Seeking Refuge in Architecture

Abstract: Domestic violence is a cruel and inhumane act of aggression that is inflicted on a victim by someone in their close domestic circle. This includes partners, ex-partners, immediate family members, other relatives and family friends. Violence within the home is the most common form of interpersonal violence for women. The aim of domestic violence programs and shelters is to empower the survivors and to offer a safe space; a space where these victims can seek shelter in the form of emergency housing, mental-health support and help with reclaiming a stable and non-violent family life. Usually, victims of domestic violence and their families spend between one week to three months in emergency shelters before potentially moving to transitional or permanent housing. Today, shelter design has become a powerful tool to make people’s lives better, with increasing demands from different marginalised groups in every society worldwide - this type of architectural typology and spaces has only escalated in popularity. But it is important to keep in mind that building emergency shelters is not a solution but it is a part of the solution and the bigger picture. Through a combination of research and design I am interested in investigating how architecture; shelter architecture specifically can contribute to the victims’ rehabilitation. Alongside growth and stability, instead of acting like a medical facility or a “prison cell” for women in crisis.