Haptic Perception of Blind Students through 3D Architectural Model : A Case Study of Three Large Chedis at Phra Si Sanphet Temple

Abstract

This article is the study of haptic perception through the architectural model of the blind
students studying in the school with mixed classrooms with blind students. The architectural
model is Three Large Chedis at Phra Si Sanphet Temple, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province,
made from 3D printing technology. The qualitative research methods, namely participant interview
and observation were employed. The samples were the blind students in upper-secondary level,
selected by the purposive sampling method.
The study results revealed that the blind students can perceive and learn by touching the
architectural model with the assistance of the teachers and the buddy learning technique. The
teachers and the buddies of the blind students helped describe the model gradually so that the
blind students can understand about the proportioning of the architectural model using Orientation
and Mobility skills (O&M). The blind students had the concept that all three Chedis have the same
components, which can be divided into 3 main parts: the top, the stupa and the base, respectively.
The Chedi is round cone shaped, like an upside down bell, and there is space between the three
Chedis.
In addition, 3D printing technology is suitable for developing learning materials. It can be
shaped to make the model strong with complete details. Moreover, the material is easy to find.
It can also be produced, reproduced and shared in the form of digital files to the schools in the
network. Thai arts and architecture should be introduced to the students in the mixed classrooms
so that they can gain knowledge of value and educational opportunities can be given to the blind
students. This study can be further extended to the creation of the eco-space and lifelong learning
in visual arts for blind students in the library of the school with mixed classrooms in order to allow
the students to develop and grow in emotion, intelligence and aesthetics as provided by art
education.