Official topic proposal

Homelessness and Socially Responsible Design

One basic human need, as well as desire, is to have a home. Because of the significantly fundamental need for this space, it is sometimes perplexing that homelessness exists at all. It is not necessarily due to a lack of space that people are without a home, but a problem of being displaced by foreclosure or unemployment, for example. It is easy for people to look at homelessness as someone else’s problem. However, this attitude will never generate a solution to the problem. As an interior designer there is a fascination with this unique misdistribution of space. With that fascination comes a recognition of a deep need to create a responsible solution.

Homelessness is not an isolated experience. Meaning, not having a home can often compound the impact of not having access to other essentials such as education and healthcare. In order to better understand the complexity of this situation several basic issues will be researched. It is critical to have a firm understanding of these issues in order to provide a relevant and valuable response. Factors that cause and perpetuate homelessness will be direct connections to a solution that decreases the number of people who experience homelessness. The effect of being homeless rings deep psychologically, socially, and physiologically. What are some of the effects of homelessness in these areas?

The focus of the research will be centered on homeless families with children. The effects of being without a central sense of place will be especially evident by looking at this group. By studying this unique section within the larger body of people experiencing homelessness, the value and importance of the family unit will be evident.

Certainly there is work already being done in the design profession to help provide a solution, or at least some aid, to the millions experiencing homelessness. Therefore, it will be beneficial to consider the work that is currently being done. The unique combination of skills, education and interests found in architects and designers can and will make great change by applying their abilities to this critical, non-typical design social issue.

The anticipated outcome of the research and written portion of the project is to reveal the complexity of the situation as well as the need for new solutions. The written portion will be completed in conjunction with a design component attached to the senior design studios. The design portion will culminate in a facility that provides aid for people experiencing homelessness. Combining extensive research with a complex problem will yield a creative and effective contribution to one of our world’s current social issues.