The Architecture of Homelessness

The Architecture of Homelessness

Thesis - Fall 2018/Spring 2019

Ryan DeBree

The Architecture of Homelessness

Adaptability

*Book format has been edited to fit 8.5" x 11" format Original book format 8" x 10" Crop marks indicate original layout

Text and Graphics Š 2019 Ryan DeBree Book Design Š 2019 Ryan DeBree The Architecture of Homelesnness.

This is a first and limited addition print run.

The Architecture of Homelessness

Adaptability

Acknowledgements

A special thanks to the following people, their guidance and support has been a driving force in the exploration and completion of this thesis.

Advisory Committee Alex Bitterman, Ph.D. Jill Amati, Ph.D. Christina Esser

The Architecture of Homelessness

Alfred State Architecture & Design Faculty B.Arch Alfred State Graduating Class of 2019 John, Joanne, Jeff, Kelsey, and Lily DeBree Mary Allen

Acknowledgments

The Architecture of Homelessness

Contents

01-06

Methodology 07-13

Literature Review 14-21

Precedent Studies 22-37

Programming 38-57

Adaptable System 58-69

Test Site 70-85

Applied Design 86-105

References 106-111

Table of Contents

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Introduction

Abstract Proposal

The Architecture of Homelessness

Problem Societal Need

01

Introduction

Introduction

02

Abstract By rethinking homelessness through the lens of architecture, The Architecture of Homelessness creates a new typology with the goal of creating a resilient system of spaces focused on healing and rehabilitation.

It is time rethink how we address homelessness, current homeless shelters are dysfunctional and overcrowded. By introducing a new typology of homeless rehabilitation, we can rethink how homeless shelters function. The new typology addresses three major concepts. First, the stigmatization and misconception of homeless individuals. Second, construction and building waste. Finally, community based rehabilitation.

This newly defined typology achieves these goals by rethinking how we design, construct, and operate buildings. The typology represent an adaptable system rather than a stagnant building, allowing for the system to become replicable. Ultimately creating a new symbol, providing a platform for rehabilitation.

03

Proposal

The Architecture of Homelessness

Problem What is it like to be homeless?

For an estimated 100 million people worldwide, the answer to this question is too real. In developed countries like the United States homelessness is still an issue in the 21st century. According to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development there are currently 554,000 homeless people in the United States with 35 percent of them living unsheltered on the streets (HUD, 2017). The cause of homelessness can be attributed to multiple different factors: mental illness, substance abuse, a lack of affordable housing, medical issues, domestic violence, unemployment, etc. People of all physiological and socioeconomic backgrounds are impacted by homelessness, including people of all different genders, races, and ages.

In addition to the social and psychological issues surrounding homelessness, this proposal seeks to combat an architectural issue, waste. Due to changes in infrastructure and population demand, building construction has been increasing by 5-15 percent

each year in the United States.

(Forbes, 2016). With new construction, physical and nonphysical construction waste is introduced.

Non physical waste consists of both wasted time and money while physical waste consists of any left over material due to construction or demolition this includes: concrete, masonry, glass, wood, metal, and plastic. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 548 million tons of physical construction waste is created each year, 50 percent of which occupies landfills (EPA, 2015). This is where the practice of sustainable urbanism must be introduced.

Introduction

04

554,000 Homeless People

35% 35 percent of them living unsheltered on the streets

05 The Architecture of Homelessness

Societal Need Sustainable urbanism can be defined as “the study of urbanism focusing on strategies that promote long term resilience to cities, towns and other areas� (Sharifi, 2016). As cities grow larger and even more dense it will become the responsibility of designers to introduce resiliency within architecture and urban planning. A resiliency not only referring to structure, but more importantly, life span. This theory becomes extremely important not only as cities grow, but as culture shifts.

If architects continue to design highly specific structures with short life spans with no flexibility, what will happen when these buildings no longer have a use?

They answer is simple, they will most likely be demolished and rebuilt as something new. The earth will then be left with more demolition waste than ever before.

This regenerative practice will soon no longer be acceptable. As natural resources dwindle and environmental issues escalate, it will become the responsibility of designers to introduce adaptable structures that can be flexible and change program over the dura-

tion of the use of the building.

It has been projected by the United Nations that the worldwide population will hit 9.7 billion people by 2050 and 68 percent of that population will be living in urban environments(UN, 2015). Based on economic trends and the influx of people to urban environments it is predicted that there will be more construction waste than ever before; as well as an increase in poverty, accelerating the ever increasing rate of homelessness. The National Alliance to End Homelessness has estimated that in the next three years alone homelessness in the United States could increase by five percent (NAEH). It’s time that a new shelter typology must be considered.

With the current regenerative pattern of homelessness, the United States government spends nearly 5.8 billion dollars each year to combat homelessness (USICH, 2017). However,because of current and outdated practices much of this funding goes to waste.

With a potential increase in poverty and homelessness, the United

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States government needs to begin to fight the issue like never before. Homelessness has traditionally been treated as a short term issue, attempting only to solve the issue temporarily. However, to truly eradicate homelessness designers and activists must look at homelessness as a long term chronic issue. To combat the issue of homelessness the United States government must introduce change.

A change that challenges homelessness in a new way, a change that eradicates homelessness instead of simply hiding it.

68% By 2050, 68 percent of that population will be living in urban environments

07

Methodology Hypothesis Prediction Variance

The Architecture of Homelessness

Hypothesis If homelessness is reevaluated by introducing community based adaptable shelters, then this new shelter typology will produce a positive qualitative change in the perception of homelessness. This will be proven true by creating a new positive architectural symbol for the typology of homeless shelters. This thesis will evaluate a possible solution to a major societal issue, while simultaneously challenging an environmental one.

The project will attempt to address the issue of homelessness by introducing a new homeless shelter typology to house individuals on the street. Through design, the new shelter typology will attempt to alter the perception of homelessness and homeless shelters.

Additionally, on a larger scale, the project will reassess construction and design methodology to address the issues of construction waste, providing a solution to increase sustainability within the building and construction industry.

Misconception, stigma, and prejudice have a direct impact on the physical well being of homeless

people. Stigmatization and negative perception of the homeless is caused by errant public belief, and misconceptions that the homeless are to be feared or shunned.

Altering this perception could have a quantifiable and qualitative positive impact on the physical health and well being of homeless individuals. The first step in altering public perception of homelessness is to establish the misconception of homelessness. Establishing the stigmatization allows for the general public to become sensitive and educated regarding the subject of homelessness. Therefore, regarding homelessness, sensibility and understanding could introduce and allow for positive societal impact. This project will address the misconception, stigma, and prejudice of homelessness through an architectural intervention.

The new typology will seek to alter the traditional characteristics of outdated, overcrowded, and unsuccessful homeless shelters.

These spaces are typically perceived with a negative connotation, and they have a right to be.

Methodology

08

Traditional shelters are a temporary solution to a deeply rooted problem. They are typically dark, overcrowded, and offer little or no form of rehabilitation. Current shelters are designed to simply house as many people as possible, “sometimes being so dilapidated, violent, and dirty, that people actually prefer to sleep outside” (NPR, 2012). To mitigate these issues, architectural intervention will attempt to alter the public perception of homelessness through a new shelter typology. By creating a positive reinforcing symbol, this newshelter typology will ultimately attempt to alter the perception of homelessness, simultaneously reducing homelessness as a whole.

Research has long demonstrated the effects of physical spaces on human moods and behaviors (Pable, 2018).

Shelters have a huge influence on how residents see themselves and the world. Just as a bank or museum is recognized through architectural semiotics, homeless shelters will do the same. By implementing the new typology, homeless shelters have the possibility

of no longer being perceived with a negative connotation, but as an element of community based growth.

The second step will reconsider construction typology entirely.

As an industry, the construction of the built environment is extremely wasteful. The built environment contributes to nearly 41 percent of the U.S. energy consumption (“Energy Use by,” 2016).

However, of the entire built environment, the physical construction process is the most inefficient and largest pollution contributor. It is estimated that an equivalency of thirty precent of the weight of materials delivered to a construction site will end up in a landfill. According to the EPA, that is about 548 million tons of construction waste each year (“Sustainable Management of,” 2015). The waste is often caused by the demolition of vacant buildings that have become no longer useful. As highly specific building typologies such as shopping malls, movie theaters, and apartment buildings are created, they are designed for a single highly specific use. These buildings are

10 The Architecture of Homelessness

eventually left empty, and become difficult to reuse. Rethinking the typology of construction through adaptability, a new building typology has the potential to extendthe life span of a building, becoming useful for many various uses and needs over a single building life span. The process of introducing program adaptability and flexibility to the built environment would ultimately reduce waste and increase efficiency.

The third step in mitigating the stigmatization of homeless people is to introduce community. Establishing a sense of community creates a sense of belonging, mutual support, responsibility, and lasting relationships. Through design interventions in the built environment, a sense of community can be introduced into the rehabilitation process. According to Dr. Mary McColl and others, “the chief advantage of the community based rehabilitation (CBR) approach is that it typically results in broader, more far-reaching effects than that could be achieved on a one-to-one basis� (McColl, et al., 2009). Introducing the same prac-

tices of community based rehabilitation to the built environment, will provide for a greater rate of rehabilitation. Not only by providing community based rehabilitation, but by providing community integration, the new shelter typology will provide a platform for long term change and integration.

The shelters will provide not only rehabilitation for the homeless, but also for the communities in which they are placed. Through education and skill building, homeless individuals will be provided with the option of becoming viable members of society by contributing and positively impacting the communities in which they live.

Methodology

11

Prediction As the population of homeless people continues to increase, overpopulation, crumbling infrastructure, and lack of adequate services will cause traditional shelters to continue to fail. Incorporating practices not typically found in the built environment, a new shelter typology can emerge and reevaluate the negative perception and diminish the stigma surrounding homelessness. If adaptability and community based elements are introduced together in conjunction with other significant architectural interventions, the newly introduced system will have a direct impact on communities and homeless individuals within these communities. Most importantly, if successfully implemented, the new homeless shelter typology will address the psychological issue of homelessness on a long term basis.

The newly defined shelters will be more than just a shelter, but a space which includes services for community enhancement, rehabilitation, skill training, and teaching. The new typology will investigate the feasibility of creating more than just a building, but a space of healing and long term re-

habilitation. The services of the new typology will include spaces not just for surviving, but for living.

Redefining how a shelter functions, this overture will not only address how the public perceives shelters, but it will also address the public opinion of homelessness. Through the integration of community based rehabilitation and incorporation of positive design principles, shelter design will be completely reevaluated. Not only functionally, but also psychologically, sociologically, and aesthetically.

12

Variance

The Architecture of Homelessness

On a broad scale, this thesis will study a possible solution to reduce the number of families and individuals living on the street.

