The Guide Dogs of America Assembly Hall is a versatile campus addition accommodating a set of diverse programs in an accessible structure. The project utilizes a polemic of continuity as a driver. Continuous surfaces are used by visually-impaired persons as physical guides. However, for partially sighted individuals, edges, borders and contrasts are necessary to perceive space. The building form minimizes material distinction between floor, wall, and roof; minimizes spatial distinction between interior and exterior; maximizes discrete surface definition and visual contrast; minimizes glare; maximizes even and abundant natural light; minimizes number of surfaces; and maximizes acoustic-spatial recognition.
