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FINDING HOPE IN ZEN: A Design of a Women’s Transitional Housing Facility

FINDING HOPE IN ZEN:

A Design of a Women’s Transitional Housing Facility

Satoko Takahashi

A practicum submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partial fulfillment of

the requirements of the degree of

MASTER OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Department of Interior Design, Faculty of Architecture

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

ABSTRACT

Domestic violence against women and children is a significant international issue. There are many obstacles

survivors face, and the problem is more complex than is often perceived. This interior design practicum responds

by focusing on the design of a transitional housing facility that creates a paradigm shift away from the institutional

approach. The key interior spaces include areas that help individuals nourish and heal from their challenging

experiences; the overall approach focused on establishing community networks amongst the residents. The

overarching architectural language and designs were informed primarily by Japanese Zen, Theory of Supportive

Design, Lifeboat theory, and Experiential Learning Theory. Additional literature investigation on Shinrin-yoku and

Therapeutic Landscapes have helped to shape the final programme and design. Along with relevant precedent

studies, a design has been proposed called Hana’s Place, a transitional housing facility that is aimed at being a

place survivors of domestic violence can call home.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to thank all those who have supported me and helped me succeed in completing this practicum.

Thank you to my advisor, Dr. Susan Close, for your guidance and encouragement at every step. Your unending

interest in my project, patience, and assistance have been invaluable to me. I enjoyed every one of our meetings

and I feel very grateful for having met such an amazing and inspiring professor.

Thank you to my internal advisor, Dr. Sheri Blake, and my external advisor, Dr. Mary Anne Kandrack, for your

expertise and constructive criticism. Your advice was greatly appreciated and was critical in shaping my project.

I would also like to thank my proof-reader, Emma Durand-Wood. I am more than grateful for your help. Thank you

also to Mr. Stephen Campbell, the manager at HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach and Mr. Collin Paterson, for allowing

me to access the hostel building.

Thank you also to my friends who have listened to me and helped me overcome many obstacles. Our coffee breaks

and occasional dances in the studio were definitely the best remedies in my most stressful times.

Finally, I would like to thank my parents, Masaru and Atsuko Takahashi, and my brother, Yutaka, for your

unconditional support and believing in me always.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS

CHAPTER 1 | INTRODUCTION + PROJECT OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

SUBJECT MATTER OF INQUIRY: purpose + typology

USER INFORMATION

KEY TERMS

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

PROJECT BENEFITS

RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

BIASES + LIMITATIONS

CHAPTER SUMMARIES

iii

viii

xvi

CHAPTER 2 | LITERATURE INVESTIGATION

INTRODUCTION

THE CONTEXT OF ISSUES: the cause, effect, and societal view of domestic violence

THEORY OF SUPPORTIVE DESIGN

LIFEBOAT THEORY: looking after each other

OPEN YOUR CURTAINS: access to nature and natural qualities

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THEORY

ZEN: finding more than perfection in imperfection

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

CHAPTER 3 | PRECEDENT REVIEW

INTRODUCTION

SHOKOZAN TOKEIJI

SAVARD’S

CHURCH OF LIGHT

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

CHAPTER 4 | SITE & BUILDING ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION

CITY OF VANCOUVER: green, connected, and accommodating

SITE EVALUATION: west point grey neighbourhood

BUILDING EVALUATION: 1515 discovery street

108

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

117

CHAPTER 5 | DESIGN PROGRAMME

INTRODUCTION

PRIMARY USERS: Profile + Requirements

SECONDARY USERS: Profile + Requirements

TERTIARY USERS: Profile + Requirements

SHARED SPACES

PRELIMINARY ZONING STUDY

PRELIMINARY SPATIAL LAYOUT STUDY

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

CHAPTER 6 | DESIGN APPLICATION

INTRODUCTION

DESIGN EXPLORATION

SITE PLAN: building in relation to its site

EXTERIOR VIEWS

OVERALL DESIGN OF INTERIOR SPACES

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

SECTIONS

SELECTED ROOM INFORMATION

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

119

120

121

137

139

144

145

146

147

148

149

151

154

158

159

163

167

170

173

208

CONCLUSION

REFLECTIONS

CHALLENGES + FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

LAST REMARKS

211

212

217

REFERENCES 219

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: BUILDING CODE ANALYSIS

APPENDIX B: USER PROFILES + ROOM DESCRIPTIONS

APPENDIX C: LIGHTING PLANS

APPENDIX D: MATERIAL SELECTIONS

225

226

233

247

250

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1

Psychological values of primary users

233

Table 2

Spatial requirements of primary users

234

Table 3

Room variations for primary users-1

235

Table 4

Room variations for primary users-2

236

Table 5

Responsibilities of secondary users

237

Table 6

Spatial requirements of secondary users

238

Table 7

Rooms allocated for secondary users

239

Table 8

Responsibilities of tertiary users

240

Table 9

Spatial requirements of tertiary users

241

Table 10

Descriptions and requirements of shared spaces - 1

242

Table 11

Descriptions and requirements of shared spaces - 2

243

Table 12

Descriptions and requirements of shared spaces - 3

244

Table 13

Descriptions and requirements of shared spaces - 4

245

Table 14

Descriptions and requirements of shared spaces - 5

246

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1

Abstract painting (By Author)

Figure 2

Privacy and control (By Author)

Figure 3

Lifeboat theory diagram (Diagram by author based on Sprague, 1991) 31

Figure 4

Cycle of Experiential Learning Theory

(Diagram by author based on Kolb & Kolb, 2008)

Figure 5

Stepping stones by entrance (By Author)

Figure 6

Relations between nature and Japanese architecture (By Author)

Figure 7

Stem of leaves growing between rocks (By Author)

Figure 8

Ho-jo- garden of Ryoanji (photograph by J.C. Schmeil)

Figure 9

Two rocks leaning on each other (photograph by J.C. Schmeil)

Figure 10

Decaying rock (photograph property of Tokeiji)

Figure 11

Theoretical framework diagram (By Author)

Figure 12

Nitobe Garden (By Author)

Figure 13

Map of Tokeiji convent (graphic property of Tokeiji)

Figure 14

Entrance stairs (photograph property of Tokeiji)

Figure 15

Winding path in Tokeiji garden (photograph property of Tokeiji)

Figure 16

Tea House in Tokeiji (photograph property of Tokeiji)

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33

Figure 34

Interior view of Tokeiji (photograph property of Tokeiji)

Communal kitchen at Savard’s (photograph by Robert Burley)

Residents’ “nooks” at Savard’s (photograph by Robert Burley)

Residents’ bed at Savard’s (photograph by Robert Burley)

Church of Light (photograph by Ali Abbas)

Nature and architecture relationship of Church of Light

(photograph by Gianpiero Venturini)

View of nature from inside Church of Light (photograph by Jon Reksten) 84

Church of Light – Shadow of crucifix on the façade

(photograph by Liao Yusheng)

Church of Light – Wall surface (photograph by Ali Abbas)

Light entering between walls (photograph by Naoya Fujii)

Walls at different heights (photograph by Jon Reksten)

Interior of Church of Light (photograph by Naoya Fujii)

Crucifix at Church of Light (photograph by Jon Reksten)

West Point Grey neighbourhood (By Author)

Site location (By Author)

Site fabric (By Author)

Colours of site (By Author)

Point Grey Village shopping district (By Author)

101

Figure 35

West Point Grey Community Centre (By Author)

102

Figure 36

Pottery-making class at West Point Grey Community Centre (By Author) 102

Figure 37

Jericho Arts Centre (By Author)

102

Figure 38

West Point Grey Academy (By Author)

102

Figure 39

Circulation map of West Point Grey district (By Author)

104

Figure 40

Jericho Beach Park (By Author)

