National Building Museum

Model of the White House with woman

Miniature models enhance the exhibit experience for visitors with and without sight, as well as for children and adults. d

Three-dimensional scale models of prominent Washington buildings, such as the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, can be touched by all visitors, providing a sense of scale, as well as an intimate feel of the many architectural details of these national treasures. This tactile experience is essential for people with little or no sight and is an added benefit for visitors, children and adults alike, whose primary processing style may be kinesthetic.

Model of the White House and wheelchair

Pedestals with recessed bases provide clear floor space for a person in a wheelchair to comfortably execute a forward approach. d

The models are mounted on pedestals with recessed bases that enable people in wheelchairs to approach and get close. Clear space around the model allows more than one person to examine the exhibit at the same time, as well as allowing people who use mobility aids to approach from the angle that best suits their unique needs.

The height of the pedestals place the models within an optimal range to be easily examined by seated people, children and adults of short stature, as well as tall visitors.

The angled edge of the pedestal top provides an ideal location for easy-to-read text for both standing and seated visitors and also is a good location for the Braille signage that accompanies each model.

Signage and Displays

Woman in wheelchair touching brick

Guide rail on which text and Braille labels are mounted, floor strips to alert visitor of presence of tactile exhibit, careful use of text, lighting, and height and placement of relief artifacts contribute to an exhibit that appeals to all visitors. d

Labels and text are written for various levels of interest and are placed at multiple heights for seated visitors and children. Color scheme, typeface, type size and level of contrast were carefully chosen to enhance signage.
To-scale building components fabricated of the same materials as the original and other relief artifacts, such as decorative bricks from a nineteenth-century rowhouse allow visitors to feel the detail of physical structures.

Woman at tactile map

The scale and features of the U.S. Mall are shown on a tactile map. d

A high contrast tactile map of the Mall displays the scale, location, and shape of buildings, memorials, and water elements of this large outdoor area. The map is wall-mounted, angled and at a height easy for both standing and seated users to examine. The base is recessed to allow wheelchair users to get close enough for careful scrutiny.
An open-captioned video replays interviews with residents in Washington and tells their stories of life in this ever-changing city.

Tactile map of the Mall

The recessed base allows close approach by a visitor who uses a wheelchair or scooter. d

Life-sized figure of man in hat

This audio exhibit, activated by the button on the lower right, is highlighted in the text panel. A transcript also is available for visitors who are deaf or prefer to read rather than listen. d

Visitors can hear an 1872 debate between two groups of Congressmen and hear a residential builder from the 1880s discuss how the city's building regulations affected his business and the design of his residential buildings. Transcripts, available for people who are deaf, are an added benefit for non-native English speakers and people who are more comfortable processing information in a style other than auditory.

Wayfinding and Lighting

Model of the U.S. Capitol

Floor strips at the base of the pedestal alert visitors to the model in front of them. d

An audiotape description system is available throughout the exhibit. More than one mode for delivering information aids all visitors including people who are blind or visually impaired, as well as non-native English speakers and children.
A guide rail system and the use of tactile floor markings assists users in locating particular exhibits. These features also enhance safety when diverse groups visit the exhibit.
Varied lighting provides highlighting and contrasts for people with low vision.

Features

Models

Signage and Displays

Wayfinding and Lighting

Models

Signage and Displays

Wayfinding and Lighting