The architect who lost his sight but gained a vision

Chris Downey was always an intensely visual person - he was an architect working in California, a baseball coach and an avid cyclist. But at the age of 45 he went blind very suddenly after doctors discovered a tumour on his optic nerve. Chris used his creative skills to navigate the now unfamiliar world around him and as he adapted to his new normal he began to gain a new vision for designing spaces to suit a broader range of experiences. His firm is called Architects for the Blind. Get in touch: [email protected] Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Jo Impey Picture: Chris Downey's hands reading an embossed architectural drawing Credit: Fogg Studio