105

Figure 41

Near Discovery Street (By Author)

105

Figure 42

West 8th Avenue neighbourhood (By Author)

105

Figure 43

Map of nodes (By Author)

106

Figure 44

Near West 8th Avenue and Tolmie Street (By Author)

107

Figure 45

Corner of West 8th Avenue and Trimble Street (By Author)

107

Figure 46

Main entrance of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach (By Author)

108

Figure 47

East façade of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach (By Author)

108

Figure 48

Nature and building relationship (By Author)

109

Figure 49

By front entrance of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach (By Author)

109

Figure 50

Secondary entrance on East side (By Author)

110

Figure 51

West façade of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach (By Author)

110

Figure 52

Fire escape stairs (By Author)

110

Figure 53

First floor plan of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach

(graphic property of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach)

111

Figure 54

Hallway beside reception area (By Author)

112

Figure 55

Mezzanine area (By Author)

112

Figure 56

Welcome area (By Author)

113

Figure 57

Reception counter (By Author)

113

Figure 58

Information wall facing welcome area (By Author)

113

Figure 59

Staircase leading to second floor and basement (By Author)

113

Figure 60

Central corridor on second floor (By Author)

114

Figure 61

Door to the central corridor (By Author)

114

Figure 62

Common area on second floor (By Author)

114

Figure 63

Dormitory room (By Author)

115

Figure 64

Dormitory beds (By Author)

115

Figure 65

Natural light entering the interior (By Author)

115

Figure 66

Laundry space (By Author)

116

Figure 67

Exposed pipes in the ceiling (By Author)

116

Figure 68

Communal kitchen area (By Author)

116

Figure 69

Dining space (By Author)

116

Figure 70

Public café (By Author)

116

Figure 71

At the public café area (By Author)

118

Figure 72

At the public café area (By Author)

118

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Figure 73

Television room (By Author)

118

Figure 74

Preliminary building zoning study (By Author)

144

Figure 75

Preliminary spatial layout study (By Author)

145

Figure 76

Demolition plan (By Author)

149

Figure 77

Design exploration sketches (By Author)

150

Figure 78

Conceptual sketch of interior space (By Author)

151

Figure 79

Site plan (By Author)

153

Figure 80

East axonometric view (By Author)

154

Figure 81

West axonometric view (By Author)

154

Figure 82

West axonometric view (By Author)

155

Figure 83

North exterior elevation (By Author)

156

Figure 84

East exterior elevation (By Author)

156

Figure 85

South exterior elevation (By Author)

157

Figure 86

West exterior elevation (By Author)

157

Figure 87

First floor plan sketch (By Author)

160

Figure 88

First floor plan (By Author)

161

Figure 89

First floor spatial zoning plan (By Author)

162

Figure 90

Second floor plan sketch (By Author)

164

Figure 91

Second floor plan (By Author)

165

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Figure 92

Second floor spatial zoning plan (By Author)

166

Figure 93

Third floor plan (By Author)

168

Figure 94

Third floor spatial zoning plan (By Author)

169

Figure 95

East-west section with key plan (By Author)

170

Figure 96

North-south section with key plan (By Author)

170

Figure 97

Perspective of reception area (By Author)

172

Figure 98

Perspective of office area (By Author)

175

Figure 99

Perspective of north courtyard (By Author)

176

Figure 100 Perspective of kitchen and dining area (By Author)

178

Figure 101 Perspective of kitchen and dining area (By Author)

181

Figure 102 Perspective of patio area (By Author)

182

Figure 103 Perspective of walkway bridge (By Author)

185

Figure 104 Perspective of living and atrium space - 1 (By Author)

186

Figure 105 Perspective of living and atrium space - 2 (By Author)

189

Figure 106 Perspective of kiosk area (By Author)

190

Figure 107 Perspective of south courtyard (By Author)

193

Figure 108 Perspective of multipurpose and play area - 1 (By Author)

195

Figure 109 Perspective of multipurpose and play area - 2 (By Author)

196

Figure 110 Perspective of Zen garden (By Author)

199

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Figure 111 Perspective of dormitory room (By Author)

201

Figure 112 Perspective of family suite (By Author)

203

Figure 113 Perspective of swing room (By Author)

204

Figure 114 Perspective of second and third floor common area [Indoor garden]

(By Author)

206

Figure 115 Hana’s Place logo (By Author)

209

Figure 116 First floor lighting plan (By Author)

247

Figure 117 Second floor lighting plan (By Author)

248

Figure 118 Third floor lighting plan (By Author)

249

Figure 119 Collage of material selections (By Author)

250

LIST OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

Figure 8

Ho-jo- garden of Ryoanji. Photograph by J.C. Schmeil.

Retrieved from http://anarchitectinjapan.blogspot.ca/

Figure 9

Two rocks leaning on each other. Photograph by J.C. Schmeil.

Retrieved from http://anarchitectinjapan.blogspot.ca/

Figure 10

Decaying rock. Photograph property of Tokeiji.

Retrieved from http://www.tokeiji.com/map/sazareishi/

Figure 13

Map of Tokeiji convent. Photograph property of Tokeiji.

Retrieved from http://www.tokeiji.com/map/sanmon/

Figure 14

Entrance stairs. Photograph property of Tokeiji.

Retrieved from http://www.tokeiji.com/map/sanmon/

Figure 15

Winding path in Tokeiji garden. Photograph property of Tokeiji.

Retrieved from http://www.tokeiji.com/sakuraduka/

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Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Tea House in Tokeiji. Photograph property of Tokeiji.

Retrieved from http://www.tokeiji.com/map/kan-un-tei/

Interior view. Photograph property of Tokeiji.

Retrieved from http://www.tokeiji.com/map/shoin/

Communal kitchen at Savard’s. Photograph by Robert Burley.

Residents’ “nooks” at Savard’s. Photograph by Robert Burley.

Residents’ bed at Savard’s. Photograph by Robert Burley.

Church of Light. Photograph by Ali Abbas.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ali_abbas/4860643841/in/photostream/ 82

Nature and architecture relationship of Church of Light. Photograph

by Gianpiero Venturini. Copyright permission obtained July 21, 2012.

Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/gianpieroventurini/

5470788496/in/photostream

View of nature from inside Church of Light. Photograph by Jon Reksten.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonhefel/7045157559/in/photostream 84

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Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 53

Church of Light – Shadow of crucifix on the façade. Photograph by

Liao Yusheng. Copyright permission obtained July 12, 2012.

Retrieved from http://figure-ground.com/church_light/0001/

Church of Light – Wall surface. Photograph by Ali Abbas.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ali_abbas/4860642415/in/photostream/ 85

Light entering between walls. Photograph by Naoya Fujii.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/naoyafujii/202909251/in/datetaken/ 86

Walls at different heights. Photograph by Jon Reksten. Copyright

permission obtained July 31, 2012. Retrieved from

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonhefel/7074926347/in/photostream 86

Interior of Church of Light. Photograph by Naoya Fujii.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/naoyafujii/202906446/in/datetaken/ 86

Crucifix at Church of Light. Photograph by Jon Reksten.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonhefel/7045152263/in/photostream 87

First floor plan of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach.

Graphic property of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach.

111

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Subject Matter of Inquiry: Purpose + Typology

User Information

Key Terms

Research Objectives

Project Benefits

Research Methodologies

Biases + Limitations

Chapter Summaries

INTRODUCTION

Imagine for a moment: you wake in the morning, fearing the sound of

footsteps echoing in the hallway. Your partner slowly approaches, about

to make his entry to your room. He comes in with rage in his eyes,

swaying left to right, in a cloud of alcohol. He raises his arm, which

once protected and sheltered you, and violently hits you with hands

that no longer give warmth.

