As one of the few practicing blind architects in the world, Chris Downey leverages his unique perspective to create spaces that enhance the human experience for all, with a particular focus on projects serving the blind, low vision, and broader disability communities. His career took an unexpected turn in 2008 when, at age 45, he experienced total sight loss due to a brain tumor.

Although his rehabilitation for sight loss was intended to provide independent skills through which to rebuild his life, it quickly provided a new foundation on which to rebuild his career as an architect without sight. He now leverages that foundation as a unique value in his on-going architectural work focusing on projects for the blind, low-vision and broader disability community.

His work has been featured in numerous print and media outlets, including “60 Minutes,” and he has spoken internationally about disability. He periodically teaches universal Design for the UCB, Department of Architecture and chairs the California Commission on Disability Access.

This event is supported by the Temple University General Activities Fund and hosted by Access in Art and Design—an initiative of the Tyler School of Art and Architecture—focuses on accessibility and inclusivity in the creative fields. 

The event is wheelchair accessible, with captions and audio descriptions available. For accommodation requests or accessibility questions, please contact Maggie Dunkle at maggie.dunkle@temple.edu.