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
| May 23, 2013
Supertall 'Sky City' will house 4,400 families in Changsha, China
Broad Sustainable Building has completed a long and arduous approval process, and is starting excavation and construction on Sky City in June, 2013. The proposed "world's tallest building" will be a mixed-use project that could accommodate life and work needs of up to 30,000 people.
| May 23, 2013
Are design-build contracts killing small architecture firms?
Are federal design-build contract laws unfair to small firms? AIA thinks so, citing an interesting fact: an architecture firm spends a median of $260,000 to compete for a design-build project.
| May 23, 2013
Is the 'bring your own device' discussion stumping your IT group?
A new twist to the communication challenge most companies and IT departments face is the “bring your own device,” or BYOD, conundrum. I call it a conundrum because it is stumping many IT professionals.
| May 23, 2013
Portland State University’s School of Architecture launches Center for Public Interest Design
Portland State University’s School of Architecture is proud to announce the launch of its new Center for Public Interest Design, a research center that aims to investigate and utilize the power of design to make social, economic and environmental change in disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Center is the first of its kind in the nation.
| May 22, 2013
Return of retail? Rent growth seen in recovering markets
Like digging a ditch with a spoon, retail demand driven by population growth has eaten away at the supply of available store space in the markets that have been slowest to recover from the downturn. Vacancy rates are reaching a point that will give at least some landlords in every market the clout to demand slightly higher rents.
| May 22, 2013
New ASTM standard enhances hollow structural sections
ASTM A1085 is a big step forward in simplifying HSS design and usage, thereby making it a more desirable option for HSS.
| May 22, 2013
Architecture billings take a step back in April, ending growth streak
For the first time in 10 months, the AIA's Architecture Billings Index slipped into negative territory, falling to 48.6 in April, down from 51.9 the previous month. This is the ABI's lowest mark since July 2012.
| May 21, 2013
Foster + Partners reveals plans for London residential towers
British firm Foster + Partners has unveiled plans for two residential skyscrapers as part of a mixed-use development in north London.
| May 21, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: pools, racquetball courts, bowling alleys, hockey/soccer facilities
Construction market analysts from RSMeans offer construction costs per square foot for four building types across 25 metro markets.
| May 21, 2013
7 tile trends for 2013: Touch-sensitive glazes, metallic tones among top styles
Tile of Spain consultant and ceramic tile expert Ryan Fasan presented his "What's Trending in Tile" roundup at the Coverings 2013 show in Atlanta earlier this month. Here's an overview of Fasan's emerging tile trends for 2013.