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
Multifamily Housing | Apr 26, 2017
Huh? A subway car on the roof?
Chicago’s newest multifamily development features an iconic CTA car on its amenity deck.
High-rise Construction | Apr 26, 2017
Dubai’s newest building is a giant gilded picture frame
Despite currently being under construction, the building is the center of an ongoing lawsuit filed by the architect.
Architects | Apr 25, 2017
Two Mid-Atlantic design firms join forces
Quinn Evans Architects and Cho Benn Holback + Associates have similar portfolios with an emphasis on civic work.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 24, 2017
Reconciling design energy models with real world results
Clark Nexsen’s Brian Turner explores the benefits and challenges of energy modeling and discusses how design firms can implement standards for the highest possible accuracy.
Higher Education | Apr 24, 2017
Small colleges face challenges — and opportunities
Moody’s Investor Service forecasts that closure rates for small institutions will triple in the coming years, and mergers will double.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 24, 2017
Treating the whole person: Designing modern mental health facilities
Mental health issues no longer carry the stigma that they once did. Awareness campaigns and new research have helped bring our understanding of the brain—and how to design for its heath—into the 21st century.
Architects | Apr 20, 2017
Design as a business strategy: Tapping data is easier than you think
We have been preaching “good design matters” for a long time, demonstrating the connection between the physical environment and employee satisfaction, individual and team performance, and an evolving organizational culture.
Architects | Apr 20, 2017
‘Gateways to Chinatown’ project seeks the creation of a new neighborhood landmark for NYC’s Chinatown
The winning team will have $900,000 to design and implement their proposal.
Architects | Apr 19, 2017
Tour Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry architecture with Google Earth
Google Earth’s new ‘Voyager’ feature allows people to take interactive guided tours.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 18, 2017
Three multifamily, three specialized housing projects among 14 recipients of the AIA’s 2017 Housing Awards
2017 marks the 17th year the AIA has rewarded projects and architects with the Housing Awards.