A Thesis presented to the Graduate F aculty of the University of
Louisiana at Lafayette
In partial fulfllment of the requirements for the M aster of Architecture Degree.
Arzavia Dobard
F 2021
All Rights Reserved
Text and Graphics © 2021 Arzavia Dobard
Book Design © 2021 Arzavia Dobard
Leveraging Urbanism : Homelessness Confluence
This is a first and limited addition print run.
AC
KNOWLEDGM ENTS
A special thanks to the following individuals. Their guidance and support has been the driving force in the exploration of this master ’s
project.
TH
E GRADUATE FACULTY
Corey Saft Professor of Architecture
Ashlie Latiolais Associate Professor, M . Arch Graduate Coordinator
Kiwana McClung
Associate Professor, Interim Chief Diversity Offcer
M ichael M cClure I nterim Dean of School of Architecture and Design
ADVI SORY COM M I TTEE
Kari Smith Director, School of Architecture and Design
Seyi Audu
Architectural Consultant, Associate of M ichael Graves & Associates
Leigh Rachal I nterdisciplinary Consultant, Executive Director of the Acadiana Regional Coalition on Homelessness and Housing
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LI ST O F F I GURES Global Homeless Stats ( by author) .....................................................................................................................................................
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National Homeless Stats ( by author)
Principle Diagrams ( by author) ............................................................................................................................................................
Overarching Program Diagram ( by author)
ursery E+ Photo - I nterior - Archd
Nursery E+ Photo - Exterior - Arc
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LI ST O F F I GURES CONT. Sweetwater Spectrum Community Photo - Exterior - Archdaily.......................................................................................................
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Sweetwater Spectrum Community Photo - Exterior - Archdaily.......................................................................................................
Sweetwater Spectrum Community Photo - I nterior - Archdaily........................................................................................................
Sweetwater Spectrum Community Dwg - Plan 1- Archdaily..............................................................................................................
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LI ST O F F I GURES CONT. D.C. General Shelter Photo - Axon of Site - Archdaily......................................................................................................................
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Sheltered & Unsheltered Analysis of L.A. County ( by author) ........................................................................................................
Wind Rose Diagram ( by author)
strict M ap ( by author) ......................................................................................................................................................................
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I NTRODUCTI ON
Homelessness is an ongoing problem that amounts to many others in the climate of today. Some of those problems are ecological and economical on many scales. Based on national reports of 2019, it is estimated that no less than 150 million people, which is about 2% of the world’s population, are homeless (Chamie). Additionally, 1.6 billion, more than 20% of the world’s population, may lack adequate housing. However, the account for how many people are factually homeless is unidentifable. First and foremost, a problematic factor of homelessness is the variations in defnitions. Homelessness can vary from the absence of adequate living quarters to the lack of a permanent residence. Adequate housing provides roots, security, identity, and emotional wellbeing. The absence of an internationally agreed-upon defnition of homelessness hampers meaningful comparisons because situations are not all equivalent per individual.
Number of homeless people per 100k
There are about 150 million homeless people, which is roughly 2 percent of the world’s population
According to the most recent point-in-time data, as of January 2019, 568,000 people were experiencing homelessness : an increase of
nearly 15,000 from 2018, on any given night in the United States. ( US Department of Housing and Urban Development) . I n one of the
most prestigious frst-world countries, there should be ample strategies made to mitigate comfort and help these individuals regain their independence. This project will investigate how homelessness in urban environments can be addressed for a more equitable society that recaptures these individuals to be active citizens.
Rethinking the situation and creating a new typology allows for
individuals who suffer from homelessness to be given the opportunity
to be looked at as a spiritual being. Nevertheless, the primary focus is to move from the state of being to becoming. This reiterates the fulfll-
ment one receives from within and what does an individual expect out of
themselves. They are presumed to go only as far as their surroundings.
The principles of accessibility and self-consciousness either hinders or
advances the growth process. The homeless epidemic is a serious issue
that affects people of all gender, ages, and ethnicities around the world.
I n the United States, it is much more common that people face this issue
despite the resources or access there is to people, opportunities, and
shelter. People of this disadvantaged population do not have the adequate skills, encouragement, or resources at hand to begin to get back into society. By mentally and physically preparing this signifcant population for a transition can accrue for a faster rehabilitation rate and help these families and individuals regain their independence.
