This design proposal was a response to the N.Y. Avenue Men's Shelter from DC DGS in January 2022. It is a replacement of the existing shelter in the Ivy City neighborhood and redevelopment of an existing parking lot and animal shelter. The program called for a 360 bed overnight shelter combined with a day center that would offer wrap-around services from 9-5.
The design focuses on three guiding principles:
01. Trauma Informed Design: Designing a Space that Heals
First and foremost, we want to design for both the clients and staff a place that can help heal from stressful, traumatic events. This concerns safety and security, connecting with nature (biophilic design), building community, and designing for dignity.
02. Pragmatism: Designing A Space that works
This building must meet the needs of the various agencies. Durability and maintenance must be balanced with budget and timeliness of deliverables. A building on budget and time that works allows for more resources.
03. Enhancing environment: Designing a Space that betters the World
Every building should better it's place after it's built. Particular opportunities for how we can improve the neighborhood and environmental sustainability need to be sought out.
The proposed design nestles the building into the wooded area at the rear of the site, away from the busy New York Avenue. This allows for a sense of privacy for the residents, while also allowing for future development of the other half of the site. The materials used were warm and natural, using trauma-informed design for a calming sensation at both the exterior and interior. We chose the name Ivy City Shelter to give the building an identity and tie it into the neighborhood.
For more information on the Ivy City Men's Shelter Proposal, check out our speculation here
Location: Washington, DC
Project Type: Design Proposal
Construction Cost: $27,000,000
Project: 367 Beds | 100,000 sf | 3 stories + precast garage
The design focuses on three guiding principles:
01. Trauma Informed Design: Designing a Space that Heals
First and foremost, we want to design for both the clients and staff a place that can help heal from stressful, traumatic events. This concerns safety and security, connecting with nature (biophilic design), building community, and designing for dignity.
02. Pragmatism: Designing A Space that works
This building must meet the needs of the various agencies. Durability and maintenance must be balanced with budget and timeliness of deliverables. A building on budget and time that works allows for more resources.
03. Enhancing environment: Designing a Space that betters the World
Every building should better it's place after it's built. Particular opportunities for how we can improve the neighborhood and environmental sustainability need to be sought out.
The proposed design nestles the building into the wooded area at the rear of the site, away from the busy New York Avenue. This allows for a sense of privacy for the residents, while also allowing for future development of the other half of the site. The materials used were warm and natural, using trauma-informed design for a calming sensation at both the exterior and interior. We chose the name Ivy City Shelter to give the building an identity and tie it into the neighborhood.
For more information on the Ivy City Men's Shelter Proposal, check out our speculation here
Location: Washington, DC
Project Type: Design Proposal
Construction Cost: $27,000,000
Project: 367 Beds | 100,000 sf | 3 stories + precast garage