You have planned to escape from him many times, but you are a mother

of three and rely on him financially, as you quit your job years ago to

focus on raising your young children. Running to your parents has

never been a realistic option. When you were a young girl, your father

was never at home, and your mother blamed you for his absence.

You wished that you could grow up faster so you could get away from

the house that never felt like home. At a young age, you dropped out

of high school to be with your current husband, who promised to take

care of you. Yet, like ice thrown into a fire, your relationship with him

deteriorated as time went by. He was fired from his job and is always

pressing his anger and blame on you. For many years, he has been

demanding that you be a certain way, treating you like a caged bird, and

beating you in front of your children with no shame or regret. The

police do nothing to intervene. Instead, they tell you that you must not

be serious, as you have not yet tried to run away from him. Without a

place to go or any money to support yourself, you fear that your

children will one day become like their father.

SUBJECT MATTER OF INQUIRY: PURPOSE + TYPOLOGY

Although the story above may be unimaginable to some people, it is an example of the reality that many women

and children must endure every day. According to a 2007 Statistics Canada report, 167,994 women were identi-

fied as victims of abuse in Canada that year and the number of incidents continues to rise today (Statistics Canada,

2009). While escaping from the situation may seem to be the simplest solution, the relationship of the victim to

her abuser ranges from family members such as parents, to boyfriends and spouses, to business acquaintances,

hence making the dissolution of relationships difficult. Moreover, sociological studies have noted that the act of

leaving makes women and their children even more vulnerable to abuse (M. Kandrack, personal communication

2012).

Domestic violence is an issue that affects many countries and people in the world. It is not limited to a specific

age group, location of residence, or to any particular cultural background (Department of Justice Canada, 2009).

Therefore the causes and effects, the magnitude of seriousness, and the type of abuse varies from situation to

situation. While the abuse is occurring, victims face many obstacles, such as financial dependency on the abuser

and a lack of viable resources for help. Often, running away leads to many other consequences that, sadly, make

remaining in the abusive relationship seem more manageable. The kinds of common abuse that have been re-

ported are physical violence, verbal attacks, psychological threats, and sexual abuse. A victim’s age does not con-

tribute to the likelihood of being abused since domestic violence can affect anyone. While abuse is an occasional

occurrence in some families, it may be a daily routine for others (MacLeod, 1980, p. 6).

Whatever the form or cause of violence may be, women and children have the right to a safe place to reside or

escape to. However, depending on the location, some social housing has been identified as unsafe for certain

residents, particularly children, due to overcrowding and poor maintenance (CBC News, 2011). Also, according to

sociologists Gillian Balfour and Elizabeth Comack (2006), shelters and transitional housing often operate through

a top-down approach, a hierarchical environment that makes women staying in these facilities feel belittled or

lower in rank, and does not evoke a home-like environment (p. 87). Women often feel isolated, foreign to the

environment, and being inside a room sometimes reminds them of the pain and hardship they faced before

coming to the shelter. Survivors of domestic abuse often continue to encounter obstacles even after leaving their

abusers. Many shelters turn away mothers due to being overcrowded and or an inability to welcome large families,

adolescent children, or boys. Occasionally, mothers are subject to more stress while being overseen by staff who

expect speedy recovery and enforce their own concepts of “appropriate” mothering behaviour (Moe, 2009, p.

245). Often, this leads to a woman living homeless on the streets, finding another man to help her financially,

ending up in prostitution or drug dealing, or even going back to her abusive partner to find a sense of familiarity

(Sprague, 1991, p. 18).

In response to the issues noted above, the purpose of my practicum project for the Master of Interior Design at

the University of Manitoba was to design hypothetical transitional housing, a long-term second-stage shelter

for female and children survivors of domestic violence, called Hana’s Place, using a site located in Vancouver,

Canada. It was designed to provide a healing environment with improved social assistance to help individuals re-

gain their confidence, and provide educational courses and activities to help the residents to refine their skills and

knowledge. Informed by the Theory of Supportive Design, Lifeboat theory, and Experiential Learning Theory, the

spaces and programmes of Hana’s Place were designed to reinforce the relationship between mother and child

and help survivors develop economic independence. Most importantly, this project was aimed at designing a place

that survivors of domestic violence can call home.

Lastly, the ideas of Zen, in combination with the study of the effects of nature on humans, have also been

investigated and were used as inspirational elements to help inform and develop my overarching design concepts

of the interior and exterior designs of this practicum project.

USER INFORMATION

The primary users of this transitional housing are women over the age of 18 and their children, who are in need

of social and psychological support after being faced with physical violence and/or emotional damage from the

effects of domestic abuse. Their children, both girls and boys, are also invited to stay with their mothers. Often,

conventional shelters and transitional housing do not permit boys to take accommodation in order to allow

emotional ease for female residents. However, this project is designed to strengthen the relationship between

children and their mothers, so boys are welcome at Hana’s Place. There are also programme activities and services

that assist both children and adults.

Secondary users include both the full- and part-time female staff that are over the age of 21. Female volunteers

and security guards are also regarded as secondary users. Both staff and volunteer responsibilities revolve around

building upkeep, programme development and offering, and financial recordkeeping of Hana’s Place business

activities. It is important to note that their foremost responsibilities are to help residents remain safe and

comfortable during their stay. By being a supportive friend and mentor, each staff member is encouraged to

maintain strong, trusting relationships with residents, without the development of hierarchies.

Tertiary users are the playgroup leaders at the childcare programme, and instructors of courses that are held as

part of the unique programmes offered at the housing facility. Others include visiting psychiatrists, psychologists,

lawyers, social workers, and university student mentors and researchers. Due to the selected location of the hous-

ing, the majority of all users are expected to be from the Metro Vancouver area, including Langley, Aldergrove,

and Squamish.

Female friends and relatives of residents are also welcome to visit Hana’s Place. In order to maintain privacy

and safety, with the exception of children under the age of twelve, residents’ family members, friends, and

acquaintances will not be allowed entrance to the shelter without the resident’s consent. When consent is not

given, visitors will be politely asked to plan their meetings outside of the building.

KEY TERMS

- - - Transitional Housing - - -

Throughout this practicum document, both “transitional housing” and “housing facility” were used to describe

the type of housing provided for the users mentioned above. The term is defined by Joan F. Sprague (1991),

an architect and planner who has been an advocate of disadvantaged women, as a long-term shelter provided

with an incorporation of unique programmes to assist the residents direct towards self-sufficiency (p. 27). It is

common in the sequence of shelter types to refer to transitional housing as a “second-stage” or “bridge housing”,

indicating a position after “emergency housing” and before “permanent housing.” The term, however, is not

limited to describing housing for survivors of domestic violence. Transitional housing may also refer to temporary

housing provided for people with other special life-impacting issues such as homelessness and/or overcoming

health issues. In the case of domestic violence, emergency shelters usually allow residents to stay for a few days

up to few months. Meanwhile, transitional housing often allows residents to stay up to two years, and permanent

housing is identified as the final stage and goal. It refers to housing they rent or own, in locations they choose (p.

27-28).

Basic transitional housing typically includes furnished bedrooms that are used privately by one household or shared

by many. Kitchens and lounge areas complete the housing essentials and some facilities with flexibility in terms of

square footage have childcare spaces and a laundry area. Most transitional housing facilities have on-site special

programmes if the space allows. These programmes often include access to counselling and skill-development

classes, which establish connections to other residents with similar goals, helping to strengthen the act of sharing

and looking after each other (Sprague, 1991, p. 33). Transitional housing facilities that do not have sufficient square

footage often have programmes available at a site near the residence, and sometimes allow former residents and

neighbours to join in receiving assistance (p. 34). For this practicum project, I have used the term “transitional

housing” as a reference to housing reserved for users who are mothers and children overcoming wounds caused

by domestic violence.

