Our team previously carried out a series of studies [1][2][3][4] on the spatial cognition of the visually handicapped. From these studies we ascertained that the visually handicapped are able to navigate space by walking across it -in effect, by "taking a shortcut" -to reach their destination. However, under conditions where the visually handicapped are unable to navigate space in this way -because their path has been obstructed by an "obstacle" -it is not so clear how they recognize this space, their position in it, nor what clues to aid their recognition.In this study, in order to clarify the characteristics of their spatial cognition and search behavior in such spaces, experiments are carried out in 12 kinds of geometric model spaces with a center core. The behavior of the visually handicapped is analyzed by walking locus and observation; and the spatial cognition, by sketch map and interview.

In daily life it is not safe for visually handicapped people to walk alone as they can often fall victim to accidents or lose their way. In order to improve walking environments, it is important to show clearly how visually handicapped people recognize spaces and their position in spaces, and what the clues to recognition are.In this study, in order to clarify the relation between spatial cognition and space form, and the characteristics of search behavior, experiments are carried out using model spaces based on specific geometric plan. The behavior is analyzed with the aid of a walking locus and observation; and the spatial cognition, by sketch map and interview.

Walking environment for visually handicapped people has improved. However, the present condition of pedestrian spaces still causes difficulty for them. A good sample is a spiral ramp. In this study, we put yellow-colored braille blocks on a spiral ramp, and surveyed the spatial cognition of visually handicapped people to improve the ramp. To clarify the characteristics of spatial cognition and search behavior, experiments were performed using 32 different courses. Subjects were visually handicapped people and eye-masked people with ordinary vision. The search behavior of the two groups was compared and analyzed by walking locus and observation; and the spatial cognition, by interview and observation.

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