SAFE SPACE - An Emergency Shelter for LGBTQ+ Youth
Description
My diploma will look into the issue of homeless LGBTQ+ youth in the US. This is a pressing problem that needs to be addressed and discussed. I will try to give insight into the topic and try to give an answer to how one can resolve a small part of it. A study shows that 50% of families responded in a negative way when their kids revealed their LGBTQ+ status, and another 26% was reported being kicked out of their home for the same reason. Although there are many services for homeless youth in general, there are an extreme lack of services to this specific group of people. LGBTQ+ youth who find them selves in a shelter where cisgender and straight youth stay are often the subject of physical and mental violence, which can lead to further trauma in an already traumatizing situation.
My goal for the project is to create a place where one focuses on quality of living and the spaces, hoping that this will lead to a better environment for the LGBTQ+ youth to get the help they need and deserve. Through my diploma work I want to investigate how a smaller facility in an established residential area can provide a better and more dignified offer, with a more homey and inviting living situation, than the existing solutions today. Although their situation is temporary, the place to seek help should feel permanent.
This part of society are often left with a lack of funding and having to re-use space that is not meant for living in. I believe that helping fewer people, but helping them better is a solid solution. This is not the case today as this part of society are often left with a lack of funding and having to re-use space that is not meant for living in.
There are many different ways one can approach a task of designing for a marginalized group. The main question I have asked myself is do I try to help as many as possible, or do I try to create a space that focuses on quality over quantity. I’ve experienced myself that if one takes the time and energy to really help someone properly the results are much better.
Today the shelters dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth are often put up in places not ment for living. The space is crammed and overfilled, due to lack in resources and space. How can one create a place that is private and protected, yet open and inclusive?