If successful, this project or system could serve as a prototype to be replicated throughout the United States and even possibly the world. The project will provide one possible solution not only to the major societal issue of homelessness, but also the environmental issue regarding building construction waste.

However, in order for this project to be successful a few societal variables must be assumed to remain constant during this experimentation. In general, a functioning global economy must be present, the nationwide housing market must remain relatively stable, and the characteristics of the population of study must remain constant. If each of these variables remain constant, for the first time, the design of a homeless shelter will be able to function and address the direct needs of homeless people.

Funding is a major concern dur-

ing the development of new homeless shelters. For this project to remain feasible, economic consideration must be taken throughout the design process. Through the implementation of a new adaptable system, construction costs will be decreased, while efficiency is increased. Currently, the global economy is relatively stable, a perfect time to challenge the issue of homelessness. However, this may not always be true. If the economy collapses, the economic results may no longer provide a feasible platform to challenge homelessness through the proposed solution.

The shelters will follow a “housing first” method, a proven method to reduce homelessness (“Housing First,” 2016). By providing a home before rehabilitation, the shelters will provide a platform for the homeless to reestablish themselves. This will remain feasible as long as the housing market remains stable. Currently, the global demand for affordable housing is at an all time high. However, if the housing market shifts and housing becomes more or less

Methodology

13

affordable, the need for shelters will be impacted.

Additionally, the characteristics of the study group must remain constant. In order to address the direct needs of homeless people this project will research and analyze specific characteristics such as mental illness and substance abuse.

The project will then deliver a solution to these issues through the built environment. However, if these characteristics were to change, the designed spaces would no longer address the specific needs of the homeless population.

The project will identify a potential globally adaptable system, however the functionality will be experimented on two sites, urban and rural. Although these sites address multiple variables, the prototype may not prove to be successful in all locations and environments. In order for the replication of this system to be feasible, sites with similar demographics and social environments to those studied should be used.

Through research and analysis of both successful and unsuccessful precedents, this new conceptual building typology study will act as a prototype to identify the feasibility to alter public perception of homeless people. The identified problem will then be mitigated by integrating and combining the proposed design elements of adaptability, flexibility, user participation, community relationships, and positive architectural elements. The correlation of benefits and positive psychological data of the identified elements will then be applied to study and provide one possible proven and integrated solution to alter the public perception of homelessness.

14

Literature Review

The Architecture of Homelessness

Stigmatization & Misconception The homeless face a multitude of challenges. On a daily basis the homeless struggle with issues including: mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, etc. However, these issues can be relatively easily defined, what is not often spoken for is the perception and stigmatization of homelessness. More frequently than any other issues related to homelessness, the homeless face stigmatization in all aspects of their lives. Stigmatization can be defined as a social rejection; a label associated with behaviors of a certain group, often times socially limiting in some form of way (Stigmatization). Stigmatization and negative perception of the homeless is caused by public belief in misconceptions that the homeless are to be feared.

In 2007, on behalf of Fannie Mae, Gallup Incorporated published a survey that studied the difference between the perception and reality of homelessness. The study was entitled Homelessness in America: America’s perceptions, Attitudes and Knowledge. Gallup Incorporat-

ed conducted more than 5200 interviews nationwide in eight different cities. According to the study, fifty-eight percent of the nation believed that homelessness had increased over the past ten years; however, forty-nine percent of those studied believed it was staying the same in their neighborhood, and only thirty-one percent thought it was increasing (Gallup Inc. pg. 3,10). The study revealed that people were recognizing homelessness as a national issue; however, psychologically, people were reluctant to admit homelessness was increasing in their neighborhood, even if it was. The study also found that eighty percent of people said they would be willing to volunteer their time in a local organizations that assisted the homeless, and even more, eighty-seven percent of people claimed they would be will to donate to organizations working with the homeless. However, in contradiction to this, only forty-four percent of people strongly agreed that they wanted to live in a community that provided care for the homeless (Gallup Inc. pg. 5,11).

The study concluded that people

Literature Review

15

NIMBY 87% 80%

44%

Not In My Back Yard

87% claimed they would be willing to donate to organizations working with homeless people

80% of people said they would be willing to volunteer their time in a local organizations that assisted homeless people

Only 44% of those interviewed strongly agreed that they wanted to live in a community that provided care for homeless people

16 The Architecture of Homelessness

are aware of homelessness, and are willing to help.

In further support of this finding, a study published in the American Journal of Community Psychology, concluded that, “Public attitudes on homelessness can and have influenced policies and services for homeless populations” (Tsai, et al.). The study was led by Jack Tsai, Crystal Yun See Lee, Thomas Byrne, Robert Pietrzak, and Steven Southwick. The group surveyed 541 United States citizens across forty-seven states. The results were then compared to a similar survey conducted in 1990, and the findings were published in an article entitled Changes in Public Attitudes and Perceptions about Homelessness Between 1990 and 2016.

The studies revealed that since 1990, the general public “endorsed more compassion, government support, and liberal attitudes about homelessness” (Tsai, et al.). The study suggested because of changing ideology, “greater support for the homeless individuals and governmental homeless initiatives present opportunities for new public health approaches to address

homelessness” (Tsai, et al.).

Both of the conducted and published studies compiled similar results on preconceptions of the homeless from a similar primary source, the general public. What the studies do not do is define the reasons for stigmatization.

The studies simply uncovered a misconception and suggested that public opinion is changing; that people are willing to assist and donate to the homeless. However, if what these studied concluded was true, why does the public not want the homeless living in their communities?

The answer to this question is actually quite simple. Regarding the homeless, the general public is afraid of the homeless, or more specifically, people are afraid of what they perceive the homeless to be (Donley pg. 1). Through a dissertation entitled, The perception of Homeless People: Important Factors in Determining Perceptions of the Homeless as Dangerous, Amy Donley studied and identified the social factors that establish the negative perception of homeless-

Literature Review

17

ness. Through case studies, scholarly articles, and literature Donley investigated the effects of race and crime, and how each factor contributes to the fear stigmatization of the homeless. Once again, her findings uncovered a public misconception of the homeless.

Amy Donely’s study of race proved the public preconceived ideas of race and homelessness to be incorrect. The public opinion generally believes that the race most often associated with homelessness is blacks and other ethnic groups, and for unjustified reasons these groups are feared. Because of American history and racial prejudice, blacks continue to be an overrepresented population of the homeless, further providing stigmatization of the homeless.

(Donley pg. 6). Using data from the NSHAPC, Amy Donley presented statistical data on the homeless: forty-one percent were white, forty percent were black, twelve percent were Hispanic, and 9 percent were other (Donley pg. 7).

Although people perceive blacks as being the largest homeless popu-

lation, there are actually less black homeless individuals than whites, The data further proves the preconceived ideas the homeless do not match reality.

Additionally, according to Amy Donley the leading cause of stigmatization and fear of the homeless can be attributed to crime.

In a study cited in Amy Donley’s dissertation it stated that in the mind of the public homelessness and crime are tightly interwoven.

The study conducted by Snow, Baker, and Anderson examined homeless men in Austin Texas over a twenty-seven month period. The study proved the preconception of homelessness and crime to be mostly untrue. The data gathered proved that homeless men did have a higher arrest rate then the public. However, public preconception is that the homeless commit violent crimes such as murder, assault and rape.

The study proved this misconception blatantly incorrect. The most typical arrests cited to the homeless were minor offenses including public intoxication and shoplifting, two relatively harmless crimes (Donley pg 18). The study

18 The Architecture of Homelessness

proved that although the homeless have high rates of incarceration, the misconception that they are violent is wildly untrue. During the study the homeless did commit more crimes, but they were primarily harmless crimes committed due to their nature of being homeless.

Petty Crimes: due to circumstances of being homeless

Violent Crimes

Through various studies found in Amy Donley’s dissertation, she enhances the two previously mentioned articles by defining not only the misconceptions of the homeless, but the reasons for stigmatization. She brings the stigmatization of homelessness to a new

Literature Review

19

light. Due to preconceived ideas, public opinion has defined an image or stigma surrounding homelessness, even though it is wildly untrue. Although the public claims to be willing to assist the homeless, the stigmatization and rejection from society prevents any form of change. According to Donley, the fear of the homeless to commit crime is the major reason why “citizens and local associations so often oppose the citing of homeless facilities in their neighborhoods” (Donley pg. 1).

Furthermore, the ideology found in Amy Donley’s dissertation regarding the misconception of the homeless in America can be proven true through the writing of numerous other scholars; including and article entitled Discrimination an well being amongst the homeless: the role of multiple group membership by Melissa Johnstone, Jolanda Jetten, Genevieve Dingle, Cameron Parsell, and Zoe Walter. However, this article does not only identify the causes of stigmatization and discrimination, but also studies the effects of it. According to the authors, “Pervasive dis-

crimination experienced by people who are homeless, particularly discrimination based on access to accommodation and goods and services, contributes to the high rates of poor health” (Johnstone, et al.).

The ideology of stigmatization can be broken down into three categories. The first being the evidence that the stigmatized identity of homelessness is viewed to some extent as being controllable. Because the homeless stigma is perceived as controllable (unemployment, drug addiction, etc.), they receive a higher level of discrimination than those with an uncontrollable stigma (race or gender). Second, because homeless individual are perceived as struggling and in need of care and compassion, they are not valued as fully human. According to the authors, this elicits the worst form of discrimination, disgust and contempt, equating human value with that of inanimate objects .

Third, people who are homeless are typically not only discriminated against because of their homelessness, but also because of other

20 The Architecture of Homelessness

factors including mental illness and substance abuse, therefore compounding the stigmatization of homelessness to a whole new level (Johnstone, et al.).

Again, the research from this article not only supports Amy Donley’s dissertation, but it also enhances it; taking the misconception and stigmatization of homelessness one degree further. The significance of these articles is not only to bring a new focus on the stigmatization of the homeless, but to also bring to light the effects of perception and stigmatization.

Although these articles establish a platform for further research, they do not provide a solution to the stigmatization of the homeless.

The article Revisiting the Contact Hypothesis: The Case of Public Exposure to Homelessness provides a possible solution to reduce the negative perception of homelessness. The solution is simple in theory, but much more difficult to implement. According to the authors Barrett Lee, Chad Farrell, and Bruce Link, the negative per-

ception is associated with a lack of contact with the homeless. By following the contact method, and introducing contact time with the homeless a greater understanding of homelessness can be established (Lee, et al.).

