The Accessibility Project of the Beckford Tower in Bath: A Case Study on Tactile Experiences for People with Visual Impairments

Beckford's Tower, a Grade I listed building in Bath, underwent a significant restoration and accessibility-focused transformation starting in 2019.This project aimed to preserve the tower, diversify its audience and improve access for visitors of all abilities.After an initial series of focus groups to identify the needs of people with disabilities, including motor, visual, hearing, and neurological impairments, the need for tactile models emerged.Designed in collaboration with experts from academia and the visually impaired community, the tactile models were developed by the Centre for Print Research at the University of the West of England, Bristol, allowing visitors to experience architecture through touch.This case study chronicles the production of the three-dimensional (3D) models, through all stages, from initial analysis to production.Both additive and subtractive printing techniques have been utilized, and different materials have been tested.These efforts are part of a broader push to make heritage sites more accessible, with a focus on inclusive design.Tactile models, graphics, and other accessibility features are considered part of an ongoing project, open to future improvements based on visitor feedback.