- - - Zen - - -

In my literature investigation, I have examined the aesthetics and the principles of Japanese Zen. Although the

idea of Zen came from a sector of Buddhism in China (Gropius, 1955, p. 15), in my practicum I have chosen to

focus on the Japanese Zen which is shaped greatly by a Japanese cultural belief called Shinto. Its focus celebrates

the relationship that architecture has with its surrounding environment and believes that there is spiritual divinity

residing in nature; hence, places like gardens are regarded as sacred (Goto, 2003, p. 103).

Key Words: Transitional Housing, Second-Stage Housing, Domestic Abuse, Interior Design, Zen, Garden, Therapeutic

Landscape, Healing Space, Social Support, Empowerment, Independence, Nature, Blurring Boundaries

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The following questions were focused on throughout the progress of the project to guide my exploration, research,

and design:

1. In what ways can analysis of the characteristics and effects of domestic violence shape the interior design of

the project?

2. In what ways can design take a role in initiating healing and learning in survivors of domestic violence?

3. How might the design of interior spaces foster the development of community and social support?

4. In what ways might the principles and aesthetics of Zen be applied to the interior design to effectively have a

healing and self-empowering impact on the users?

PROJECT BENEFITS

As previously stated, the purpose of this practicum project was to design a place that women and children who

had experiences of abuse could call home. The designed environments aim to create realms where all users can

comfortably contemplate, relax, work, and plan their future without negative distractions. I have designed the

interior and its programme in ways to avoid discrimination and limitations by creating spaces that are non-gender

specific, serene, and soothing; where all residents can heal and transition. Participation in activities and classes is

open to everyone. I have chosen the aforementioned theories and principles with the hope that users find benefits

in the ideas of strengthening mother-child relationships as well as in community development and participation.

The theories informing the design were also chosen to help residents to smoothly transition from shelters

where they were previously living, to Hana’s Place, and then to permanent housing where they will reside in

the future. The spacious square footage has allowed me to design spaces that will encourage hobbies and interests

to grow, such as a music room and an exercise room. I hope that the users of Hana’s Place will seek benefits in

these amenities and find themselves in a comfortable home rather than in an institutional space.

I have selected guiding theories and principles that exemplify the ways in which interior designers may successfully

help to change how survivors of domestic violence think about their own lives, and help them heal from many

obstacles they have faced. Furthermore, my design’s focus of blurring boundaries between inside and outside may

also shed light on how nature and therapeutic landscapes can play a further role in the methods of Leadership in

Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and in fostering physical and psychological human wellness.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

This practicum project research was conducted in two portions: literature investigation and precedent studies.

While the focus of the research revolves around issues of domestic violence and construction of healing spaces,

other disciplines in psychology and healthcare were also investigated to inform the design of women’s transitional

housing.

- - - Literature Investigation - - -

The literature investigation is composed of four sections that create a foundation and guide the design of spaces.

The four sections include: 1) an analysis of the traits and impact of domestic violence; 2) construction of a healing

space; 3) the establishment of community strength and social support; and 4) the exploration of the effects of nature

on humans. In the first section, an overview of the issues of cause and effect in domestic violence is provided. How

these issues impact the behavioural nature and the lifestyle of the survivors was also investigated. I have explored

the psychological needs and values of women and children to understand how violence has had an impact on their

concept of safety and comfort. The information obtained from this segment was also used to inform and shape

the programme design in order to develop activities and services that will cater to the needs discovered in this

segment.

The following section, focused on the construction of healing space, investigates Roger Ulrich’s Theory of

Supportive Design. This theory was chosen as the foundation to explore further studies such as the development

of community strength and social support. I have looked at how environment can impact a person’s well-being

and play a role in the process of healing from traumatic experiences. In the last component of this segment, I have

examined the impact of nature on human conditions and emotions. The exploration of Shinrin-yoku investigates

the concept of restoration through immersing one’s body in nature.

Thirdly, I investigated J.F. Sprague’s Theory of Lifeboat to look at how community can be developed in the

environment of transitional housing. This segment studies the effects and benefits that community activities and

social engagement can have in people recovering from violence. And lastly, David Kolb’s Experiential Learning

Theory was investigated to help guide the design of an environment and programme that will assist users of the

space in self-improvement and gaining new knowledge.

In the final part of my literature investigation, I have examined the principles and aesthetics of Japanese Zen. The

key authors I have studied here are Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki and Seiko Goto. I was motivated to understand and

apply Zen to my practicum because of its strong relations between nature and humans. I have discovered that it

contains healing concepts and a perspective to a positive future. Thus, I found the subject to be appropriate for

the users of Hana’s Place.

- - - Precedent Studies - - -

The alternative method used in retrieving information was through precedent studies. I have looked at former

and existing shelters to analyse how their design aspects and programme approaches serve the needs of the

survivors of domestic violence. I further looked into how their approaches would comply best with the information

gathered during the literature investigation. Most of the information gathered from these studies provides specific

guidance to spatial design. The precedents that are analysed in this practicum are: 1) Tokeiji convent, Japan; 2)

Savard’s, Canada; and 3) Church of Light, Japan. Additionally, site and building analysis of the chosen building for

this practicum project was performed to help shape the design and programmes offered at Hana’s Place.

BIASES + LIMITATIONS

In order to maintain the project under a manageable scope, I have framed myself to focus on the design of family

household areas and general communal spaces in Hana’s Place. Remaining spaces such as a daycare, kiosk, and

counseling rooms have also been designed to a standard that meets the current building code. However, further

studies on human psychology are needed in order for those selected rooms to employ a design that properly

caters to the needs of the users. Similarly, the programme of this practicum project is focused on the needs of and

assistance to female survivors in general. Although many of the programmes are applicable to larger audiences,

further studies on programmes that properly catered to children, the elderly, and people with mental challenges

or substance abuse are also suggested.

The goal of this project was to deliver assistance to as many women and children as possible. Therefore, all cultural

and or religious values and beliefs that require specialized programming and consideration are absent throughout

the research and design. Lastly, the analysis of survivors’ needs that are identified in this practicum project is

based on my personal perception and understanding reached through the research. Hence, all of the documents

and design were inevitably framed by my perception.

CHAPTER SUMMARIES

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction

As an introduction to this practicum project, Chapter One provides a brief background on the issues of domestic

violence and the significance of this practicum research project. It also lays out the directions and steps that were

taken to conduct the investigation from beginning to end. Short descriptions of the user groups are provided,

as well as insight on the benefits of this research to today’s role of interior design. The limitations of this project

are explained and both key concepts and vernacular terms are defined to provide a compressed framework that

informs this practicum’s focus.

CHAPTER TWO: Literature Investigation

This chapter addresses the theories and literature investigation that were used to help inform the final design and

programming of the transitional housing facility. It provides a rationale for their being chosen, and an explanation

of how the analysis will be beneficial to both the design and the users. Key theorists and authors include Roger

Ulrich, Elizabeth Grosz, Joan Forrester Sprague, David Kolb, Seiko Goto, and Daisetsu Teitarou Suzuki. The drawn

analyses also help to validate the reasons for the chosen final design implications. This chapter is composed of

five main discussion categories of theoretical framework: traits and impact of domestic violence, healing spaces,

strength in community, the learning model and life in nature.

CHAPTER THREE: Precedent Studies

A series of studies on precedents is provided in this chapter. The three chosen sites: Tokeiji convent in Kamakura,

Japan; a women’s homeless shelter called Savard’s in Toronto, Canada; and a Christian church known as the Church

of Light in Japan were analysed to help inform the final design of the transitional housing facility. Although all of

the chosen precedents vary in typologies, they exhibit design methods that establish connection with nature

and/or respond to the needs of survivors of domestic violence. Their architectural elements, quality of space, and

the impact of design on their users are examined to determine their benefits and how they will be applicable to

the design of Hana’s Place. The chapter concludes with a summary of similarities and the pros and cons found in

each chosen precedent.