Each of the studies investigates the discrimination, stigmatization, and preconceptions of the homeless through unique methodologies. Homelessness in America: America’s perceptions, Attitudes and Knowledge and Changes in Public Attitudes and Perceptions about Homelessness Between 1990 and 2016, only began to scratch the surface by conducting surveys and establishing a misconception. Amy Donley’s dissertation The perception of Homeless People: Important Factors in Determining Perceptions of the Homeless as Dangerous went a step further and began identifying the causes of stigmatization, such as race, crime, and fear. Discrimination and well being amongst the homeless: the role of multiple group membership studied the effects of stigmatization. Finally, Revisiting the Contact Hypothesis: The Case of Public Exposure

Literature Review

21

to Homelessness provided one possible solution to reduce the stigmatization of the homeless. Combined, these articles address the foundation of the negative preconception, and ultimately provide a possible solution to end it. Taken as a whole, the articles represent

a constant pattern of information; fear is based upon misconceptions surrounding homelessness. By simply exposing these misconceptions, staged contact with the homeless can have powerful effects in removing the stigmatization of the homeless.

Participation

Integration

Social Justice Self Sufficiency

Empowerment

Equity

Self Advocacy

Cocoon DC General Olympic Sculpture Park Landing Road Residences All Square Substrate Factory WeLive Nepean Center Haircuts 4 Homeless

The Architecture of Homelessness

Butaro Hospital

22

Precedent Studies

Precedent Studies

23

Both successful and unsuccessful precedents were thoroughly studied to help develop a new typology. The studied precedents provide a wide basis for a foundation in experimentation including temporary homeless shelters, failed shelters, successful shelters, flexible buildings and parks, mental health institutions, and LoFab hospitals. Each precedent has provided a specific insight weather that be through construction, program, or design. Each lesson learned has then assisted in the development of the new shelter typology.

24

Cocoon

The Architecture of Homelessness

Description Cocoon is a temporary urban shelter designed to address the issue of homelessness . Cocoon is a portable structure made from cardboard, which was designed by Hwang Kim in 2005 (Figure 1). Hwang Kim is a designer, artist, filmmaker, product developer, and activist.

He claims to be “exploring the potential of creating tangible objects or interventions which impact at a social or behavioral level” (Kim). He was born in South Korea, where he studied at Hongik University, and later at the Royal College of Art where he earned his masters in Design Products. While studying at the Royal College of Art, Hwang Kim designed Cocoon.

Cocoon was inspired by the natural process of insects transforming into butterflies. Kim equates this process to the transformation of the homeless back into society.

He intended the portable structure to be a symbol of hope and transformation. It was designed as a dynamic structure, nomadic, and always in motion. He intended the project to act as a metaphor,

“leaving a strong impression on us,” theorizing their was hope in the end of despair (Kim).

Analysis The project is designed to be a bed for the homeless, a private shelter to provide a little pleasure for those without a permanent home (Figure 2). The shelter is designed to be light weight, durable, and transportable (Figure 3).

The project is successful in completing the goals it set to accomplish, however it does not address the major issues of homelessness.

It may provide a temporary covering, but Cocoon fails to address homelessness on a larger scale.

Form is placed before function in regards to this shelter (Figure 4). The design of the shelter is placed at the forefront, while the use and functionality are placed second . Although well conceptually thought through, well designed, and aesthetically pleasing, Cocoon is simply another object on a long list of temporary solutions.

Precedent Studies

25 Disassembeled

Assembeled

Application Although maybe beneficial for a short while, temporary solutions do little to address the issues surrounding homelessness. While temporary applications prove to be beneficial for a short time, to truly reduce the population of people living on the streets, shelters need to address the deep rooted issues of homelessness.

Why waste time designing new iterations of the same shelter when they do not address the issues of homelessness. Homelessness must be addressed as a long term rehabilitation process. By simply redesigning temporary shelters, designers are not contributing to the process of rehabilitation. Designers must think more critically about social issues as it is the social responsibility of designers to be agents of change.

26

DC General

The Architecture of Homelessness

Description The District of Columbia General Hospital was controversially closed in 2001 by Mayor Anthony Williams. It was the only publicly funded hospital in the district, providing public healthcare for those most in need. The hospital was closed as the city was attempting cut costs while recovering from bankruptcy. Shortly after its closure, the facility began to be used as a homeless shelter for nearly 240 families, or about 1,000 individuals (Austermuhle).

It did not take long for city officials and homeless advocates to realize that the facility was too large and to old to properly function as a shelter. In response, the shelter has been constantly criticized due to its inability to provide safe and adequate housing, and in 2016 mayor Muriel Bowser determined that the shelter will be closed terminally in September of 2018 (Austermuhle).

Current conditions of the shelter have been described as being inhumane. Residents of the shelter report constant crime and unsafe living conditions. Tenants report constant insects, rodents, mold, inadequate air circulation, concerns of lead paint, crumbling infrastructure, etc (Giambrone). In addition to the current inhumane

living conditions, demolition has already begun on the site before the homeless have been moved out.

This has caused a myriad of other issues including noise, dust, and contaminants. Although living conditions are not ideal, the residence of the shelter have nowhere to go. With the closing of the shelter, the tenants will end up back on the streets.

Analysis The homeless policy of the district is flawed. Due to its lack of rehabilitation and inhumane qualities, the District of Columbia General Shelter is clearly a failure. However, there are lessons to be learned from the shelter. Placing the cities population under one roof is not the solution. In doing this, the city wide shelter was unable to provide proper security, properly maintained facilities, or adequate services. The shelter was simply too large to have any quantifiable assistance.

In fact, the shelter may have done more harm than good. Residents reported increase of crime and violence among their peers (Giambrone).

Precedent Studies

27

Overcrowded

Inhumane

Application Clearly the DC General shelter is not the model for the future.

However, as a failed precedent, lessons for future growth and development can be learned from the project. While rethinking the new homeless shelter typology, considerations such as scale and programming become critical in success.

The DC shelter failed because it was not only health concern, but because it was not designed to rehabilitate the homeless. By incorporating lessons learned from successful precedents, as well as negative precedents such as DC General, the new homeless shelter typology will be purposely consciously designed; creating a space of long term healing and rehabilitation.

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Landing Road Residences Description

The Architecture of Homelessness

New York City is changing the way it faces homelessness. Mayor Bill de Blasio has initiated a new program entitled HomeStretch as part of a grand scheme to provide 200,000 affordable apartments in the next ten years. HomeStretch is an innovative program locating and co financing transitional shelters and affordable apartments throughout New York. The shelters and apartments co-exist within a single building, providing,”a physical pathway from homelessness to housing security” (New York Housing Conference). The HomeStretch model utilizes shared financing to provide cost effective shelters and rent subsidize for formerly homeless individuals.

The Landing Road Residences was the first project created under the Homestretch Program. The project is located in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx, and consists of 135 permanent units and a 200 bed transitional shelter. According to the architect, “The housing portion has bay window projections which enhance the small efficiency units as well as create a vibrant façade. The shelter portion has ten dormitories with en-suite bathrooms and expan-

sive windows providing daylight” (Edelman Sultan Knox Wood Architects). In addition to housing, on site social services are provided including workforce development training, employee retention, and housing retention services.

Analysis The Landing Road Residences is a unique project that is just beginning to scratch the surface of homeless rehabilitation. It has been extremely successful in providing rehabilitation, and below market rent rates. This initiative has begun to transform the neighborhood by taking homeless individuals off the street. The project is really the first long term shelter to address the deep rooted causes of homelessness. By combining rehabilitation, as well as short term and long term housing, the shelter is addressing homelessness three dimensionally. In addition to the newly redefined function, the shelter has begun to transform public opinion of shelters. The Landing Road Residences is an example of positive architectural intervention, using good design to transform a community.

Precedent Studies

29

Application Addressing homelessness on a long term basis has proven to be more successful than through temporary solutions. By addressing homelessness as a chronic long term three dimensional issue, shelter design can have a quantifiable impact on the homeless population. The Landing Road Residences prove that the application of rehabilitation and housing co-existing within one building quantifiably reduces homelessness and promotes community growth. Additionally, the project also supports the importance of architecture and design, being an example of how design can positively impact perception.

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Substrate Factory Description

The Architecture of Homelessness

The substrate factory Ayase was designed by Aki Hamada, a Japanese architectural firm in 2017. Aki Hamada was founded in 2014 as a firm challenging traditional building typology, and the Substrate factory is a perfect example of this.

The project was desired to be as multipurpose community space adjacent to a factory. In Kangawa Japan, housing and industry coexists, and according to the architect, the design acts as a mediator between the two (Frearson).

The project is a two story community and event spaces focused around adaptability and functionality. The desire for the building to be multi-purposed required the building design to incorporate adaptability on both the exterior and interior. The exterior walls consist of two layers; an exterior layer of semi-transparent moveable panels that create stripes of solid and void, and an interior layer of the wall consists of transparent removable glass panels. The unique design of the exterior walls provide for the ultimate user adaptability. The interior of the building is designed with a similar degree of flexibility.

The design of the building utilizes a flexible system of partition walls. A system utilizing ceiling and floor tracks, again allowing for the ultimate user adaptability (Hamada).The project is designed to be a bed for the homeless, a private shelter to provide a little pleasure for those without a permanent home (Figure 2). The

shelter is designed to be light weight, durable, and transportable (Figure 3). The project is successful in completing the goals it set to accomplish, however it does not address the major issues of homelessness. It may provide a temporary covering, but Cocoon fails to address homelessness on a larger scale. Form is placed before function in regards to this shelter (Figure 4). The design of the shelter is placed at the forefront, while the use and functionality are placed second . Although well conceptually thought through, well designed, and aesthetically pleasing, Cocoon is simply another object on a long list of temporary solutions.

Analysis The building has been a huge success for the community of Kanagawa, Japan. The building was designed without a program, however it has led to one of the most user specific buildings in the world.

Users are able to customize the spaces they are utilizing to tailor to their individual needs. Not only has the building been a success based on functionality, but it has also become a success mediating the factory with the neighborhood. According to the architect, “the place has been accepted by the community as a place where people gather, while changing day to day with the active involvement of various people� (Hamada).

A

B

Precedent Studies

31

A

B

Application The flexibility and adaptability of the Substrate Factory has been a huge success as a newly defined building typology. The project allows for various uses by different groups of individuals. A similar ideology and practice can be applied to homeless shelters on a larger scale. By introducing flexibility and adaptability like that of the substrate Factory, a homeless shelter too can provide the ultimate user satisfaction. The building design could allow for the response to need. By allowing the shelter to adapt to the needs of the community, homeless shelters can begin to address the deeply rooted issues of homelessness.

32

WeLive

The Architecture of Homelessness

Description Community based housing is not a new idea. In fact, the concept of community based living was thought to be created in Denmark in the 1960’s, however, the ideology of community based living has survived since the beginning of mankind. The idea of community based living has evolved over time to include an array of community based living activities including: working, living, cooking, entertaining, etc. Typically community based living includes communal spaces such as: kitchens, lounges, courtyards, recreational facilities, and meeting rooms. These spaces provide a space for individuals to eat, socialize, celebrate, and live together. There are many reasons people are attracted to community based living; while amenities may vary, community based living installs a sense of trust, support, and cooperation between its participants (Chandler).