ACCESS
The site is relatively accessible for those who typically face poverty and encompass the area. Bike lanes and side walks feed into the plaza conditions.
SECURITY
Protection and peace of mind are key components into rehabilitating people who experience homelessness.
COMMUNITY
Creating spatial connections that intuitively help people interact provides social and emotional support.
WELLNESS
Urban farms and rooftop parks opened to the sky brings forms a network of green spaces that bring flora and fauna back into the neighborhood.
THRIVE
Holistically, the program, spatial conditions and overall function of the site helps one who experiences homelessness get back into society.
THES I S
With the cooperative agriculture and housing frst initiative, chronic homelessness can be mitigated. Creating an architecture that facilitates learning while being safe helps every step toward rehabilitation and can result in more equitable opportunities, progression to-
ward economic status, and humanism itself. The architecture shall create a new typology of resilient design to rehabilitate, heal, and
revitalize oneself through a series of spaces.
I ntegrating
Educating
Rehabilitating
S upporting
Housing
F I G. 4
I ndependence
S helter
Homeless
PRECEDENT CAS E STUDI ES
NURS ERY E+
11,840 sf
By : OPUS Architekten
Where : M arburg, Germany
Built in 2014
Primary Program : Supportive social housing for adults with autism.
Description :
The architecture is one holistic university. Research projects are conducted here and also innovations
develop. There are multiple impulses for the whole region given. The clinic which is called Vitos Kalinin
was built in a pavilion style to suit the concept of a psychiatric reform. I nstead of the clinic being situated in a large complex, the words were distributed over several buildings surrounded by gardens. This is sort
of an unconventional approach of how Architects usually use green spaces.
Analysis :
These spaces follow a grid and use excess space in strategic manners. The shape of the wooden roof has a great load bearing effect. The building fts into the surroundings despite this extraordinary design and the translucent facade refects the green of the park. On the ground foor of the worst chilling with a lemon or structure directly enjoys the volumes while on the upper foor is visually separated with glass.
The architects design highly differentiated interiors and made it possible for the students to identify
themselves with their own respective space thus giving ownership.
Section
F I G. 8
KEY:
Circulation
Private
Public
Semi- Private
F I G. 11
F I G. 9
F I G. 10
Application : Program open spaces that are intermixed with residential buildings, schools, and a day-
care. I t is also a psychiatric facility.
Green space is located near the perimeter of the site, however greenery is implemented on the interior of the buildings. This can help heal those a part of the rehabilitation program.
The folding of the projecting facade, which makes the optimum alignment of the integrated
solar modules possible and increases the solar-active surface.
How intriguing different colors can be and how spaces can give us a sense of identity and
ownership.
How occupied spaces used within each other and for storage.
F I G. 12
F I G. 13
SWEETWATER SPECTRUM COM M UNI TY
113,256 sf or 8 acres
By : LM S Architects
Where : 369 F ifth Street West
Sonoma, California 95476
United States
Built in 2009
Primary Program : Supportive social housing for adults with autism
Description :
Before the building was frst developed, the idea came from a group of families with autistic children, autism professionals, and community leaders. This group of individuals found a non-proft organization called Sweetwater spectrum to create a long-term housing typology
for eventual autistic adults. This was such a successful design due to the new community addressing a full range of needs along with
spectrum disorders to maximize the residence development and independence which would be replicated nationwide. The community is safe, secure, yet engaging for the residents and staff. There are also appropriate engagement opportunities with the neighborhood adjacencies through volunteer activities and outreach projects.
Application :
The structure has implemented useful sun
strategies.
There are ample communal spaces.
Adequate spacing for occupants.
Wood materiality.
Private
Public
Semi - Private
Corridor
Circulation
KEY:
F I G. 23
F I G. 24
2300 sf community center - exercise/activity spaces, teach in kitchen, large therapy pool, and spas. Also an urban farm /orchard and
greenhouse. ( 4) 3,250 sf homes - Houses of 16 adults and their support staff.
SAN I GNACI O HOUS ES
8,177 sf
By: IX2 Arquitectura
Where : La Barca, Jalisco
M exico
Built in 2016
Primary Program : Permanent social housing.
