Defense Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Interior Design

First Advisor

Roberto Ventura

Second Advisor

Kristin Carleton

Third Advisor

Carla-Mae Crookendale

Fourth Advisor

Laura Battaglia

Abstract

relevance

For 15 years, I have been a volunteer at a shelter for women and children. I interact with families and women who are suffering from the trauma caused by homelessness and domestic violence. In my observations, I have learned some spaces are more conducive to the staff and resident experiences than others. This project will be addressing how transitional housing for women and children can be designed to support the healing of trauma caused by domestic violence.

As of July 2023, there were about 150 women suffering from homelessness locally in the city of Richmond, Virginia (Homeward VA, 2023). A local challenge continues to be the lack of access to affordable housing.

92% of mothers in transitional housing have been victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse and 25% of homeless children have observed an abuse of their family (Ajeen et al, 2023). I desire to design an environment for local women and children that is beneficial to the process of healing from trauma caused by domestic violence.

problem

Trauma-informed design is a new term in the design world. Maxine Harris and Roger Fallot introduced the term “trauma-informed” in 2001. There are many gaps in the current research such as established guidelines for trauma-informed design interior designers can follow. This research will define principles to guide designers in creating spaces for families who have experienced trauma in their lives. The built environment has a direct impact on individuals’ psychological and physiological health, especially those who are living with trauma (Ames, 2023). Trauma can be defined as a that has permanent effects on an individual’s mental and physical health. Women and children who are living in transitional housing for domestic violence consistently experience a lack of safety and privacy and the absence of adequate and comfortable space. Ultimately, “good design” is often considered a luxury in these shelters.

context

Trauma-informed design is directly addressing well-being, safety, and security within the built environment (Ajeen et al, 2023). The University of Tasmania, Australia has conducted thorough research presenting evidence that interiors have a direct neurological correlation with individuals who deal with trauma. Researchers Owen and Crane have detailed how trauma-informed design can positively impact the healing process. The key aspects include safety and security, control, and enriched environments (Owen and Crane, 2022).

method of investigation

In order to utilize trauma-informed design, one must become “trauma-informed.” For designers, this means, “...accounting for the potential presence of trauma within our work and examining how and why we design could be more trauma-informed…” (Dietkus, 2022). Two articles that support the explorations of trauma-informed design are, “The Impact of Trauma-Informed Design on Psychological Well-being in Homeless Shelters,” written by the American Psychological Association, and “Trauma-Informed Design of Supported Housing: A Scoping Review through the Lens of Neuroscience,” written by Ceridwen Owen and James Crane. In addition, an interview with Jeanette Andamasaris, a professional within this industry and interior design educator, provides knowledge and context on the topic.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-8-2024

Download

Share

COinS