WeLive, a sister company to revolutionary community based workspace design company WeWork is an example to the response in attraction to community based living.

We Live, a residential block in New York’s financial district consists of 200 fully furnished and serviced residential units. The project is described as a “disruptive alternative to the way people live” (Winston).

Analysis Community based living is an extremely successful response toward to an evolving societal demographic. Although, due to cost, WeLive is not necessarily a positive contribution to market rate housing in New York, the benefits of community based living have been established. The project has been extremely successful in establishing community driven living and housing. The project has further proved the benefits and validity of community based living, even in harshly independent cities such as New York City. The project has indeed established a larger sense of trust, support, and cooperation between its participants compared to traditional residential programs.

Precedent Studies

33

Lasting Relationships

Responsibility

Trust

Mutual Support

Application According to company WeLive, the project is “Built with a focus on community and functionality. WeLIVE enables people to focus on what’s most important to them�

(Winston). This same ideology and result can be applied to homeless shelters. By introducing community based living to homeless shelters, the same level of trust, support, and cooperation can be established. These characteristics would then aid in the rehabilitation of the homeless. The homeless would subconsciously form bonds, and focus on rehabilitation over housing. The homeless could then hold one another responsible for their rehabilitation, therefore not only increasing rehabilitation, but increasing the long term support group of the homeless.

34

Nepean Center Description

The Architecture of Homelessness

Nepean Mental Health Center, a mental health facility located in Kingswood, Australia was created in response to the need to accommodate new mental health facilities in the city. The center consists of 64 mental health beds servicing high dependency and mental health services. Additionally, the facility includes both inpatient and outpatient facilities. According to the architect, Woods Bagot, an internationally renowned design firm, “The Nepean Mental Health Center is an example of how mental health care is shifting towards regenerative, healing, environments for recovery” (Woods Bagot).

The facility has placed a focus on healing by design, incorporating positive uplifting spaces. The project consists of hard steel and a glazed exterior that relates to the adjacent hospital buildings, while providing interiors that create a sense of humanity that provide the facility with a noninstitutional feel. Additionally, each patient room has been placed adjacent to an interior courtyard.

The therapeutic interior courtyards “create connectivity and

engage users with a tapestry of landscaping that changes with the passing of time” (Woods Bagot).

Social settings throughout the interior and exterior spaces are designed for interaction and community living. With a constant view to a courtyard, the design creates a sense of natural regeneration, allowing for rehabilitation and personal regeneration to become tangible. Through intentional design, Woods Bagot has created “an environment that acts as a catalyst for the healing process” (Woods Bagot).

Analysis By reinterpreting mental health rehabilitation, the Nepean Mental Health Center provides a new foundation for mental health care. The project is successful in that it utilizes design throughout the rehabilitation process to reengage and assist patients. The center proves the positive effects of design, and how simple architectural interventions can play a large impact on the rehabilitation process.

The root of homelessness can be attributed to many different factors. However, approximately 33 percent, or about one third of all homeless individuals have a mental illness that goes untreated (Mondics). By studying and implementing successful mental health design interventions found at facilities such as Nepean Mental Health Center, homeless shelter rehabilitation can be readdressed.

Utilizing architectural interventions such as materials, programming, and access to sunlight and vegetation, homeless shelter rehabilitation can be improved. By providing proper care and ultimately reducing mental illness among homeless individual, homelessness can be reduced.

Precedent Studies

35

Application

36

Butaro Hospital Description

The Architecture of Homelessness

A model of Architecture Serving Society (MASS) was founded in 2008 as a non- profit design firm that advocates for architecture that promotes justice and human dignity. The design group was established by Michael Murphy and Alan Ricks in response to their thesis work while studying at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

In collaboration with Partners in Health, the pair assisted in the design and development of the Butaro District Hospital in Butaro, Rwanda. The project set the foundation for the ideology and philosophy of MASS, a firm rethinking the significance and practice of architecture.

In 2008, the Burero District in the Northern Province of Rwanda was the last district of Rwanda without a single hospital or even doctor. In response, MASS Design Group was brought in by Partners in Health lead by Dr. Paul Farmer to respond the issue. The new facility which opened in 2011, was designed to mitigate and reduce the transmission of airborne diseases. MASS rethought the typology of a hospital, and simply flipped the most contagious areas, the hallways, to the exterior. A simple and efficient solution to a complex problem. Additionally,

MASS went beyond health, and also helped to address community based issues. By using local materials, the design and construction of the hospital included teaching skills of construction to the local workforce. The project delivered not only a hospital, but a sustainable, site-appropriate design, that stimulated the economy (DesignBoom).

Analysis The Butaro District Hospital has been a huge success in Rwanda, so much so that the project has been used as a model for future development and reform. It drastically reduced the transmission of air air borne disease, and increased recovery time. Along side Partners in Health, MASS has also begun to revise and rewrite the health codes of Rwanda. Additionally, the project was a huge success as an agent of community development. The project has revised the construction typology; by not only using local materials and workforce, but also teaching new skills, the hospital has been a massive asset to the community. The design of the hospital has created lasting benefits not only in health, but by teaching new occupational skills.

The Butaro hospital has set a precedent that construction typology can reassessed. The project benefited the community of Butaro by teaching new skills, ultimately reestablishing sense of dignity and responsibility within Butaro. The same ideology can be applied to homeless shelters. Like in Butaro, by inviting the community and the homeless to become invested in their own rehabilitation, the new shelter typology can reestablish a sense of dignity and responsibility within he homeless community. Becoming involved will not only benefit the homeless temporarily by providing a home, but long term by creating responsibility and teaching new skills.

Precedent Studies

37

Application

38

Programming Site Streetscape Public Park Private Courtyards/Terraces

Building

The Architecture of Homelessness

Living Rehabilitating Educating Integrating Supporting

Programming

39

Utilizing the lessons learned from both the successful and unsuccessful precedents researched, a new program has been established. A program for both site and building. The programmatic elements are not unique in their own right, but when combined together create a new typology that addresses each of the unique causes of homelessness.

The purpose of the new program is to bring together the successful components of rehabilitation, and for the first time, bring them together under one roof to create a facility that tailors to the exact causes of homelesness and attempts to address them through various programmatic spaces.

40

Site Program

Site

The Architecture of Homelessness

Simply put, the addition of green space in urban environments has numerous environmental benefits.

In urban environments, the addition of green space can help to regulate climate by reducing energy consumption and countering the heat island effects of impermeable surfaces. In addition, green spaces can improve air quality be removing pollutants and providing fresh air. Green spaces have also been proven to help to regulate water quality by reducing surface runoff and drainage overload.

In addition, numerous studies have proven the benefits of access to green space on the health and wellbeing of humans. Having access to green spaces can reduce health inequalities, improve well-being, and aid in treatment of mental illness. Urban green spaces have been proven to: improve general mood and behavior, reduce stress, increase recovery time, improve mental health and functioning, and improve mindfulness and creativity. The simple addition of urban green space numerous health and well-being benefits not only for the rehabilitation of homeless people, but also for the communities in which the shelters serve.

Urban green spaces assist in growing and creating safer communities. Access to green spaces has been proven to reduce crime rates by increasing self-esteem, as well as providing opportunities for social interaction to take place.

Green spaces reduce social isolation by creating gathering places that create close-knit communities and improve well-being, ultimately increasing neighborhood safety. In a study conducted at a Chicago public housing development, residents of buildings with more trees and grass reported that they knew their neighbors better, socialized with them more often, and had stronger feelings of community.

The site surrounding the newly defined building typology will have numerous environmental benefits, play a vital role in the rehabilitation process, and strengthen the communities in which they are placed. The program of the surrounding site can be broken down into three categories, the streetscape, park space, and courtyards/rooftop terraces. Each category, a unique element that may or may not be required or feasible on every site.

Programming

41

Courtyards & Balconies The courtyards and semi-private rooftop terraces provide a similar function as the park space, but more private. These spaces will provide direct benefit to the rehabilitation process as users of the building will have constant views and access to this environmental amenity. Much like the public park space, the courtyards and rooftop terraces will provide not only environmental, health, and psychological, but they will also serve as a programmatic element where healthy rehabilitative relationships can grow.

42 The Architecture of Homelessness

Public Park

Streetscape

The park space will serve as a public amenity, not only providing a benefit in the rehabilitation of homeless people, but by also providing valuable green space for the communities in which it is placed. It will become a key gathering spaces in addition to providing both environmental and health benefits for the surrounding communities. The park space will be an extension of the streetscape, including many similar elements such as permeable surfaces, vegetation, benches, and lights, while also introducing:

The streetscape can be defined as the street and adjacent transition space for reaching the building or site. The streetscape plays a vital role in any urban infill project, it helps to define the site and provide for a location for transition from the street to the building. The streetscape, required by code also extends the sidewalk, allowing for a walkable and inviting environment. Additionally, the streetscape plays a vital role, as it is the first impression that a visitor or passerby interacts with. It is a programmatic element that allows for the use of the building to first be expressed. The streetscape is an extension of the site, which will respond to the coexistence of natural and urban ecology by providing:

Pathways - Pathways will serve as a place for relaxation for both homeless people and the community, as well as providing a place for the possibility of relationships to grow between the general public and homeless individuals.

Community Garden - A community garden will be utilized to further tie the shelter to the community while simultaneously providing a food source for homeless people and the community. It will serve as a place where once again, relationships between the homeless and the public can become intertwined.

Permeable Surfaces - Surfaces that provide for adequate drainage, an attempt to returning to natural drainage and ecology.

Vegetation - Vegetation provides many health and ecological benefits, as well as a sensory and visual interference of the harsh built environment.

Programming

43

Benches - A place for visitors or pedestrians to gather, converse, or rest.

N

E

S

Street Lights - Streetlights provide a sense of safety and security for drivers, riders, and pedestrians, and extend hours for which activity can occur.

W

Bike Racks - Bike racks play a vital role as most homeless individuals due not own cars or have money for public transportation, so they rely on bicycles for transportation.

W N

E

S

The Architecture of Homelessness

44

Building Program

Programming

45

General Current homeless shelter design, or lack there of simply does not work. Current shelters and transitional housing do not provide long term housing options, they do not rehabilitate, they do not educate, and they do not integrate with the community. When any one of these variables are missing, the rehabilitation process is insufficient and does not provide justice for those involved. Hence, a new shelter typology must be introduced. A shelter typology that challenges the existing typology of homeless shelters. A new typology which introduces a new dynamic program that addresses and introduces new programmatic elements and attributes of healing.

A new typology that challenges the status quo and addresses the perceived needs versus actual needs of its users. A new functional typology which rehabilitates, educates, and integrates within the urban fabric and community it is placed. Ultimately, a new shelter typology that works.

