Security without Secrecy, 2019.
The transition from secrecy to security in the design of domestic violence shelters called for the need to change the traditional definition of security as a fortress of fences, walls, and security cameras. These conventional means of security hide and seclude these vulnerable people already in a state of isolation and in need of community support.
While abusers were their main source of concern, the domestic violence (DV) shelters also faced objections from the community who feared increased crime rates. Some designs have focused on camouflage as a tool for secrecy, but this project explored the ways in which the highly secured private space of the shelter could be merged with the public community spaces through a programmatic gradient. Not only would the public spaces be for the community, but it would also provide the space and opportunity to connect residents of the DV shelter and the community.
The convenience store and community meeting area are what activate the front of the building. It creates an important vibrant space for the community to interact with the residents of the DV shelter, and also provides a passive form of security where people inherently become the “security camera”.