CHAPTER FOUR: Site Analysis

This chapter provides detailed analysis and information on the chosen site and building for this practicum project.

The topical foci are neighbourhood analysis, zoning, nodes and landmarks, circulation, and the building’s current

interior conditions. An analysis of the building codes appears in the appendix.

CHAPTER FIVE: Programme Design

Information on user profiles, their requirements, and zoning study compose this chapter. In addition, this chapter

includes a thorough explanation of each programme and service developed for this project. All activities and

services offered at Hana’s Place are inspired and guided by analysis of both the literature investigation and

precedent studies. While they exhibit a fusion of theories and analyses, they propose a system that may contribute

to a paradigm shift in the design of transitional housing facilities. Many programmes offered at Hana’s Place are

geared towards learning, providing social assistance, community building, and self-discovery.

CHAPTER SIX: Design Proposal

The chapter opens with an exploration of the conceptual approach. It then addresses the steps that were taken

throughout the process of designing and concludes with a final design of the transitional housing facility. It offers

detailed reviews of each of the designed spaces with explanations of why certain decisions were made and how

they revisit the composition of the literature investigations.

CONCLUSION

In the conclusion of this practicum document, I have provided a summary of research and the processes that

result in the proposal of a final design. Also included are suggestions for further areas of study and investigation to

strengthen the future design of transitional housing for the survivors of domestic violence.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE INVESTIGATION

Introduction

THE CONTEXT OF ISSUES: The Cause, Effect, and Societal View of Domestic Violence

Theory of Supportive Design

Lifeboat Theory: Looking After Each Other

Open Your Curtains: Access to Nature and Natural Qualities

Experiential Learning Theory

ZEN: Finding More than Perfection in Imperfection

Chapter Summary + Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Each night, a mother gently tucks her child into bed and asks in a whisper

which book will be read that night. The child struggles for a moment,

choosing between two books, but finally decides on the one with a more

colourful cover. The mother smiles, dims the lamp, and starts to read in her

soft voice. The hands of the clock move quietly as the moments fade,

allowing the child to escape into an evening dream. A scene like this may be

imagined as a universal childhood experience; a nightly routine that some

might take for granted. However, for some children, a situation like this only

exists in a distant dream. Instead, what those children experience are sounds

of screaming and the crashing of furniture being tossed around, flickering

images of violent shadows, and nights that seem to last a life-time.

Domestic violence is an issue that can affect many people in various contexts regardless of age, cultural background,

religion, location, and even sexual orientation (Department of Justice Canada, 2009). However, in this practicum

project, the focus is placed upon the victims of male violent behaviour: women and their children. In this chapter,

you will find in the first segment, an analysis of the characteristics and effects of domestic violence. This segment

focuses on its causes, the effects it has on victims, and how society has reacted to this major issue. The key for this

segment is to create a framework of what the issues are to determine what is needed in the design of interiors.

The second segment explores the four theoretical frameworks that were chosen as a result of the analysis of the

first segment. Finally, an investigation on the principles and aesthetics of Zen was conducted and the last segment

of this chapter summarizes how these findings and theories have shaped the final design of Hana’s Place.

THE CONTEXT OF ISSUES

The Cause, Effect, and Societal View of Domestic Violence

- - - Why does domestic violence occur? The Causes - - -

In times past, violence inflicted upon spouses and partners was regarded as a private occurrence and often kept

secret within the household (Appleford, 1989, p. 4). It was even viewed as a socially acceptable behaviour necessary

to regulate women and children (p. 12). Only in recent decades have changes initiated by the women’s movement

and child protection advocates begun to alter the issue and define it as a serious offence and crime (p. 12).

The causes of domestic violence can be seen as an intricate subject on their own. However, various studies1 have

identified that there are psychological, sociological, and political factors that contribute to certain males behaving

in a violent manner (Appleford, 1989, p. 14-18). Various reports have shown that wife abusers are often severely

detached from neighbourly activities and are identified as anti-social compared to men who are not violent (p. 14).

The lack of social interaction with others affects their psychological experiences, leaving them to become lonely,

distanced from other people’s influences, and unable to show intimacy, often leading them to find comfort through

alcohol consumption and or drug use, both of which often cultivate aggression (p. 14, 22). The men’s individual

past experiences also affect their behaviours. Many of those who abuse their wives are victims of child abuse

themselves. Without having had male role models of their own, these abusers have difficulty distinguishing wrong

behaviours. Sociologically, the man’s own evaluation of his social rank and or unemployment can also feed his

violent behaviours. In low-income households, family members have greater stress in their everyday lives, leading

men to feel ashamed and angry for their inability to compete financially. As a result, these men express their stress

and depression by committing violent acts toward women as proof of their power, and seek satisfaction through

women’s pleas for help (p. 14).

1 Interviews were conducted on both abusers and victims (Appleford, 1989, p. 15).

One of the key triggers for men to behave in an abusive manner comes from the primitive political concept that

has existed for many centuries and still exists today: male hierarchical domination of society from a patriarchal

view (Dutton, 1988, p. 16). Even to this day, the economic disparities between men and women illustrate the

example of gender inequality2 (Balfour & Comack, 2006, p. 66). Regardless of a man’s social and financial status,

society as a whole has believed that males have more physical power and therefore have a stronger will to survive,

protect allies, and make changes in society for the better. Over time, this notion has evolved to portray women as

inferior and to belittle their existence (M. Kandrack, personal communication, 2010).

According to Don Dutton (1988), a professor at the University of British Columbia who specializes in the investigation

of criminal justice response to wife assaults, violent behaviours of men are influenced by the Nested Ecological

Theory, which views the categories of what produces men’s behaviour in a macro to micro perspective (p. 21).

The macro-system refers to societal perception of men’s domination over women, while the exo-system refers

to men’s social status and their involvement in it. The micro-system places emphasis on the notion of power and

democracy patterns found in the patriarchal family structure, while the ontogenetic level makes reference to

the man’s own individual past experiences (p. 21-24). Here, Dutton (1988), illustrates a summary of how Nested

Ecological Theory plays into the violent behaviour of certain men:

Wife assault would be viewed as likely when a male with strong needs to dominate women (ontogenetic)

and exaggerated anxiety about intimate relationships (ontogenetic), who has had violent role models

(ontogenetic) and has poorly developed conflict resolution skills (ontogenetic) is currently experiencing

job stress or unemployment (exosystem), is isolated from support groups (exosystem), is experiencing

relationship stress in terms of communication difficulties (microsystem), and power struggles

(microsystem) and exists in a culture where maleness is defined by the ability to respond to conflict

aggressively (macrosystem) (p. 24,26).

2 According to Statistics Canada in 1998, women working full-time in Canada earned an average of 72% in comparison to full-time

working men (as cited in Balfour & Comack, 2006, p. 66).

It is evident through these readings that abusers are often emotionally weak, depressed with their self-identity,

and attack family members as a way to free themselves from boredom, stress, and as a momentary escape from

problems they cannot handle by deceiving themselves about having power.