In order to react to the existing or lack of an existing shelter typology, a new typology must respond to the programmatic needs for success. The needs of the new

typology can simply be broken into a taxonomy of five categories: living, rehabilitating, teaching, integrating, and supporting. None of the categories unique or innovative in themselves, but when collated together create powerful change in the social well-being of homeless individuals. Each category unique within itself, but when brought together create the opportunity for spaces that not only address the stigmatization of homeless shelters, but also begin to address issues within homeless populations. Each category can then respond as programmatic element of tangible space, offering an innovative combination of rehabilitation on one site.

Living Emergency Shelter Semi-Private Private(Couples) Private(Families)

Rehabilitating Rehabilitation Space Pharmacy/Clinic

Educating Classrooms Digital Laboratory Fabrication Laboratory

Integrating Retail/Restaurant Space Non-Profit Office Space Library

Supporting Security Laundry Services Toilet Rooms

Homeless

Shelter

Independence

48 The Architecture of Homelessness

1. Living Emergency based shelter use is currently at an all-time high: in the single adult system the average daily census has increased 33% over the last three years and length of stay has risen 20% (BRC).

Not only will the new shelter typology address this by providing traditional emergency-based housing, but longer-term subsidized housing will also be provided to assist the transition of homeless families and individuals from the streets into permanent homes.

By providing a tiered system of housing, the newly defined shelters will assist in the process of homelessness to home under one single roof. Homeless people will no longer need to transition between traditional shelter types based on their housing status, but rather the process of rehabilitation will occur in one location.

Resulting in the acclimation to society being much smoother. The programmatic living spaces will be divided into four categories based on need and relationship: Unit A - Open Shelter - Emergency housing will be required to house people on a temporary basis. Spatial requirements will potentially decrease over time, ultimately reducing the need for emergencybased housing entirely.

Unit B - Semi-private Room (Singles) – The semi-private rooms will resemble dormitory style living, a step between emergency based hous-

ing and full independence.

Unit C - Private Room (Couples) – The first of the private rooms will be a space meant for sharing between people with close and personal relationships. A private room that will allow for one more step towards independency.

Unit D - Private Room (Families) – The second of the private rooms will be a space meant for families with children. A space that provides privacy, security, and independence for families to grow.

The housing program of the new typology will represent community-based living. The spaces will provide semi-private or private sleeping arrangements with centrally located shared spaces including kitchens, living, and community building spaces. The spaces provide a healthy relationship between private and public, balancing the two social components.

The spaces will provide for both independent and community-based growth of trust, social skills, and lasting supporting relationships. People become homeless for many reasons, but regardless of their path into homelessness, the path out for most is simply a home they can afford. A stable living environment is a critical factor in recovery of homeless individuals and families.

1.1 Open Shelter Emergency housing will be required to house people on a temporary basis.

Spatial requirements will potentially decrease over time,ultimately reducing the need for emergency-based housing entirely.

1

1

1.1 Open Shelter Emergency housing will be required to house people on a temporary basis.

Spatial requirements will potentially decrease over time,ultimately reducing the need for emergency-based housing entirely.

elter

1

using will be required to e on a temporary basis. irements will potentially r time,ultimately reducing r emergency-based housing

ivate

vate rooms will resemble yle living, a step between sed housing and full inde-

1 2

Homeless individuals typically lack 1.3 1 access andSemi-Private(Couples) funding for required medication. By providing access to rehaThe first of the private rooms will be bilitative pharmaceuticals, a new a space meant for sharing between focus can be placed on rehabilitation. people with close and personal relationships. A private room that will allow for a closer step towards independence.

of the private rooms will be meant for sharing between th close and personal relaA private room that will a closer step towards inde-

y

2

2.3 Medical Clinic Homelessness increases the risk of developing health problems such as poor dental hygiene, skin diseases, eating disorders and diseases relating to addiction. By providing access to proper medical attention, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation.

1

1.4 Private (Families)

1.3

1.3 Semi-Private(Couples)

The first of the private rooms will be a space meant for sharing between people with close and personal relationships. A private room that will Semi-Private(Couples) allow for a closer step towards independence.

The first of the private rooms will be 2.2 Pharmacy a space meant for sharing between people with close and personal relaHomeless individuals typically lack tionships. A private room that will access and funding for required mediallow for a closer step towards indecation. By providing access to rehapendence. bilitative pharmaceuticals, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation.

2

2.2 Pharmacy

dividuals typically lack unding for required mediproviding access to rehapharmaceuticals, a new placed on rehabilitation.

The semi-private rooms will resemble dormitory style living, a step between emergency based housing and full independence.

1

1.2 Semi-Private The semi-private rooms will resemble dormitory style living, a step between emergency based housing and full independence.

Private(Couples)

1.2 Semi-Private

The semi-private rooms will resemble dormitory style living, a step between emergency based housing and full independence.

1

2

1.2 Semi-Private

Programming

1

2.3 Medical Clinic Homelessness increases the risk of developing health problems such as poor 1.4 Private (Families) 1dental hygiene, skin diseases, eating disorders and diseases relating to will ad- be The second of the private rooms diction.

By meant providing to with proper a space for access families chilmedical attention, a new focus can be dren. A space that provides privacy, placed on rehabilitation. security, and independence for fami-

1

1.4 Private (Families) lies

2

The second of the private rooms will be a space meant for families with children. A space that provides privacy, security, and independence for families Medical Clinic 2.3 Homelessness increases the risk of developing health problems such as poor dental hygiene, skin diseases, eating disorders and diseases relating to addiction. By providing access to proper 2.4 Group Therapy 2 medical attention, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation.Group therapy is a vital component of

the rehabilitation process. By providing group therapy, once again strong relationships can be formed

2

2.1 Waiting Room

50

2. Rehabilitating

The Architecture of Homelessness

Providing housing may be the first step to removing people from the street, but it is not the sole solution to keeping people off of the streets. In combination with a newly defined typology of transitional housing, the new shelter typology will also assist in the complicated rehabilitation process of homeless people. In addition to the obvious lack of housing, people become homeless for many reasons: addiction, substance abuse, mental health challenges, domestic abuse, and previous institutionalization. Providing a platform for change, rehabilitation spaces will be broken into programmatic spaces that respond to each of the causes of homelessness.

Mental Health - 30-35% of those experiencing homelessness, and up to 75% of women experiencing homelessness, have mental illnesses (Homeless Hub). By providing a facility that’s helps to address mental illness, proper care can be provided in the facility that people live. No longer will separate facilities be required, and a greater number of homeless individuals will have access to proper care.

Substance Abuse – Homelessness and substance abuse are tightly interwoven. 38% of homeless people living on the streets abuse alcohol, and about 26% of homeless individuals abuse drugs other than alcohol (Michaels House). Again, by providing in facility care, one more cause of homelessness can be potentially eliminated.

Pharmacy/Health Clinic - Homeless individuals typically lack access and funding for required medication. In addition, homelessness increases the risk of developing health problems such as poor dental hygiene, skin diseases, eating disorders and diseases relating to addiction. By providing access to rehabilitative pharmaceuticals and proper medical attention, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation.

1

elter

The semi-private rooms will resemble dormitory style living, a step between emergency based housing and full independence.

1

1

1.1 Open Shelter

1.2 Semi-Private

Emergency housing will be required to house people on a temporary basis.

Spatial requirements will potentially decrease over time,ultimately reducing the need for emergency-based housing entirely.

The semi-private rooms will resemble dormitory style living, a step between emergency based housing and full independence.

amilies)

2

2.1 Waiting Room

e private rooms will be vate or families with chilthat provides ate rooms willprivacy, resemble ndependence le living, a for step famibetween ed housing and full inde-

1

Waiting rooms will serve as a gather1.3 Semi-Private(Couples)

1

1.2 Semi-Private The semi-private rooms will resemble dormitory style living, a step between emergency based housing and full independence.

2

ing space for natural relationships to growfirst between homeless individuals The of the private rooms will and be members. acommunity space meant for sharing between people with close and personal relationships. A private room that will 1.3 Semi-Private(Couples) 1 allow for a closer step towards independence.

The first of the private rooms will be a space meant for sharing between people with close and personal relationships. A private room that will allow for a closer step towards independence.

2.1 Waiting Room Waiting rooms will serve as a gathering space for natural relationships to grow between homeless individuals and community members.

rivate(Couples)

2 1

of the private rooms will be meant for sharing between h close and personal relaA private room that will a closer step towards inde-

1

2.2 Pharmacy 1.4 Private (Families)

Homeless individuals typically lack access andoffunding for required mediThe second the private rooms will be By providing access to chilrehaacation. space meant for families with bilitative pharmaceuticals, a new dren. A space that provides privacy, focus can and be placed on rehabilitation. security, independence for families

1.3 Semi-Private(Couples)

1

The first of the private rooms will be a space meant for sharing between people with close and personal relationships. A private room that will allow for a closer step towards independence.

2

2.2 Pharmacy

y

Homeless individuals typically lack access and funding for required medication. By providing access to rehabilitative pharmaceuticals, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation.

dividuals typically lack unding for required mediroviding access to rehapharmaceuticals, a new placed on rehabilitation.

1

2

2 2.3 Medical Clinic

1.4 Private (Families) The second of the private rooms will be a space meant for families with children. A space that provides privacy, security, and independence for families

2.3 Medical Clinic

Homelessness increases the risk of developing health problems such as poor dental hygiene, skin diseases, eating Homelessness increases the risk of dedisorders and poor diseases relating to adveloping health problems such as diction. By providing access to proper dental hygiene, skin diseases, eating a new focus can be medical attention, disorders and diseases relating to adplaced on rehabilitation.

diction. By providing access to proper medical attention, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation. 2.1 Waiting Room

2

1.4 Private (Families) The second of the private rooms will be a space meant for families with children. A space that provides privacy, security, and independence for families

2

erapy

Clinic

is also a vital compoehabilitation process. increases the risk of de- 3 s counseling th for problems such ascan poor eply rooted issues of e, skin diseases, eating

diseases relating to adroviding access to proper tion, a new focus can be abilitation.

2 Therapy

apy is a vital component of litation process. By providtherapy, once again strong ips can be formed

3

2.3 Medical Clinic Homelessness increases the risk of developing health problems such as poor dental hygiene, skin diseases, eating disorders and diseases relating to addiction. By providing access to proper 3.1 Classroom medical attention, a new focus can be on rehabilitation.

By placed providing spaces for education and

3 2

Providing tangible fabrication and trade-based skills can provide an additional outlet for occupational opportunities not requiring formal education.

2.5 Private Therapy

2

3.1 Classroom

2.4 Group Therapy Group therapy is a vital component of

the rehabilitation process. By providBy providing spaces for education and ing group therapy, once again strong 2.4 Group Therapy knowledge, homeless relationships can be formed Individuals will be provided with more Group therapy is a vital component of opportunities to gain fundamental life the rehabilitation process. By providand job skills to end the cycle of poving group therapy, once again strong erty. relationships can be formed

2

2.4 Group Therapy

3.2 Fabrication Lab

2

Waiting rooms will serve as a gathering space for natural relationships to grow between homeless individuals and community members.

knowledge, homeless Individuals will be provided with more opportunities to gain fundamental life and job skills to end the cycle of poverty.