Description :
The main objectives were to identify the market which led us to stick to the ideology of the region, and therefore decided to build walls of
solid block and concrete structure armed in order to achieve greater confdence with the inhabitants of the municipality.
Analysis :
M odular Homes that act as a permanent housing option for residents.
F
KEY:
Circulation
Private
Public
Semi - Private
F I G. 30
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F I G. 33 F I G. 34
Application :
Program spaces have a balance of private, semi private and
public. There are views out in semi public spaces and windows
in every private space. The construction also only took 8 months
which makes it a feasible Choice to choose a grade like system
with wood construction to cut back construction costs.
F I G. 35
F I G. 32
D.C. GENERAL SHELTER
113,256 sf or 8 acres
By : City of Washington D.C. Prior Health F acility
Where : 1900 M assachusetts Ave., S E, Washington D.C. ,
United States
Built in 1922
Primary Program : Temporary emergency shelter.
Description : I nitially built as a hospital in 1922, it operated as such up until 2001. I t was then used as a shelter, a presumptuous tactic to combat homelessness. Although this was not a practical solution for permanent
housing, bad examples are also great examples to answer various questions.
Safety issues, mold, rats, and pests. I n 2016 M ayor Bowser announced plans to replace DC general
shelter with six smaller facilities around the city while transitioning families to subsidize housing. I t was
offcially closed in October 2018.
Analysis :
The structure is old and moldy.
M ateriality is not similar to context.
Application :
Can use same sizes as dormitory type rooms.
Has communal rooms and supportive spaces.
S I TE
Downtown LA - 147,000 sf
208 E. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014
34.043659480635355, -118.24876954095433
Currently, the site is only used as a storage facility owned by Pelham Services
and temporarily used for dirt and nearby construction. This site has a lot of
potentials to become one of the most active sites in the Downtown Los Angeles
area. By using the nearby resources and complementing them with a new site
design that centralizes all of those elements can promote the rehabilitation rate of homelessness. This site is near one of the most poverty-stricken areas in the
United States, also known as Skid Row. This is where the most homeless and
evicted people of California reside. The site with over 147,000 square feet is
surrounded by a fast-paced, diverse environment and can help push someone to
progress faster to become part of that realistic environment. The site is underuti-
lized with hardly any infrastructure, which can allow for the implementation of
passive strategies for wind and light to be strategically used. The surrounding
areas lack vegetation so the newfound site will implement outdoor spaces. This
is one of the most open areas of downtown which makes it a perfect candidate
to plug in the scenario of bearing a place for the disadvantaged population to
come.
1 6 B l ion, more han 20 percen of the world’s popu ation may lack adequate housing whereas over 150 million people are homeless.
In Los Angeles, California :
48 041
18 395
Sheltered Unshe tered
Inadequate Housing
F I G. 43
California has moderate temperatures year round. M ost rain and warm temperatures are during the summer. This makes it practical to
design with passive strategies.
PROGRAM
Overarching Program W
Self Actualization
Psychological
Physiological
s
F
The program will have an aggregate of spaces that work hand in hand to help homeless people get back into society. Primarily the archi-
tecture will act as a case study signifcantly involving and evolving people that rapidly experience homelessness. Safety and support play a conducive role when providing for those without permanent housing. The architecture ought to be positively impactful on their physical and mental well-being. By creating a signifcant user experience, the design can impact outside communities. The program embedded into the project shall collectively give homeless individuals the resources and opportunities they need to get back on their feet and offer them a second chance at life. Architecture cannot ultimately discard the disparity of homelessness ; however, it can integrate ways to acknowl-
TABLE 3
The building codes that the structure must adhere to are is residential, mercantile, and institutional. Due to the adaptive program, this is a mixed-used building with a hybrid system. The structures will be lighter, more cost-effective, maintainable, and sustainable.
The aggregate housing building would be considered TYPE 3 and TYPE 5 Construction – being made up of mostly masonry to ft the context on the ground foor with wood construction above.