- - - Scarring the mind, body, and heart - - -

All wounds may heal and scars disappear, but will the memories ever be forgotten? The most visible violence

inflicted upon women is physical abuse, including choking, kicking, punching, stabbing, and forced sexual demands

(Pizzey, 1974, p. 22). Mean=while, various weapons may also be involved, such as assault with various pieces of

furniture, or guns and knives aimed at the body (Department of Justice Canada, 2009). However, it is often what is

not visible that has the potential to leave deeper scars on victims. Even if a woman does not experience physical

violence, other abusive treatment such as offensive words, name-calling, being belittled, and being blamed for

problems causes emotional and psychological damage, cutting through a woman’s confidence and personal

identity (Moe, 2009, p. 250). “If you don’t kill me, then I will kill you,” says her husband and the wife is left with

a challenging dilemma, causing some to take on an inevitable spiral of self-destruction (M. Kandrack, personal

communication, 2010). The magnitude of this abuse is case by case. While one woman may be verbally abused,

another could experience multitudes of physical and psychological battering. Although some physical wounds

may visibly heal over time, the experiences of suffering and emotional abuse may leave permanent damage on a

woman, her memories continuously haunting her.

I have always found home as my immediate refuge; regardless of what sort of danger or sense of fear there was in

the world, home was always where I was able to take cover and regain hope. I have always imagined that others also

find their most intimate comfort through the presence of family. However, in many cases of wife and child abuse, the

violent attack often takes its setting at home, making it the most feared place (Bridgman, 2003, p. 55). It is regrettable

to say that some women identify being in prison as a safer place to be than home (Balfour & Comack, 2006, p. 16).

- - - The Children - - -

As previously mentioned, in the context of domestic violence, age does not play any role in the cause of abuses

nor does it help victims escape the chance of being affected. At a very young age, children may witness violence

occurring at home even if not directly receiving the abuse. It has been identified that the effects on children who

witness family violence are as critical and equally damaging to those who experience it directly. Though the children

may not be present in the instance of spousal abuse, research shows that in 40% to 80% of incidents, children have

either seen the spousal abuse directly or have witnessed it through listening (Royal Canadian Mounted Police,

2007). While seeing one’s mother hurt by one’s father, the child even tries to save the mother by stabbing the

abuser (Pizzey, 1974, p. 17). Through various traumatic experiences such as these, many children fall behind in

their schoolwork as they lose their ability to concentrate. Some stop attending school altogether as a consequence

(p. 21, 73). In another instance, a young boy may witness his father in a violent rampage, shooting various things

with rifles, and mistakenly think of his father’s actions as heroic and powerful, since he is able to defy everyone,

including the police (p. 76). As a consequence, some boys (and girls) grow up to repeat their parents’ path as

perpetrators of violent dating, becoming the next generation to feed the cycle of domestic violence and many

other related issues (Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 2007).

In many unfortunate cases where a mother has lost the ability to keep her child, the children are taken into

foster care, where they not only lose contact with all of their immediate family members and friends at school,

but also lose part of their identities (M. Kandrack, personal communication, 2010). Various types of behaviour

can be present in children as a result of child abuse and family violence. Constant self-doubting, feelings of guilt,

and shame are just a few forms of behaviour that are self-inflicted. Having difficulty fitting in with others, along

with the inability to express or understand emotion or to care for others, causes social conflicts (Royal Canadian

Mounted Police, 2007).

- - - The Women - - -

The most common type of abuse is known as spousal abuse, the most common being abuse of female partners,

although there are instances of abuse of male partners. According to the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status

of Women (CACSW), a report called “Wife Battering in Canada: The Vicious Cycle”, produced by Linda MacLeod in

1980, states that every year, one in 10 Canadian women who is married or in a relationship with a live-in partner

is battered (MacLeod, 1980, p. 21). Victims of domestic violence are faced with many responsibilities and difficult

decision-making, as their actions also affect their children’s lives and safety.

People often wonder why victims’ instincts do not tell them to escape, just as birds will flee from the drumming

sound of human footsteps. Fagan and Wexler (1987) noted the following:

A man left his home and walked down the block to the bus stop. He got into an argument with

a stranger and proceeded to hit him several times. When told of this encounter, we ask, why

was he so violent? The man then returned home and got into an argument with his wife. He

hit her several times. We ask, why did she stay? (p. 5).

While running away sounds like the immediate solution, victims are often unable to do so for various reasons.

Some victims may reside in isolated areas where immediate help from neighbours is unavailable. Language, cultural

barriers, and religious views may hinder them from expressing their concerns or even forbid them from ending

the abusive relationship. In many cases, victims do not have jobs or any work experience due to a lack of formal

education. This leads them to be financially dependent on their abusers, causing further difficulties (Department

of Justice Canada, 2009). In cases where the husband has ripped and slashed all of his wife’s clothes and shoes, in

addition to having no job or any source of income to buy new clothes, the woman finds herself with no choice but

to stay at home (Pizzey, 1974, p. 27).

The foremost reason many women stay with their abusers is to protect their children’s safety. The fear of losing

custody of their children at the time of separation also delays their decision to leave (Moe, 2009, p. 245). However

easier their own lives could become by sending their children to foster care, many mothers will go to extreme

lengths to maintain the relationship and the companionship they have with their children. Many single-mothers

are also often distanced from social groups and isolated from other people’s affection and care, which results in

their social workers and children being their only close kin. They see themselves reflected in their children; letting

them go would destroy both the mother’s and the child’s identities. To many women, being a mother gives them

the meaning they seek in their lives (Sprague, 1991, p. 8).

According to W.I. Thomas, an American sociologist, people’s wellness is based on four requirements:

1) An adventure, which reflects an individual’s encounter with challenges that bring rewards,

and learning of new things that assess excitement and fascination;

2) Security, from harm in physical and psychological forms;

3) Response, from others with affection; and

4) Recognition, of one’s achievement, identity, and inclusion within the social group

(as cited in Balfour & Comack, 2006, p. 25).

As a result of society’s preconditioning of women and girls’ behaviours to be emotional, affectionate, kind, and

quiet3, the “response” requirement (associated with emotion), is a much greater need for women than for men

(M. Kandrack, personal communication, 2010). Women are raised to be sensitive at heart, and some victims find it

emotionally challenging to leave the relationship. As described previously, many men who are mentally disturbed and

exhibit abusive behaviour have very few or no friends, leaving the victim to feel the need to take care of him and feel

3 Men and boys are expected to be physically strong and intelligent by society (M. Kandrack, personal communication, 2010).

remorse for his loneliness. Thoughts such as “He has no one but me” resonate in the victim’s mind, control her

emotions, and convince her mind to blame herself for the cause of her partner’s violent behaviour (Pizzey, 1974,

p. 40). Unable to find manageable and realistic ways to escape, women who are continuously battered develop

unhealthy sleeping patterns, since staying up at night allows them to be prepared for the next abuse (Bridgman,

2003, p. 137). As a result of continuous suffering from pain and worry, some single-mothers develop dependence

on alcohol and or have backgrounds of substance abuse, brought on as a coping mechanism (Balfour & Comack,

2006, p. 70).

It is evident through exploration of the information above that simply witnessing violence has an equally damaging

impact on the victims. This demonstrates the idea that what is visually learned has the same effect as what is

physically experienced. In many cases of spousal abuse, financial dependence on the abuser and concerns for the

children’s safety create a strong barrier for victims in their decision to run away. Both of these illustrate the need

for their own development of independence, and the importance of mother-child relationships.

Victims are often:

Women:

- Lonely

- Provided limited opportunities

- Have very low income

- Emotionally unstable

Children:

- Lonely

- Behind in school curriculums

- Emotionally unstable

- Have the potential to become the abuser of the next generation

- - - View from the outside – Societal reactions and responses - - -

Because its causes and effects are complicated and interwoven, issues of domestic violence are still unclear, making

it difficult for communities and society as a whole to grasp its magnitude and seriousness. Take, for example, a

deceased soldier and a murdered neighbour. Why does society see it as acceptable to kill another when the soldier

is considered an enemy, but as a crime when it is your neighbour? Similarly, is it considered child abuse when

parents punish a child for his misbehaviour? Evidently, acts of domestic violence overlap with other behaviour

that society sees as the necessary means to a beneficial end. Being placed within this grey zone continues to make

domestic violence an issue difficult to assess and criticize.

