1915 Urban Roof Garden Designed for the Visually Impaired

This photograph captures a distinctive roof garden designed specifically for blind individuals, taken around 1915 by the Bain News Service. Located in an urban setting, the garden aimed to provide a sensory-rich environment that allowed those with visual impairments to engage with their surroundings through touch and smell. This innovative approach was relatively rare at the time, highlighting an early 20th-century commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in public spaces.

The roof garden exemplifies the early architectural thought that went beyond visual aesthetics, focusing on creating spaces that catered to the needs of all citizens. It reflects a time when cities were increasingly incorporating green spaces into their designs, recognizing the importance of nature in urban life. This photograph serves as an important historical snapshot, illustrating the beginnings of universal design principles in architecture, which have continued to evolve into today’s more inclusive practices.