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
Market Data | Aug 2, 2022
Nonresidential construction spending falls 0.5% in June, says ABC
National nonresidential construction spending was down by 0.5% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
K-12 Schools | Aug 1, 2022
Achieving a net-zero K-12 facility is a team effort
Designing a net-zero energy building is always a challenge, but renovating an existing school and applying for grants to make the project happen is another challenge entirely.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 1, 2022
New Phoenix VA outpatient clinic is one of the largest veteran care facilities in the U.S.
The new Phoenix 32nd Street VA Clinic, spanning roughly 275,000 sf over 15 acres, is one of the largest veteran care facilities in the U.S.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2022
Few projects and properties are being built beyond code
Clients and architects disagree on how well building to code provides resilience, according to a recent report by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in partnership with Owens Corning.
Headquarters | Jul 29, 2022
Nike HQ’s newest, largest structure: the Serena Williams Building
In Beaverton, Ore., the new Serena Williams Building, at just over 1 million square feet, is the largest structure at Nike World Headquarters.
| Jul 28, 2022
Fanning Howey hires Dennis Bane, AIA, as Project Executive
Fanning Howey, an architecture, interiors and engineering firm specializing in learning environments, has hired Dennis Bane, AIA, ALEP, to serve as a Project Executive for the firm’s Indianapolis office.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 28, 2022
GM working to make EV charging accessible to multifamily residents
General Motors, envisioning a future where electric vehicles will be commonplace, is working to boost charging infrastructure for those who live in multifamily residences.
Urban Planning | Jul 28, 2022
A former military base becomes a substation with public amenities
On the site of a former military base in the Hunters Point neighborhood of San Francisco, a new three-story substation will house critical electrical infrastructure to replace an existing substation across the street.
Hotel Facilities | Jul 28, 2022
As travel returns, U.S. hotel construction pipeline growth follows
According to the recently released United States Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), the total U.S. construction pipeline stands at 5,220 projects/621,268 rooms at the close of 2022’s second quarter, up 9% Year-Over-Year (YOY) by projects and 4% YOY by rooms.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2022
Biden administration proposes drastic flood insurance reform
The Biden administration’s proposed major overhaul to the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP, would drastically alter how Americans protect homes and businesses against flooding.