Although over time, racism, inequality, and war have become seen as negative and often immoral, there are still

loopholes that allow them to exist and flourish. Similarly, awareness of domestic violence has been raised: there

now exist warnings of abuse in school curricula and in various media; and there are bootcamps for young offenders

(Balfour & Comack, 2006, p. 44-46). However, many victims of domestic violence are still socially stigmatized and

are treated as if they may somehow spread a serious disease. From society’s prefabrication of women’s character

to be good and without problems, a few early founders of refuges referred to a victim who sought help as an

“erring female,” whose body, mind, and character were not normal and thus were problematic to society (p. 81-

82). The staff at several women’s shelters and refuges thought of their own duties as benevolent, but revealed that

their work constituted and sustained their own image of being normal, by creating hierarchal and racial distinctions

between victims and themselves and (re)producing erring females by out casting them (p. 87). Resultantly, many

women and children feel ashamed of their involvement in the problem and refuse to admit their desperate need

for help to “keep up their appearance” of being normal (Pizzey, 1974, p. 31, 73). Further disadvantages in women’s

assistance today include the ongoing lack of efficient design and poor facility management, leaving women and

children without appropriate help, opportunities, and or jobs. As a result, these problems have become the

ingredients for crime and extended deterioration. Neighbours of social assistance facilities often fear vandalism,

crime, and or drug usage, and develop a negative perception of women’s shelters and transitional housing alike

(Sprague, 1991, p. 36).

- - - Design Goals - - -

Domestic violence occurs for reasons other than those mentioned above and each case has its own unique effects

and solutions. Even in the face of this challenge, it is evident that those affected deserve improved assistance

and guidance. The information above emphasizes the need for self-improvement in order to establish independence

and strong will-power. By providing learning opportunities at Hana’s Place, survivors of domestic violence will

be able to increase their knowledge, become experienced with various activities, and develop new skills. In this

way, survivors will be able to improve their job opportunities and essentially eliminate all dependence on their

abusers. Secondly, I have found that survivors (both women and children) deserve a better healing space, away

from societal pressures and their own developed boundaries. Through interior design and proper programming,

Hana’s Place hopes to accommodate the unique needs of each survivor, and support and strengthen mother-child

relationships.

THEORY OF SUPPORTIVE DESIGN

Through analysis of the characteristics and effects of domestic violence, it is evident that both women and children

endure emotional suffering before, during, and even after abuse. After enduring physical battering, emotional

scarring, and atrocious memories that continue to deteriorate their internal selves, healing is an important process

for all women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Although the magnitude of the damage

depends on each person, support should be given equally to each victim. In order to achieve an interior design

that will promote healing for the residents of Hana’s Place, I have chosen to use Theory of Supportive Design as

the grounding method to direct my process. This theory is made up of three main aspects: the power of privacy,

community strength, and the phenomenon of nature, all intricately woven together.

The Theory of Supportive Design was introduced by Roger S. Ulrich, one of the most influential professors of

architecture and landscape. Ulrich has many years of experience in conducting research on and designing

healthcare facilities that focus on the well-being of patients and staff through evidence-based design. Although

much of his writing focuses on the design of healthcare facilities such as hospitals and rehabilitation centres, many

of the hurdles experienced by those patients overlap with the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence.

According to Ulrich (1991), the ways an environment is designed for patients at hospitals and other recovery

facilities have an impact on health outcomes and human well-being (p. 97). He explains that an environment

that is well-designed can assist in the healing process of a person by reducing the stress and anxiety that are

often experienced by patients before and or after a major surgery. The environment also affects people’s heart-

rates, since well-designed spaces have the tendency to help lower blood pressure and lessen pain that is often

augmented psychologically (p. 103). In identifying similarities between patients at a hospital and abuse victims

residing at Hana’s Place, and noting that both groups must overcome comparable issues in pursuit of the ultimate

goal of healing, I have found this information and theory to be appropriate for directing this practicum design.

The chosen theory is based on an amalgamation of various research findings in a wide range of fields such as health

psychology, environmental psychology, behavioral medicine, and other health-related domains (Ulrich, 1991, p.

98). The theory not only accommodates the needs of both hospital patients and victims of domestic violence, it

also takes into account the needs and well-being of employees such as nurses in hospitals and staff of transitional

housing, both groups who provide assistive services. Supportive design addresses ways to help employees feel

comfortable in their workplaces, and reduces stresses that are often associated with staff inability to find their

own place of refuge at work. Reduction of absenteeism, lower turnover, and even the delivery of quality care are a

few results evident from proper implementation of design using this theory (p. 98-99). The following outlines the

three main goals of Theory of Supportive Design:

The General Guidelines of Theory of Supportive Design:

1. Provide users with a sense of control and access to privacy

2. Construct social support

3. Create access to nature and other natural qualities

In many health care centres, stress is emphasized as the primary cause of many illnesses and other psychological,

emotional, physiological, biochemical, and behavioral changes that negatively impact a person’s condition (Ulrich,

1991, p. 98). Likewise, victims of domestic violence are constantly battling stress that stems from the fear of

more abuse, the responsibilities of taking care of one’s children, financial limitations, loneliness, and many other

stressors. Hence, in order to provide healing spaces, the theory takes its initiative by eliminating all environmental

characteristics that could trigger annoyance and disturbances that often contribute to elevated stress levels (p.

99). To use an analogy, supportive design is like providing a clean canvas; an environment that is free of obstacles.

One must avoid placing or remove all existing paintings and sculptures that present abstract or ambiguous images

that could be interpreted in multiple ways (Ulrich, 2002, p. 8). Through case studies and interviews, research shows

that abstract pictures that are dominated by extreme ends of rectilinear and curvilinear forms have a negative

impact on patients, as they do not deliver specific messages or direct reading methods. It is possible that viewers

will associate them with violent behaviour

or glimpses of an unclear future (Figure

1) (p. 6). Additionally, as one focus of this

practicum project is to deliver support for

women and children of different cultural

backgrounds, religion, and race, the staff

hired to work at Hana’s Place will be from

various backgrounds as well. This is in order

to prevent victims from developing stress

through seeing an inaccurate portrayal of

certain cultures being prone to domestic

violence.

Figure 1

Abstract painting

- - - Sense of control & access to privacy: Your own space - - -

Ulrich (1991) explains that one aspect of constructing a healing environment is to provide a person with access

to privacy. This method becomes even more effective when one is given his or her own space and the ability to

control it, and additionally, experiences an emphasis on ownership of space (p. 100-102). In this way, one who

seeks healing is able to contemplate in whichever way he or she prefers in the space, without other people’s

activities and behaviours to distract or influence in a negative way.

According to Elizabeth Grosz (1996), an Australian feminist academic, there is an intricate interweaving of

connections between a person’s body and the realm it is in (p. 242). She looks at the relations of the body and

what surrounds it and discusses the effects that each have on the other. Grosz sees the outside realm to be as

large as geographical environments such as cities and districts, to as small as one’s own room. Grosz continues

on to explain that even within a person’s body are contributing factors that influence one’s behaviour and what is

outside the body’s frame (p. 242). Grosz places an emphasis on the notion that all of these elements, both inside

and outside the body, continuously grow and evolve with each other while underpinned socially, physically, and

psychologically. Looking at the city, the way it functions, and its design reveals the impact of human behaviour and

reflections of people in it. Meanwhile, the city and society shape their residents to behave in a certain way, causing

people to become a reflection of that city (p. 243). Grosz’s writing draws a connection to how children are easily

and quickly influenced by witnessing spousal abuse between their parents.

