Project Abstract

Dream Builders Transitional Housing Complex



Crisis in the lives of women and children of abuse can create homelessness, complete poverty, and lack of safety. Rebuilding these individuals to fully functioning whole beings through transitional housing, in-depth counseling, and life skills assistance is an answer to bring transformation to them. Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs model, the center would provide all elements to build them up from their broken state by fulfilling their basic needs of shelter, food, and safety, while instructing them how to advance to self-actualization.


Dream Builders, a transitional housing complex, would provide the place of safety and shelter. The complex would also include a facility for education and training, as well as childcare. Each family in need would receive an apartment to facilitate privacy, while keeping them close to the support network on site. Each family would partake in group-activities to increase social interaction. Members would also participate in the caretaking of the facility. Life skills such as parenting, money management, GED training, and homemaking would be taught to everyone as part of their support. Women could work on site or off depending on their situation. Childcare would be provided for those who need it, so that they may build a financial foundation for their new lives. Social and legal services would also be available. Dream Builders would bring hope to those who have none and inspire them to fulfill dreams they did not know existed, while breaking the cycle of violence for the next generation.


Client


Dream Builders is a non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention, support, and transitional housing for battered women and their children.


Scope of Project


All communal spaces and a typical three-bedroom apartment will be brought through the conceptual design phase, with further design development for the reception, child care, recreational and(typical) residential areas.


Design Philosophy


Design as relevant to interiors should always begin with the human factor. Spaces, materials, components, furnishings, lighting, and colors deeply affect the users of the spaces. Human behavior is greatly influenced by the designed environment. Therefore, all environments should be carefully designed to bring about the desired behavior for each space. Interior environments have the ability to translate its users emotionally, mentally, and interactively.