1. Aggregate Housing M odule
2. Clinic / Pharmacy
3. Entry Court
4. Secret Gardens
5. Retail
6. Courtyard
7.Orchard
8. Retail / Commercial
9. Welcome Center
10. Parking
11. Aggregate Housing M odule
12. Aggregate Housing M odule
13. Housing Cluster M odule
14. Recreational Park
15. Single F amily M odules
Volume Extends Hor zontally Volume Extends Vertical y
olume Extends
rtically + Horizontally
The proposed architectural program is a confuence of supplemental programs that will help rehabilitate homeless people so that
they can successfully transition back into society. They are provided with a hybrid of on-site resources that near promote awareness in an
urban environment. The site will be accessible to public access nodes and have multiple amenities that are going to facilitate their produc-
tivity, relationships, and environment.
5. PUSH / PULL F OR VI EWS
Extrude ( out of) and carve ( into) mass to create views and optimize land use by
activating with circulation, plaza conditions and vegetative gathering spaces.
4. PERM EABI LI TY
Allows for a constant fow of circulation and passive ventilation.
3. S ERVED VS S ERVANT
Spaces are programmed into public,
private, and semi-public while making an inner courtyard accessible.
2. EM ERGE
Building masses are relatively similar to the context.
1. LOCATE
Discover and press up against the urban context.
Having a safe place to sleep is one of the main objectives of this thesis. There will be refuge areas that overlap programs of this community. These spaces are designed specifcally for people experiencing homelessness. The program transitions through the site to help with the intermediate aspects of acquiring housing. Ideally, the occupants of the spaces shall progress from temporary housing toward permanent housing. The housing components will consist of a hybrid of supplemental programs such as outdoor parks, micro-housing, and eventually affordable housing. After making it through whichever phase of the housing elements is suitable per individual, the users should feel safe, secured, and well-rested to alleviate the problem.
M ental and physical health are also factors implemented into the program. I n order to get back into society with healthy lives, people need adequate health services. The site will have a health facility that embeds a clinic, rehab, and a psychiatric care facility. This way, people who are homeless and battle with interpersonal complications can seek help with counseling and their physical health defcits. There shall also be community spaces within the facility designed to allow for the users to speak to each other and answer questions
that alleviate the many health defects homeless people encounter.
There are ample outdoor spaces that divide programs and help curate relationships amongst the residents. This way, homeless
individuals will not feel abandoned or alone in their time of need. The urban furniture of this environment will help alleviate aspects such
as stress and insomnia that homeless people face. Shading elements and rest areas renegotiate the standard occupancy spacing for side-
walks ( standard 8’) and bench seating sizes. Humans can comfortably occupy these exterior spaces day in and out.
F loor Plans
Levels 3-4
Unit A
Stair/Elevator
Unit B
Unit C
Gym
Level 2
Admin
Physical Health
M ental Health
Bike Repair
Wood Shop
Training Center
Commons
F I G. 73
Level 1 10 20
Scale : 1/16” =1’-0”
( In feet)
Unit A
Stair/Elevator
F ire Stair
Unit C
Commons
Dorms
Stair/Elevator
Lobby
M ech/Sprinkler Room/ Elec
Commons
F ire Stair
Bike Shop
Pavilion
Inner Courtyard
Transverse Perspective Section
Longitudinal Section
Cladding Details
U n i t c
I n t e r n a l C o u r t y a r d G y m C o r r i d o r U n i t a O r c h a r d
C o u r t y a r d
W e l c o m e C e n t e r O r c h a r d
ABSTRACT
M ost individuals have preconceived ideologies when it comes to those who are less
fortunate at having a safe place to stay. Some try to help, some do not. Some people feel like homelessness is deserved unless it is a condition of their own. I n the case of any
family or individual facing this event, it is harmful to their physical and mental health.
F ortunes change rapidly in today’s world, especially in ever-changing contexts. M ental
illnesses, unethical redevelopment strategies, poverty, and lack of affordable housing
are the driving factors that lead to homelessness. F
BI OGRAPHI CAL SKETCH
Arzavia Dobard is an aspiring architect who was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and raised in New Roads, Louisiana. After graduating from Livonia High School, he attended The University of Louisiana at Lafayette for both his undergraduate and graduate education. He now possess both his Bachelor of Science from the College of the Arts and his M aster of Architecture degrees. Arzavia is an advocate for underserved communities and plays the role as a director of a Non-Proft, founded in his hometown called Pursuing New Roads. He is also passionate about designing with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in mind to bring resiliency and longevity to common spaces.