Futures Without Violence
Futures Without Violence is my senior capstone project throughout the Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 semesters at Marymount University. It is the conceptual design for a 4645 m2 (50,000 ft2) domestic violence shelter for women and children in need - a comprehensive living solution designed to empower them not only towards safety but also stability and self-sufficiency.
Awards received:
2019 Design Impacts Lives Award by American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) - Washington Metro Chapter. Category: Concept Design - Student Project.
2019 Best in Show Award at Marymount University Interior Design Senior Show. Category: Undergraduate Project.
Role
Project Designer
Time
9 months
(Sep 2018 - May 2019)
Category
Co-living Design
Capstone Project
Skills & Tools
Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop, InDesign, Excel
Overview
Domestic violence shelters are usually located in remote areas with tall, thick walls, causing the victims to feel like they are being put in prison while the abusers are able to live comfortably outside. How can a shelter benefit survivors beyond just providing a place to stay?
The Problem
Futures Without Violence Domestic Violence Shelter provides for homeless women, domestic violence survivors, sexual assault victims, and their children food and housing, counseling and legal services, vocational training, and other long-term solutions that prepare them for a new, independent stage of life.
The Solution
The design of the Futures Without Violence shelter is inspired by the cocoon, which is enclosed and uninviting on the outside, but is a safe and transformative space inside to shelter an nurture the growth and emergence of its residents, much like a butterfly.
The shelter is designed to:
1. Ensure the safety and privacy of the residents;
2. Utilize biophilic design to promote healing and sustainability;
3. Promotes a sense of community among residents to support recovery and growth.
Design Concept
Full Design Process Book
Background Information
Futures Without Violence (FUTURES) is a nonprofit organization whose headquarters is based in San Francisco. For more than 30 years, FUTURES has been working with individuals and organizations in the U.S. and around the world on ending violence against women and children. FUTURES is the leader in developing community-based programs, public policies and advocacies, and educational campaigns dealing with domestic violence, child abuse, bullying, human trafficking, gender inequality, and sexual assault.
Client Profile
In 2018, FUTURES aims to establish their first domestic violence shelter, the Futures Without Violence Shelter. It will support homeless women, domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, and their families, including children up to 17 years old. This facility is designed to be user-centered and trauma-informed, offering an inclusive space with emergency shelter and transitional housing for up to three years. Additionally, it will provide counseling, vocational training, and other long-term resources to assist residents in transitioning to an independent life stage.
User Personas
Persona: Kim
Age: 27
Background: Kim, a mother of a 4-year-old and pregnant with her second child, is struggling to leave an abusive marriage. Trapped financially by her husband and concerned about her children's welfare, she has poor credit and employment history due to the abuse.
Needs: Secure and affordable shelter for herself and her children, financial counseling, legal assistance, prenatal care, child care support, and job training.
Persona: Morgan
Age: 19
Background: Morgan, a high school dropout, recently ended a 2-year abusive relationship. She's been moving constantly, staying with friends, relatives, or short-term boyfriends, facing instability and further abuse.
Needs: A stable and secure living environment, educational opportunities, counseling for stress and anxiety, and assistance in job placement or vocational training.
Persona: Pete
Age: 13
Background: Pete often gets separated from his mother due to gender restrictions in shelters. His mother, working two jobs, struggles financially and cannot provide adequate attention. Pete is doing poorly in school and showing signs of aggression.
Needs: A shelter that accommodates teenage boys and their mothers, educational support, youth counseling, and activities that promote self-esteem and positive behavior.
Due to confidentiality concerns, I was unable to conduct site visits to local domestic violence shelters. Instead, I engaged in a thorough literature review and precedent studies to inform and enrich my design approach. These studies allowed me to understand the unique needs of vulnerable populations and to incorporate essential security and comfort features into the design of these spaces. Details on the research can be found in the Full Design Process Book.
As a summary, I looked into the design for Shelter For Victims Of Domestic Violence by Amos Goldreich Architecture + Jacobs Yaniv Architects, the rebuilding of Sandy Hook School by Svigals + Partners' Design, and The SIX, a shelter for disable veterans by Brooks + Scarpa Architects. The design for these projects is centered on providing security and comfort for vulnerable groups like domestic violence survivors, children, and veterans. These spaces balance the need for safety with opportunities for progress and community engagement. Security features are subtly integrated into the architecture and landscape, maintaining a non-intrusive presence. Residential and private areas are strategically placed for limited accessibility. Additionally, sustainable design elements like green spaces enhance both environmental and healing aspects. The design creatively incorporates open spaces for security and engages with the natural, cultural, and demographic context of the locations.
Research Summary
Programming Information
Space Allocation & Operation
The envisioned shelter is committed to safety and empowerment. It features four main areas: public, service, staff, and residential areas. The public (reception) area manages the records of entry and departure, ensuring the safety and anonymity of its residents. The service area is where residents receive holistic support, including admission counseling, legal assistance, daycare, therapy, educational resources, and recreational outlets. The residential area offers a commercial kitchen, a dining hall, shared living spaces (laundry, libraries, playrooms, prayer rooms) and private living spaces (apartments.) Lastly, the staff area is reserved for administrative office, security office, and storage.
The detailed operational narrative and occupancy load table are as follows:
(Click on images to view full screen.)