INTRODUCTION + BACKGROUND

I decided to focus my thesis project on the issue of homelessness in Calgary, specifically on a subcategory of the population known as the forgotten homeless. Often when I thought of a homeless person I would picture the people I saw on the streets, but there are individuals who are technically homeless that go unseen. This group consists of young adults who find themselves couch surfing and searching for a bed every night. This group goes unnoticed as they are not physically known to the public, and therefore find it very difficult to get the help they need. Calgary has many shelters in place which are amazing at providing emergency care . But shelters are designed to work great for short stays, but fail to solve the issue of homelessness as a whole. When an individual faces homelessness, the city of Calgary currently has the support first approach which provides support to individuals while they are at a shelter. Through my thesis I would like to take the housing first approach instead, which seeks to house individuals first and then provide support.

PROJECT GOALS

The housing first method approaches the issue of homelessness with the belief that in order for an individual to get out of homelessness, their primary and basic needs must be met first. This approach allows an individual to finally be able to focus their attention on tackling their finances, work, and personal life as they no longer need to worry about finding a place to sleep or where their next meal will come from. I named the space, the five, which is based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This theory states that one’s primary needs must be met first in order for an individual to reach self actualization which is the realization of one’s talents and potential. In order for steps 1-2 to be met, affordable housing units will be provided on the second level of the Corus building. Each suite will be equipped with the essentials where they are able to live independently with their basic needs met and a sense of safety. For step number 3, the residential zone of the building will also have various social areas for the individuals to communicate and connect with family, friends, and each other. For steps 4 and 5, a community center and café will be located on the main level of the building for individuals to gather, learn, and connect with society.

PROJECT VALUES

Some of the project values are to have a focus on a down to earth atmosphere and to promote space for both connection and independence. I wanted the focus to be on the users and ensure they feel safe and comfortable. The project was also designed with the WELL building standards in mind through the inclusion of a gym, biophilia, and the use of natural lighting throughout the space. Sustainability goals are achieved through the inclusion of local products, recycled and reused wood, products that are durable and built to last, and the use of natural light in addition to LED lighting when necessary.

EXPERIENTIAL AND ATMOSPHERIC INTENT

The experiential and atmospheric intent is based on the idea that the built environment can make you well or unwell. In order to bring this idea forth, the space will provide diversity of experience, views, varying acoustic control, and material change in order to provide a variety of sensory experiences which promote wellness of the users. The atmosphere is meant to feel tranquil which will allow users to experience feelings of peace of being oneself. Users should feel invited and welcome in the space and thus a sense of ownership in each space they inhibit. The space should provide feelings of comfort and connection, allowing the users a chance to breathe, relax, and simply be. The public zones of the space will be open and welcoming to promote the feelings of joy and warmth from connection. The private sections will be quiet, peaceful and comfortable.

CONCEPT AND DIRECTION

The concept of the space is to create a place to see and be seen | A place of safety and protection and a place of inclusion and connection. I want to provide a comfortable home for young adults facing homelessness, with the opportunity to meet additional needs of connection, nourishment, and safety as each individual sees fit. Through the built environment, the group will feel that they are seen and not forgotten. The space will be designed with a user first mentality through a functionalist design theory and the sense of place attachment theory. Both design theories will further insinuate to the homeless that they are valued and welcome by their community.

SECOND FLOOR LIGHTING PLAN

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The second level is also provided with pot lights for overall lighting of the space. The social zones are also provided with pendant lights for more direct task lighting in the kitchen and living spaces. The ceiling of the social spaces consist of drywall as well as wooden beams. The hallways are fitted with wall sconces and pot lights. Each suite also has pot lights, wall sconces on the murphy bed millwork, and pendant light for task lighting in the kitchen.

HOUSING UNIT PERSPECTIVES

Each unit is quite small in terms of square footage so a murphy bed allows the user to optimize space during the day. When flipped up, the Murphy bed becomes a couch and the two nightstands pull out to become stools and or side tables. The finishes are meant to feel light and create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.

SHARED KITCHEN AND DINING PERSPECTIVES

I wanted the space to feel inviting which was done through the inclusion of glass partitions. I also wanted the space to feel comfortable and safe, which is why the wooden beams cover the living room to create an intimate social space for users. The finishes are meant to also feel light and relaxing.

CAFE AND BAKERY PERSPECTIVES

This is the café and bakery located on the main level of the building. The finishes were meant to feel warm and peaceful. There is a variety of seating ranging in privacy levels to offer a range of options for each user. The retail aspect of the café and bakery was meant to feel very casual and inviting for users to walk through and experience.

COMMUNITY CENTER PERSPECTIVE

The community center was meant to feel very peaceful as well as safe. The symbol of a home is played on through the inclusion of a roof line seen consistently throughout the space. The center is meant to provide support for users through workshops and classes in the private rooms whether that’s one on one or in group sessions. In order for users to feel at home, there are multiple private zones provided throughout that aim to allow users to feel a sense of ownership over the space, to feel welcome and that they belong.

SECTION 1

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I tried to emphasize the horizontality of the space by lowering the ceiling in various areas as well as providing partitions with emphasized horizontal lines. This helps to make the user feel more grounded and connected to their immediate surroundings.

SECTION 2

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I once again lowered the ceiling line in various parts of the main level to create a more grounding experience for the user and a down to earth atmosphere. The suites are a safe space for the tenants so I left the ceilings at full height to open the space a bit more which creates a brighter interior.