Survey results released by the National Network to End Domestic Violence revealed that on one single day, 1,080 victims of domestic violence were in emergency or transitional housing provided by a domestic violence program in Washington State. On that same day, the number was 36,332 for victims across the country. The study reported that safe housing was the service most requested by victims calling these programs.
Recognizing the critical, life-saving services domestic violence programs provide, architects at Mahlum (a Pacific Northwest architecture firm) recently partnered with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV). Advocates and architects worked together to identify how emergency shelters can be designed to best meet the needs of victims and their children. Today, the two organizations jointly launched Building Dignity: Design Strategies for Domestic Violence Shelter, a new web-based tool- kit for improving shelter spaces. The design strategies range from how to redecorate an existing space to building a shelter from the ground up.
“It is critical for domestic violence shelters to provide residents with physical safety,” said Margaret Hobart, WSCADV staff lead on the project. “But that is only one component of healing from abuse. Domestic violence programs also support survivors in reclaiming their independence, focusing on their relationships with their children, and reconnecting with supports to end isolation imposed by the abuser.” Building design can actually help achieve these goals, and this is where the architecture firm played a key role.
1Mahlum, as a participant in The 1%? a program of Public Architecture that connects nonprofits with architecture firms willing to do pro bono work?donated their time to join WSCADV’s efforts. They pored through information from interviews and focus groups with shelter residents of all ages and identified the design implications and strategies.
Some of the key themes that emerged were around the need for security, privacy, and quiet spaces where survivors can heal and parents can connect with their children. “Design strategies that support shelter residents simply have not been considered by design professionals in a systematic way?we envision Building Dignity as a valuable tool for any shelter seeking to make a positive change,” said Corrie Rosen, who is leading the effort at Mahlum.
The partnership between WSCADV and Mahlum has local roots in Washington State, but the design strategies developed have relevance for domestic violence programs across the country. “We hope this effort helps domestic violence programs in their ongoing efforts to create spaces that best support their agency’s work, values, and mission,” said Nan Stoops, executive director of WSCADV. To learn more, please visit BuildingDignity.wscadv.org. +
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Nov 29, 2020
Top 155 Architecture Firms for 2020
Gensler, Perkins and Will, and HKS Architects top the rankings of the nation's largest architecture firms for nonresidential and multifamily buildings work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Giants 400 | Nov 29, 2020
Top 100 Architecture Engineering Firms for 2020
Stantec, HDR, and HOK head the rankings of the nation's largest architecture engineering (AE) firms for nonresidential and multifamily buildings work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Government Buildings | Nov 25, 2020
New Indiana Toll Road headquarters creates unified environment for staff
New LEED Gold facility consolidates operations for tollway authority.
Architects | Nov 24, 2020
AEC Leaders share lessons from past downturns
Positions of passivity and cost-cutting run counter to the key lessons from AEC leaders who successfully navigated their firms through past market downturns.
Smart Buildings | Nov 20, 2020
The Weekly show: SPIRE smart building rating system, and pickleball court design tips
The November 19 episode of BD+C's The Weekly is available for viewing on demand.
Transportation & Parking Facilities | Nov 13, 2020
BIG and Kilo-designed Pegasus Pod transports first Hyperloop passengers
The pod achieves Hyperloop travel at speeds over 1000km/hour.
Government Buildings | Nov 13, 2020
Tax shortfalls nip government projects in the bud
Federal contracts are proceeding, but states and cities are delaying, deferring, and looking for private investment.
AEC Tech | Nov 12, 2020
The Weekly show: Nvidia's Omniverse, AI for construction scheduling, COVID-19 signage
BD+C editors speak with experts from ALICE Technologies, Build Group, Hastings Architecture, Nvidia, and Woods Bagot on the November 12 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Museums | Nov 5, 2020
The Weekly show: Designing cannabis facilities, Bob Borson's Life of an Architect, museum design
BD+C editors speak with experts from Cooper Robertson, Life of an Architect, and MJ12 Design Studio on the November 5 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 30, 2020
The Weekly show: Multifamily security tips, the state of construction industry research, and AGC's market update
BD+C editors speak with experts from AGC, Charles Pankow Foundation, and Silva Consultants on the October 29 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.