Lauren Rowbotham

The initial interest in the subject of human trafficking comes from a wonderment as to why there are so few healing spaces for victims of such crimes, the shocking amount of human trafficking cases in Canada came to light with research through readings such as police reports, interviews with human trafficking therapists and many conversations with frustrated specialists. Key findings through this research were that many victims are between ages of 10-20 years who have been exposed to substance, sexual and severe psychological abuse.

Healing Hands Rehabilitation Centre is a centre for human trafficking victims burdened with various traumas seeking help. When humans experience trauma, they can react in many ways that can be difficult to determine until they arise. Many issues can be triggers for victims of such traumas which can create a detrimental healing environment. Trauma victims can feel as though they have faded into the background of society to the point where life itself becomes blurred. Healing Hands was created to truly help a trauma victim feel seen and that they are never alone. The name of this centre symbolizes the physical act of holding someone’s hand through the process of healing.

Conceptual Statement

When facing trauma it is important to look within to see the light that is the healing process. A light, fluid space that embodies empowerment, nourishment, learning and healing through neutral materials, subtle texture and biophilic elements will nurture recovery and help push through the harsh exterior block that is mental and physical trauma. This space is intended to free a victim from all mental traumas while exploring the benefit of fluidly structured spaces, and warm design elements without over stimulating the viewer.

Functional & Atmospheric Intent

When looking at the relationship between exterior and interior elements, the design is intended to create a complete atmospheric shift upon entrance to really help victims separate their trauma from this healing space. During precedent research spaces that embodied this shift and pulled inspiration from them were emphasized. These spaces have unique elements that play with light creating a uncommon relationship between man-made and natural elements. Users of Healing Hands will be entering from a cityscape with a traumatized mindset to be greeted with a warm, calming interior hopefully alleviating some mindful stressors. Along with an emphasis on trauma informed design, the integration of cascading biophilia creates an intriguing space that promotes health, growth and visual stimulation in addition to the neutral material palette.

Level 1 Plan

The floor plan of Healing Hands integrates easy way finding, security and many spaces to sit and enjoy the design. Upon entrance, there are two main security checkpoints, the first being the initial vestibule which allows for reception to easily see who is coming in the door before being let in.

Once the user enters the reception space, they are asked a few questions to get a better idea of who is entering. The user is then encouraged to visit the referral centre where they can either be referred to outsourced services such as shelter, immigration, legal, abortion, dental or job services or they can be directed to in-house services such as clothing donation, a communal kitchen, therapy and counselling, addictions and healthcare or the relaxing spa. Within the referral centre itself, two private offices and one group meeting room are available for either semi or completely private conversations.

The clothing donation centre is available to all victims to replenish clothing needed for everyday life, job interviews or even court hearings. Every item in this space is to be donated from exterior company supporters or anyone who wishes to contribute to trauma victim success. Within the communal kitchen, classes are held by chefs to teach victims how to create basic meals and allow them to feel as though they can be independent once again.

The stairs to the second level feature a very large biophilic element that cascades down creating a private sitting area where users may relax and view themselves in the reflective pool surrounded by seating. The stairs are positioned strategically to allow users to view every aspect of the first floor allowing for clear wayfinding and so that there is absolutely no element of surprise.

Level 2 Plan

The second floor as mentioned holds functions such as therapy and counselling, addictions and healthcare, and a basic hygienic spa. There is one central reception for all three functions and it is located at the top of the stairs to allow for ease of wayfinding again.

The addictions and healthcare centre features a large waiting room, two private offices for patient records, 4 treatment rooms of various sizes and a large storage room. This space is meant to treat basic physical trauma of the body and assess users in order to determine if a referral to a hospital is necessary.

The therapy centre provides 4 private or semi private treatment rooms and one large meeting room for group sessions. The waiting area provides both private and group seating groupings.

The relaxation space allows for users to enjoy a large fireplace reading nook and many seating groupings that promote sociability among common users.

The spa is meant for both services and basic hygienic requirements. Whether a user wants to have their nails, hair or massage done by staff or just use the communal showers, they may do so.