Western Kentucky University

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Architectural Science

Institution 24-25

Western Kentucky University

Department

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Abstract

For our senior capstone, we designed facilities to offer therapy services and residential facilities to marginalized groups. These projects consisted of a school that serves Deaf children, a juvenile rehabilitation center for criminal offenders, and two additional rehabilitation centers; one for domestic violence survivors, and one for substance abusers. Each facility's design intentionally optimizes access to services and creates a feeling of safety and community. We researched how visual cues were tied to the psychological sense of safety and created a more accessible means of communication. We incorporated design aspects that reinforce familiarity and a home-like environment. We incorporated universally understood accessibility features in these facilities as they serve a wide range of age groups. We corresponded with individuals with first-hand experience with the typology of the facility that we created. This ensured that they had the proper effect in aiding the individuals who interacted with our facilities. Without access to these facilities and services, these marginalized groups are forced to continue in the situation they are in which has the potential to negatively affect them educationally, developmentally, and emotionally. The lack of proper accommodations could result in a myriad of psychological issues which we combatted through the design of our facilities.

Share

COinS
 

Creating Safe Spaces: Evaluating Residential and Day Facilities for Vulnerable Populations

For our senior capstone, we designed facilities to offer therapy services and residential facilities to marginalized groups. These projects consisted of a school that serves Deaf children, a juvenile rehabilitation center for criminal offenders, and two additional rehabilitation centers; one for domestic violence survivors, and one for substance abusers. Each facility's design intentionally optimizes access to services and creates a feeling of safety and community. We researched how visual cues were tied to the psychological sense of safety and created a more accessible means of communication. We incorporated design aspects that reinforce familiarity and a home-like environment. We incorporated universally understood accessibility features in these facilities as they serve a wide range of age groups. We corresponded with individuals with first-hand experience with the typology of the facility that we created. This ensured that they had the proper effect in aiding the individuals who interacted with our facilities. Without access to these facilities and services, these marginalized groups are forced to continue in the situation they are in which has the potential to negatively affect them educationally, developmentally, and emotionally. The lack of proper accommodations could result in a myriad of psychological issues which we combatted through the design of our facilities.

 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.