Group therapy is a vital component of the rehabilitation process. By providing group therapy, once again strong relationships can be formed

Programming

using will be required to on a temporary basis. irements will potentially r time,ultimately reducing r emergency-based housing

1.2 Semi-Private

2

2.5 Private Therapy

3

3.2 Fabrication Lab

2.5 Private Therapy

Private therapy is also a vital component of the rehabilitation process.

Providing spaces for counseling can Private therapy is also a vital address the compodeeply rooted issues of nent of the rehabilitation process. homelessness.

Providing tangible fabrication and

Providing trade-basedspaces skills for can counseling provide an can adaddress deeply issues opof ditional the outlet for rooted occupational homelessness.

3.3 formal Digital eduLab 3 portunities not requiring cation.

By providing access to and teaching of technology, new skills and knowledge can be formulated. In addition, providing access to occupational and general information can keep the homeless population informed.

3

3.1 Classroom

52 The Architecture of Homelessness

3. Educating Another major cause of homelessness is lack of education and inadequate educational opportunities for homeless individuals. 50% of all homeless individuals in New York City shelters don’t have a high school diploma; meaning they can’t read or write at a level required to get a decent job.

This permanently sentences homeless people to low-wage, dead-end jobs, or no employment prospects at all. With a lack of education and skills, homeless individuals are left with few opportunities for employment to end the cycle of poverty. Providing spaces to educate the homeless is not a permanent solution, but it is a stepping stone in a long-term solution to end homelessness. The program of education-based spaces will include: Classrooms – By providing spaces for education and knowledge, homeless individuals will be provided with more opportunities to gain fundamental life and job skills to end the cycle of poverty.

Maker/Fabrication Space – Providing tangible fabrication and trade-based skills can provide an additional outlet for occupational

opportunities not requiring formal education.

Computer/Technology Lab – The 21st century society is deeply rooted in technology. By providing access to and teaching of technology, new skills and knowledge can be formulated. In addition, providing access to occupational and general information can keep the homeless population informed.

bilitative pharmaceuticals, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation.

Programming

3

herapy

1

By providing spaces and 1.3education Semi-Private(Couples) 1 for knowledge, homeless The first of the private rooms will be Individuals will be provided with more a space meant for sharing between opportunities to gain fundamental lifeand personal relapeople with close and job skills to end the cycle of povtionships.

A private room that will allow for a closer step towards indeerty.

1.2 Semi-Private

y is also a vital comporehabilitation process. es for counseling can eeply rooted issues of

3.1 Classroom

The semi-private rooms will resemble dormitory style living, a step between emergency based housing and full independence.

pendence.

2

2

2.2 Pharmacy Homeless individuals typically lack access and funding for required medication. By providing access to rehabilitative pharmaceuticals, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation.

y

dividuals typically lack funding for required mediproviding access to reha- 3 pharmaceuticals, a new placed on rehabilitation.

2

Homelessness increases the risk of developing health problems such as poor hygiene, skin diseases, eating 2.3 Medical Clinic dental disorders and diseases relating to addiction. By providing access to proper Homelessness increases the attention, risk of demedical a new focus can be placed such on rehabilitation. veloping health problems as poor

dental hygiene, skin diseases, disorders and diseases relating diction. By providing access to medical attention, a new focus placed on rehabilitation.

3.1 Classroom By providing spaces for education and knowledge, homeless Individuals will be provided with more opportunities to gain fundamental life and job skills to end the cycle of poverty.

3

2

2.3 Medical Clinic

3.2 Fabrication Lab Providing tangible fabrication and trade-based skills can provide an additional outlet for occupational opportunities not requiring formal education.

2

2.3 Medical Clinic

2.4 Group Therapy

Homelessness increases the risk of developing health problems such as poor dental hygiene, skin diseases, eating disorders and diseases relating to addiction. By providing access to proper medical attention, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation.

Space

3

3.2 Fabrication Lab

Group therapy is a vital component of the rehabilitation process. By providing group therapy, once again strong relationships can be formed

4

Providing tangible fabrication and trade-based skills can provide an additional outlet for occupational opportunities not requiring formal education.

ce can provide direct upational opportunities dividuals living within ssentially establishing sed relationship.

4

4.3 Library

3

3.3 Digital Lab By providing access to and teaching of

technology, skills and knowledge Libraries do not only act as new a space can be formulated. for knowledge and learning, but as In a addition, providing access to occupational and genspace for growing relationships, gatheral information can keep the homeless ering, and community population growth. informed.

4.3 Library Libraries do not only act as a space for knowledge and learning, but as a space for growing relationships, gathering, and community growth.

tion Lab

eating to adproper can be

3

angible fabrication and skills can provide an adlet for occupational opnot requiring formal edu-

3.3 Digital Lab By providing access to and teaching of technology, new skills and knowledge can be formulated. In addition, providing access to occupational and general information can keep the homeless population informed.

4 3

3.3 Digital Lab

4.4 Non-profit Space By providing spaces for neighborhood

54

4. Integrating

The Architecture of Homelessness

The new shelter typology will act as more than just a newly defined homeless shelter, but as a community center. A place utilized by both homeless people and the general public; a space of community growth and integration. For the shelters to be successful they must be seen as a space of positivity and inclusion by all. Not only do homeless individuals benefit from the new shelter typology, but so do the communities in which they are placed. If homeless shelters can be viewed in a positive way, communities will begin to assist in the rehabilitation of homeless people. Community based programming includes spaces for: Community Non-profit/Neighborhood Groups – Non-for-profit and neighborhood groups typically address and protect topics rooted within neighborhoods. By providing spaces for neighborhood groups, the new shelter typology will instantly become connected to the communities in which they are located.

Retail/Restaurant Space – Retail and restaurant space can provide direct skill and occupational opportunities for homeless individuals living within the shelter,

essentially establishing a live/ work-based relationship.

These types of spaces could help to balance the requirement for housing, as well as providing a benefit for the community.

Library – Libraries do not only act as a space for knowledge and learning, but as a space for community growth.

The community-based spaces will be utilized by homeless individuals and the general public, opening a new undiscovered relationship and interaction between the two diverse and different social groups.

The importance of community regeneration and integration cannot be stressed enough; the community spaces will tie the homeless shelter to the community and the community to the homeless shelter, providing a mutual benefit for both user groups.

l Lab

is also a vital compo2 ehabilitation g access to andprocess. teaching of esnew forskills counseling can and knowledge eply rooted issues of promulated.

In addition,

ss to occupational and genation can keep the homeless informed.

2.5 Private Therapy

4 Private therapy is also a vital component of the rehabilitation process.

Providing spaces for counseling can address the deeply rooted issues of 2.2 Pharmacy 2 homelessness.

Homeless individuals typically lack access and funding for required medication. By providing access to rehabilitative pharmaceuticals, a new focus can be placed on rehabilitation.

3 4 Space

ce can provide direct skill ational opportunities for dividuals living within the ssentially establishing a ased relationship.

4

By providing spaces for education and knowledge, homeless 3.1 Classroom 3 Individuals will be provided with more 4.1 Retail Space opportunities to gain fundamental By providinglife spaces for education and and job skills to end the knowledge, cycle of homeless povIndividuals will be provided with more Retail space can provide direct skill erty. opportunities to gain fundamental life and occupational opportunities for and2.3 jobMedical skills to end the cycle of povClinic 2 erty. within the homeless individuals living shelter, essentially establishing a Homelessness increases the risk of delive/work-based relationship. veloping health problems such as poor

3 4

4.2 Restaurant Space 4 3.2 Fabrication Lab Restaurant space can provide direct 4.2 Restaurant Space skill and occupational opportunities

Providing tangible fabrication and for homeless individuals living within shelter, essentially establishing trade-based skills can can the provide an adRestaurant space provide direct a live /work based ditional for occupational op- relationship. skill andoutlet occupational opportunities portunities requiringliving formalwithin edufor homeless not individuals cation. the shelter, essentially establishing

4

4.2 Restaurant Space

5

4

5

4.3 Library

Libraries do not only act as a space 5.2 Management Space for knowledge and learning, but as a 3.3 for Digital Labrelationships, gathgrowing 3 space

Management of and users and growth. modules will ering, community By providing access andsuccess teaching of be extremely important in to the technology, new skills and knowledge of the system.

Space will be provided can be formulated. In addition, profor caretakers management. vidingand access to occupational and gen-

5

5.2 Management Space Management of users and modules will be extremely important in the success of the system. Space will be provided for caretakers and management.

4

5.3 Laundry Laundry and hygiene services are extremely important in altering and protecting the image of homeless individuals.

4.3 Library Libraries do not only act as a space for knowledge and learning, but as a space for growing relationships, gathering, and community growth.

Management of users and modules will be extremely important in the success of the system. Space will be provided for caretakers and management.

5

4.3 Library

Libraries do not only act eral as information a space can keep the homeless population informed. for knowledge and learning, but as a space for growing relationships, gathering, and community growth.

e can provide direct pational opportunities dividuals living within sentially establishing sed relationship.

5.2 Management Space

eating to adproper can be

a live /work based relationship.

Restaurant space can provide direct rity Desk skill and occupational opportunities 3.2 Fabrication Labliving within for homeless individuals 3 ity desk acts as a managerial the shelter, essentially establishing Providing tangible fabrication and /work based relationship. t to help keep track of indi- a live trade-based skills can provide an adentering and exiting the ditional outlet for occupational opSpace As well as acting as a first portunities not requiring formal education. contact.

5

3.1 Classroom

dental hygiene, skin diseases, disorders and diseases relating diction. By providing access to medical attention, a new focus placed on rehabilitation.

3.1 Classroom 4.1 Retail Space By providing spaces for education and Retail space homeless can provide direct skill knowledge, and occupational Individuals will beopportunities provided with for more homeless individuals living within the opportunities to gain fundamental life shelter, essentially establishing a and job skills to end the cycle of povlive/work-based relationship. erty.

Programming

3

erapy

5.3 Laundry Laundry and hygiene services are extremely important in altering and protecting the image of homeless individuals.

5 4

5.3 Laundry 4.4 Non-profit Space

Laundry and hygiene services are extremely important in altering and proBy providing spaces for neighborhood tectingand the non-profits, image of homeless individgroups the new sheluals.typology will instantly become ter connected to the communities in which they are located.

5

5.4 Kitchen Providing spaces for cooking will provide new skills as well as provide independence.

Collaborative kitchens will also provide spaces for new relationships to grow.

56

5. Supporting Like every building, the new shelter typology will require a series of supporting spaces, spaces that allow the building to function and operate smoothly. Spaces that allow for the shelter to operate at full functionality to truly assist in the rehabilitation process. These spaces include:

The Architecture of Homelessness

Security/Front Desk Front/Management Offices Rehabilitation Offices Toilet Rooms Laundry Room Janitor Room Storage Facilities

Programming

5 4

t Space Space

4.1 Retail Space 4 spaces for neighborhood e can provide direct skill

-profits, the new shel- for tional opportunities will instantly become the dividuals living within he communities in which a ssentially establishing ed. ased relationship.

5

5.1 Security Desk

4

4.2 Restaurant Space

5

5.2 Management Space

4

4.3 Libraryof users and modules will Management 4.3 Library 4 be extremely important in the success Libraries do not onlywill act be as provided a space Libraries do not only act as a spac of the system.

Space knowledge for caretakers knowledge and learning,forbut as a and learning, but as for and management. space for growing relationships, gath space for growing relationships, gathering, and community growth. ering, and community growth.

Restaurant space can provide direct skill and occupational opportunities for homeless individuals living within the shelter, essentially establishing a live /work based relationship.

5

5

5.2 Management Space Management of users and modules will be extremely important in the success of the system. Space will be provided for caretakers and management.

Management of users and modules will 4.3 success Library 4 the be extremely important in of the system. Space will be provided Libraries do not only act as a space for caretakers and management. for knowledge and learning, but as a

giene services are exnt in altering and proge of homeless individ-

5.3 Laundry Laundry and hygiene services are extremely important in altering and protecting the image of homeless individuals.

5

5.2 Management Space

5.2 Management Space

Management of users and be extremely important in of the system. Space will for caretakers and manage

The security desk acts as a managerial checkpoint to help keep track of individuals entering and exiting the building. As well as acting as a first point of contact.

aSpace managerial rack of indice can provide direct exiting the pational opportunities ng as a first dividuals living within ssentially establishing sed relationship.

5

Restaurant space can provide direct checkpoint help keep track of indiRestaurant space can provide direct skill and to occupational opportunities skill and occupational viduals entering and exiting the opportunities for homeless individuals living within for homeless individuals building.

As well as acting as a first living within the shelter, essentially establishing the shelter, essentially establishing contact. a live /work based relationship. apoint live of /work based relationship.

Retail space can provide direct skill opportunities for homeless individuals living within the By providing spaces for education shelter, essentially establishing a and knowledge, homeless live/work-based relationship.

Individuals will be provided with more opportunities to gain fundamental life and job skills to end the cycle of poverty.

Classroom 3 and 3.1 occupational

5

5.1 Restaurant Security Desk 4.2 Space 4.2 Restaurant Space 4 acts The security desk as a managerial

5.3 Laundry Laundry and hygiene services are extremely important in altering and protecting the image of homeless individuals.

space for growing relationships, gathering, and community growth.

5

5

5.3 Laundry Laundry and hygiene services are extremely important in altering and protecting the image of homeless individuals.

5.4 Kitchen

Providing spaces for cooking will pro vide new skills as well as provide in dependence.

Collaborative kitchen will also provide spaces for new rela tionships to grow.

5

5.4 Kitchen Providing spaces for cooking will provide new skills as well as provide independence.

Collaborative kitchens will also provide spaces for new relationships to grow.

Site Building

The Architecture of Homelessness

Structure

58

Adaptable System

Adaptable System

59

Adaptability

60

Site

The Architecture of Homelessness

The site will not only become an important aspect in the rehabilitation process, but an important aspect in the function and adaptability of the building. The site surrounding the newly defined homeless shelter will follow the principle guidelines of landscape urbanism. A system of principles tying and returning the site to the historic natural and urban ecology, while also planning for the future. Landscape Urbanism focuses on a process over time, focusing on flexibility and variability; concerned with a working surface over time – a type of urbanism that anticipates change, open endedness and negotiation.

The focus of variability and adaptability will transition between city, site, and building. Due to the nature of the newly defined building typology, the site must be dynamic and be able to respond to a variable program. The site design and use must understand and recognize the fluid and changing nature of the environment and the processes that affect change over time. The site will respond to the interwoven connection between users and natural ecology; It will be flexible yet permanent. The im-

portance of the site to function and respond to change is critical.

It must be flexible and functional responding to the inevitable changes in functionality and purpose, by products of programmatic change and land-use intentions.

Adaptable System

61

62

Building

The Architecture of Homelessness

The assembly of each of the five programmatic elements creates a new typology within itself. By introducing these elements together, a new era of homeless rehabilitation can occur on one site.

A solution that first provides housing at various stages of rehabilitation accompanied by various methods of rehabilitation including mental health, substance abuse, education, and skill training, all of which are supported by community.

However, what makes this typology truly innovative is the application of adaptability. The new typology will no longer be limited by stagnant programmatic requirements but will defined by dynamic variability and adaptability. A shelter in constant evolutionary program. This will be achieved by utilizing a kit of parts or series of modules represented by the prescribed program above. Modules will be chosen by community-based requirement and be able to be replaced by need over time. The result, a shelter typology that continuously evolves and responds to the exact needs of homeless people and the communities in which they are placed.

Not any city, community, or site are the same, and the unique variability and dynamic program of the new shelter typology allows for options and customization. Informed by community demographics and location, a unique program can be chosen for each site. Each program element can respond to the exact needs of the community. Housing, rehabilitation, education, community, and supporting unit counts can vary, or in some instances may not be included at all. The system allows for complete program flexibility, allowing for a building which is variable in scale, allowing for a response to the direct needs in time which increases the probability of rehabilitation.

ility

Adaptable System

63

64

Structure

The Architecture of Homelessness

The basis of the modular system comes down to one simple 12'x12' module. Along with the building, each individual also follows the principal of modularity; including the wall panels and the structure.

Each side contains at least one three foot wall panel that allows for a door or the option of a door to maintain access flexibility.

The rest of the panels are made up of panels ranging from one foot to four feet including clear glazing, louvered panels, and solid panels.

This allows for an organic flexibility in functionality. A housing unit will use the same system as a retail unit, however they may look completely different. The exterior panels allow for this flexibility and convey the interior flexible program through the selection of panels. This flexibility also allows for the users of the system to pick and choose both the functionality and the aesthetics of each module; providing organic growth, not only in building form, but also on each individual facade.

Once established as a single module, the modules can also be connected together to create larger

programmatic spaces. This allows for larger spaces to be created, again allowing for even more programmatic flexibility.

b

65

c

d

e e

f

f

a

1” Insulated Metal Panel

b

4” Rigid Insulation 1.5” Steel Decking with Spray Insulation

d

Ceiling Panel

e

Modular Interior Wall Panels

ng Panel

f

6” Steel Structure

ar Interior Wall s

gid Insulation

Steel Decking Spray Insulation

i

g

Unitized Modular Exterior Wall Panels

zed Modular ior Wall Panels

h

1/2” Wood Flooring

Wood Flooring

i

4” Rigid Insulation

j

1.5” Steel Decking with Spray Insulation

k

1” Insulated Metal Panel

eel Structure

gid Insulation

Steel Decking Spray Insulation

sulated Metal

g

h

c

sulated Metal

Adaptable System

a

j

k

66 a

b b

The Architecture of Homelessness

d

The individual module can be a stand alone component, or a piece of a larger puzzle. This is made feasible by a simple grid system made from modular components. The grid maintains a 12' span, allowing for each module to be accessed from any side. The grid is connected by a series of connectors that allow flexibility in any direction, allowing for organic growth as needed. The steel members in conjunction with the variable connections allow for a flexibility in building form, ultimately allowing the program of the modules to truly respond to the unique causes of homelessness in each community.

c

d

Adaptable System

67

b

c

a

d

f

6” Steel Structure

g

Unitized Modular Exterior Wall Panels

h

1/2” Wood Flooring

i

4” Rigid Insulation

j

1.5” Steel Decking with Spray Insulation

k

1” Insulated Metal Panel

a

a d

a

d

a a

b

The Architecture of Homelessness

c

The individual modules can be easily broken down and transported to any site using standard shipping procedures. The modules then would be assembled in place on site.

k

Adaptable System

a

Adaptable Exterior Panels

b

Steel Structure

c

Steel Connections

d

Flooring Assembly

e

Roof Assembly

70

Test Site Manhattan, NY 125 Water Street Access & Connections Municipal Regulations South Seaport District Climate

The Architecture of Homelessness

Wind Degree Days Precipitation/Weather Solar

71

40°42’29.9” N | 73°59’47.2” W

To test the feasibility of the adaptable system a site was chosen in New York City. This site was chosen for multiple reasons.

First being the shear number of homeless people in NYC. The second being that the pure building density and struggle of NIMBYism in NYC causes a harsh environment for testing. If the new typology could be proven to be successful in this environment, then the system could work backwards, and be utilized in smaller cities throughout the country. If the system could be proven to work in the harsh environment of New York City, then the system could work anywhere.

Manhattan, NY 40°43′42″N | 73°59′39″W

New York City is the most populated city in the United States with Manhattan currently being the most densely populated of the five boroughs that make up New York City. Manhattan is the economic and administrative center, the cultural signifier, and the historical birthplace of New York City. Manhattan is also often referred to as the cultural, financial, media, and entertainment capital of the world. The borough consist primarily of Manhattan Island surrounded by three rivers: the Hudson, the East, and the Harlem. Manhattan Island is divided informally into three major sections, Lower, Midtown, and Upper Manhattan which contain 53 individual neighborhoods.

Area: 33.58 sq mi Land: 22.83 sq mi Water 10.76 sq mi Population: 1,664,727 Density: 72,918.4/sq mi

Manhattan

Being such a large and densely populated borough, Manhattan is faced with many difficulties, one of which includes homelessness. Manhattan is often referred to as the homeless capital of the world. In recent years, homelessness in New York City has reached an all time high, and the data supporting increase shows no sign of slowing down. The number of homeless people in New York sleeping on the streets has risen 79% in just ten years. However, utilizing a plan released by mayor Bill De Blasio, the city looks to challenge homelessness in a new way. The plan calls for an end to the quilted patchwork of rented private apartments and commercial hotel rooms to simply put a roof over someones head. The new plan requires new shelters to be built throughout the city, offering a perfect opportunity to rethink the architecture of homelessness.

Homeless Population: 62,166 Singles: 17,042 Families: 15,189 Children: 22,511

Existing Shelter Coastal/Flood Zone Shelter Needed

This site was chosen because of a need within the neighborhood for a new homeless shelter. 250 Water Street serves as one of the last under utilized building sites within lower Manhattan. Located at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, the site sits at the boundary between the South Seaport District and the financial district, acting as a planning buffer between the two vastly different neighborhoods, one being a small historic district, and the other being the massive financial capital of the world. 250 Water Street is faced with the challenge of being the mediator between the two.

Currently, the site is utilized as a parking lot, but due to its location has a much larger potential to serve the surrounding communities.

The Architecture of Homelessness

Lot Dimensions: 330ft x 190ft Area: 46,000 sq ft Council District: 1

74

125 Water Street South Seaport District

Test Site

75 N

W

E

S

Site Boundary

Walking

The South Seaport District is praised for being easily walkable due to the characteristics of the street design. Within a 10 minute walk, the financial district and other modes of transportation are easily accessible.

10 min

Biking

The neighborhood is connected via bicycle lanes, and is located directly adjacent to a city wide bike sharing station; providing for an easily accessible site by bicycle.

10 min

Public Transportation

The neighborhood is also in direct contact with multiple nodes of public transportation, including subway stations, and bus lines. Allowing anyone to get to and from 250 Water Street from all over the city.

10 min

Access & Connections The South Street Seaport District is: located at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, alongside the FDR expressway, beside a primary road, along a bus route, over top of a subway line, along a water taxi route, and alongside bicycle lanes. Each of these variables cause the South Street Seaport District, and more specifically 250 Water street to be extremely accessible to and from by foot, bicycle, car, bus, and subway.

The neighborhood is praised for being extremely walkable and safe and does not require a car for errands. The site is easily accessible to and from the entire city, utilizing different modes of transportation.

Walk Score: 99 Bicycle Score: 83 Transit Score: 100

+ + + + + RIV

E

A

S

T

+

+

Bus Stop Subway Stop Wind Expressway Secondary Street Subway Lines

ER

Up until 2003, due to the aggressive real estate investment in Manhattan, the neighborhood has been threatened by commercial development. However, in 2003 the South Seaport district was down-zoned from a general C6 commercial designation into C6-2A restricted development designation. A designation reserved for contextual districts that provides for more strict uses and building development regulations. The new zoning regulation has caused 250 Water street, a under utilized site, located at the boundary of the historic district to essentially become commercially undevelopable. However, for a nonprofit public works project, the site is perfect.

The Architecture of Homelessness

Zoning: C6-2A FAR: 6.0 Maximum Height: 120 ft Setback From Street: 10 ft Uses: Commercial, Residential

78

Municipal Regulations

1.

Test Site

79 N

W

E

+ 4.

2.

S

1. North East

2. South East

3.

3. South

+

Bike Share Site Boundary Vehicular Circulation

4. South West

South Seaport District |

73°59’47.2” W

The South Seaport district is rich in architectural and cultural heritage.

Receiving landmark designation in 1977 from the New York City Landmarks commission, the neighborhood has been protected for nearly 50 years. The South Street Seaport Subdistrict protects the scale and character of 18th and 19th century mercantile buildings by allowing the transfer of development rights to other receiving lots. The Historic and Commercial Core seeks to ensure that new development in the area bounded

by Wall Street, Broadway, Water Street and Whitehall Street will be compatible with the existing buildings, that line the streets mapped in the street plan of New Amsterdam and Colonial New York, a street layout receiving landmark status by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Today, the South Street Seaport District is being revitalized through numerous cultural and architectural measures. The neighborhood currently acts as a cultural destination, providing a lively neighborhood atmosphere. The neighborhood is home to diverse restaurants, shops, markets, and entertainment venues.

80

40°42’29.9” N

Heritage Streets: The streets of the district maintain their heritage and historical feel. The neighborhood is paved in cobbled streets, and maintains its historic charm through architecture and preservation.

The Architecture of Homelessness

South Street Seaport Museum: South Street Seaport Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to telling the story of the rise of New York as a port city and its critical role in the development of the United States.

Fulton Street Market: The Fulton Street Market functions as an indoor market seven days a week and an outdoor farmer’s market on weekends, selling local fresh products.

Pier 17: Newly reconstructed, Pier 17 acts as a community center within the South Seaport District. The venue is home to concerts, broadcasts, restaurants, and a movie theater.

1.

2.

As the South Seaport neighborhood has grown, there have been numerous neighborhood infill and revitalization projects, including: 1.

2.

3.

4.

3.

Hampton Inn Peck Slip Post Office Fulton Street Market Pier 17

Prior to 1910, the South Seaport neighborhood was a lively an bustling mercantile community.

Therefore, many of the buildings in this neighborhood are listed as historic and protected structures.

The South Seaport neighborhood contains 81 buildings, and occupies an area of 1.6 million s.f.

er

Riv t s Ea

Climate

82

The climate in Manhattan is relatively fair compared to the temperate North East. Being such a large city, the surrounding buildings and hardscape provide a heat island effect, causing more mild temperatures. However due to its location on the Ocean, Manhattan experiences strong North West wind gusts, especially near this site, located near the coastline.

N

NNW

NNE

18 16

NW

NE

14 12 10 8

WNW

ENE

6 4

W

E

WSW

ESE

SW

SE

SSW

SSE S

Wind Direction by % 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

7.0 Inches

8.8 Inches

3.6 Inches

3.94 Inches

4.45 Inches

3.50 Inches

4.53 Inches

4.13 Inches

154 Hours

171 Hours

213 Hours

237 Hours

268 Hours

289 Hours

302 Hours

271 Hours

September

September

October

November

December

October

November

December

Annual

3.39 Inches

3.82 Inches

4.8 Inches

25 46.3 Inches Inches

155 Hours

2,677 Hours

January

ɼ ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

3.98 Inches

235 Hours

ɼ

ɼ

213 Hours

ɼ ɼ

169 Hours

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

ɼ

Test Site

83 N

W

E

S

Site Boundary Wind

Shadow N

84

The shadow study was conducted utilizing the summer and winter solstices, as well as the fall and spring equinoxes. The study then utilizes an overlay of the shadows at 8AM, 10AM, 12PM, 2PM, and 5 PM. Through shading variance, the study reveals the effects of the architectural surroundings by revealing dark and light shadow locations.

W

E

S

Summer Solstice 6/21

The Architecture of Homelessness

N

W

E

S

Winter Solstice 12/21

Test Site

N

85 W

E

S

Fall Equinox 9/22

N

W

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Spring Equinox 3/22

The Architecture of Homelessness

86

Applied Design

Applied Design

87

The exact building form in this applied design does not measure the systems success. However, what is important is that the system as a whole creates a positive symbol of rehabilitation. If this site can be a successful symbol it can then act as a home base. Satellite campuses can then begin to be established throughout New York City, creating a web of rehabilitation, that then creates a positive social change. If a successful system can be established in New York City, then a webs of rehabilitation can then be connected and grow throughout the United States.

As this design represents an adaptable system, that changes over time, building form will also adapt and change over time.

The presented applied design represents a future design once the system has been proven successful.

The new typology creates a symbol for and of itself through the organic arrangement of modules. This symbolism is extremely important in creating a web of rehabilitation.

90

Living - 28,367ft2

Rehabilitating - 5,616ft2

Educating - 4,608ft2

The Architecture of Homelessness

Integrating - 5,472ft2

Applied Design

91

Integrating the building with the community is one of the most important aspects of this new typology. For that reason, the first floor will act as a community amenity, offering spaces for retail, education, and restaurants; as well as market places, a library, and places for informal gathering.

Once the community floor is established, the rest of the building follows a typical mixed use typology. The program is focused around a series of more permanent modules consisting vertical circulation and plumbing shafts.

The second consists of an emergency based shelter as well as spaces for rehabilitation, and transitional housing. The third through fifth floor solely contain a mix of transitional type housing, ranging in levels of privacy.

Although the first floor is solely focussed around community growth, each of the floors contain spaces for community based rehabilitation. Spaces such as community kitchens and living rooms allow for new relationships to grow, and help to strengthen bonds and increase rate of rehabilitation.

Integrating the building with the community is one of the most important aspects of this new typology. For that reason, the first floor will act as a community amenity, offering spaces for retail, education, and restaurants; as well as market places, a library, and places for informal gathering.

4

3

The Architecture of Homelessness

2

1

Living Supporting

96

5

Living Supporting

Living Supporting

Living Rehabilitating Supporting

Integrating Rehabilitating Educating Supporting

The adaptability and flexibility of the building allows for variable building forms, constantly providing new balconies, terraces, and programmatic spaces.

100

1"=300'

The Architecture of Homelessness

A New York City site model was built to study the surrounding context to understand density and scale of the neighborhood, while also indicating the site location.

Applied Design

101

The Architecture of Homelessness

1/16" = 1' 102

Applied Design

A second larger scale model was made to help further study the surrounding context, but also the arrangement of modules on this specific site.

The Architecture of Homelessness

Presented April 23rd, 2019 104

Applied Design

105

106

References Introduction Carlyle, E. (2018). Building Boom Towns:The Metro Ares with the Most New Construction. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/erincarlyle/2016/02/10/building-boom-towns-the-metro-areas-with-the-most-newconstruction/#1cd20a5e718b National Alliance to End Homelessness-NAEH. State of Homelessness - National Alliance to End Homelessness. Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org/homelessnessin-america/homelessness-statistics/state-ofhomelessness-report/ Sharifi, A (January 2016). From Garden City to Eco-urbanism: The quest for sustainable neighborhood development. Sustainable Cities and Society. 20: 1–16 United Nations. (2015) World population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news/ population/ 2015-report.html

The Architecture of Homelessness

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2015). Sustainable Management of Construction and Demolition Materials. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-management-construction-and-demolition-materials United States Interagency Council of Homelessness. (2017) Discretionary Budget Authority in Millions of Dollars. Retrieved from https://www. usich.gov/resources/uploads/asset_library/fy2017-homelessness-assistance-budget.pdf

References

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Methodology Building Green. (2016, June 13). Energy Use by Buildings and the Built Environment. Retrieved September 21, 2018, from https://www.buildinggreen.com/blog/energy-use-buildings-and-built-environment McColl, M, et al. (2009). Models for Integrating Rehabilitation and Primary Care: A Scoping Study. Clinical Management Review.

Merriam-Webster. (n.d) Community. Retrieved from https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/community National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2016, April 20). Housing First.

Retrieved September 16, 2018, from https://endhomelessness.org/resource/ housing-first/ NPR. (2012) Why some Homeless Choose the Streets Over Shelters. [Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2012/12/06/166666265/why-somehomeless-choose-the-streets-over-shelters United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2015). Sustainable Management of Construction and Demolition Materials. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-management-construction-and- demolition-materials

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Literature Review Donley, A. (2008). The Perception Of Homeless People: Important Factors In Determining Perceptions Of The Homeless As Dangerous. University of Central Florida Electronic Theses and Dissertations.

Gallup Incorporated. (2007). Homelessness in America: Americans’ Perceptions, Attitudes and Knowledge. Fannie Mae. Johnstone, M., Jetten, J., Dingle, G. A., Parsell, C., & Walter, Z. C. (2015). Discrimination and well-being amongst the homeless: the role of multiple group membership. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 739.

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Thankyou