Although the concept of providing control can be interpreted in many ways, according to Ulrich (1991), many

healthcare studies have shown that people who are given at least some control of their immediate surroundings

cope better with stress or are less stressed and have better health conditions than those who feel they lack control

completely (p. 100). This is due to having allowed a space that can foster one’s own identity and the space to

respond in accordance to one’s needs. With that notion in mind, and by stressing the idea asserted by Grosz, it

is possible to see one’s private room as a place of refuge, where one is able to step away from domains where

arrows of influence and judgmental opinions fly in multiple directions. By also allowing one to personalize his or

her controlled space – an expressive behaviour that symbolically and psychologically identifies a territorialisation

of one’s space – a person is able to confirm, celebrate, and reinforce his or her identity (Sprague, 1991, p. 41).

Together with Ulrich’s discovery of the importance of providing patients with their own space and privacy so that

they have control over what they do, to affect their situations, and determine what others do to them, I find that

it would also be effective to provide access to a view of outside from the personal space, as a way to inform the

events happening in one’s surroundings. In this way, one is given the information needed to control how to react

and respond, generating not only control but also removing stress produced from insecurity. Similarly, victims

of domestic violence will be able to heal within the frame of their own controlled private space, by being able to

contemplate their own identity, reorganize their thoughts, analyse situations that have been shaped externally,

and to express who they are through personalization (Figure 2).

1. The body is influenced by outside elements (Nature,

City, Another person)

2. The body enters a private room

3. The body reflects, changes, contemplates,

strengthens, and celebrate its identity within its

room while inside elements (one’s own physical body

and mind) continue to influence the body

4. The body leaves the room, influences the outside

elements

5. The outside elements change from the influences

of the body

6. The body is influenced once again by the outside

elements

Figure 2 (left)

Privacy and

control

Design Approaches:

- Provide privacy

- Provide acoustic control in private resident rooms

- Allow residents to have control of their own space

- Install lighting with dimmers to enable control over lighting

- Provide views to outside

- Provide signage or architecturally designed spaces that facilitate guides in directions

- Design spaces to be universally accessible

LIFEBOAT THEORY: Looking After Each Other

According to Ulrich (1991) in his Theory of Supportive Design, the secondary factor in promoting a healing

environment is to provide access to social supports. He describes a social support as an act of giving and receiving

of assistance that is caring, tangible, and supports one emotionally, physically, and psychologically. The support

also reduces one’s levels of stress and helps to generate better health conditions than those found in people who

are socially distanced (p. 101).

In order to establish constructive social assistance that will benefit the residents of Hana’s Place, I have chosen

to use J.F. Sprague’s (1991) Theory of Lifeboat, a widely-discussed method in the field of second-stage housing

and other affordable housing, to help shape the design and the programme component of this practicum project.

Compared to conventional second-stage housing designs – where domains within the facility are composed of the

four divisional zones (personal space, the household zone, the community zone, and the neighbourhood) – the

Lifeboat theory places an emphasis on the in-between compartments of the general four zones (Figure 3) (p. 45-

46). By doing so, it composes a unique fabrication of domains resulting in smoother transitions and strengthened

relationships between zones. The Lifeboat theory introduces two new zones that focus on community aspects

and social assistance. It suggests that the act of merging multiple households into a larger group, a network,

and essentially a housing family, encourages sharing of knowledge, support, and working together to help every

resident move towards a similar goal (p. 221).

4 basic zones of housing:

- Personal zone

- Household zone

- Community zone

- Neighbourhood

6 zones in Lifeboat theory:

- Personal zone

- Household zone

- Between household and community

- Community zone

- Between community and neighbourhood

- Neighbourhood

1. Personal zone

2. Household zone

3. Between household

and community zone

4. Community zone

5. Between community

and neighbourhood zone

6. Neighbourhood

Figure 3 (left)

Lifeboat theory

diagram

(Diagram by

author based on

Sprague, 1991)

- - - 6 zones of Lifeboat - - -

In Lifeboat theory, the Personal Zone remains a private space that is provided for a single resident. Here, the

resident uses the space to sleep, work or play, contemplate, study, dress, and maintain personal hygiene (Sprague,

1991, p. 47). As described earlier in the previous section, I have identified this space as critical for the residents of

Hana’s Place, as it is the place that allows one to reflect his (in the case of a child) or her identity and heal through

gaining control of the environment. It is visually and acoustically separated from other spaces and activities to

prevent interruptions or disturbances caused by negative milieus, to avoid jeopardizing or making one’s healing

process more difficult.

The Household Zone draws a perimeter that determines the boundary of a family space. This zone must also

remain separate from external supervision or interference, as each family requires private time and space to

strengthen mother-child relationships and foster the close kinship they have as a family. A personalization of this

space is also suggested to celebrate the identity of the individual family (Sprague, 1991, p. 49). In cases of domestic

violence, a mother and a child arrive at the family centre confused about their own roles. Since many children,

especially older siblings, have had to take care of their abused mothers, and step into a parental role by making

meals and babysitting younger siblings, these children are overly “adult” and have not been free enough to play

and experience what children normally would (p. 84). Because of this fact, I find this zone to be particularly critical

for the design of Hana’s Place, to allow the reconfiguration of family member roles, and to allow mothers to have

an undisrupted environment where they are able to properly take care of their children.

The zone Between Household and Community indicates spaces that are shared by two or more households,

such as washrooms and lounges. According to Sprague (1991), these spaces are meant to be shared by multiple

households, but do not encourage access by the entire community of the housing facility (p. 53). In the context

of Hana’s Place, most households pairs will share a bathroom; some will also share a living room space and

a kitchen. Having various shared spaces such as these allows strengthening of relationships not only between

women but also between children. These spaces bring out the possibility of family-to-family bonding. Thus,

when the time comes for a family to move into permanent housing, other families may become housing mates,

facilitating a smoother transition.

All of the group activities and learning programmes at Hana’s Place take place in the Community Zone, as suggested

by this theory. Through the act of sharing spaces and casual social interaction during everyday tasks such as

cooking, dining, and laundry, residents experience unexpected exchanges of information and informal learning.

Often, these encounters with others allow for the development of social connections and trust (Sprague, 1991, p.

54). While spaces like living rooms and multipurpose rooms allow for an accommodation of the entire membership

of the housing facility, in the design of Hana’s Place, this theory was the inspiration for allocating smaller meeting

pods in various places. Informal, and small enough to be intimate, these pods are designed to encourage further

development of social interactions between the residents to accommodate those who feel large spaces are a

bit daunting. While the zone between household and community allows for connections between households

that are adjacent to one another, these meeting pods allow access to small groups and interactions between

households that are at a distance from each other.

The zone Between Community and Neighbourhood includes spaces that are also accessed by the neighbourhood

public. This zone was established to allow public access to some or all of the programmes and activities held within

the facility. As suggested by Sprague (1991), this zone must have fortified security and community participation

to ensure everyone’s safety and privacy (p. 63-64). Although Hana’s Place does not offer programmes available

to the general public, daycare services remain available to former residents who have transitioned to permanent

housing. Fostering community and neighbourhood relations in this way not only removes the stress of finding new

daycare arrangements for residents who have recently moved, but also preserves the friendships and connections

both mothers and children have developed during their stay at Hana’s Place. The lecture room and counselling

rooms are also considered part of this zone since they allow professionals from the neighbourhood and students

from the University of British Columbia and others schools close to Hana’s Place access to these spaces to conduct

classes and assist residents.

Lastly, the Neighbourhood Zone indicates the city’s district where the housing is located. Although many

conventional transitional housing facilities do not reveal their addresses for residents’ privacy and safety reasons,

it has been noted by several women that secrecy and hiding increase their sense of vulnerability (Sprague, 1991,

p. 75). By allowing residents to have freedom to explore and participate in neighbourhood activities – even if this

only involves shopping in the district – the amount of time residents spend flourishes into an acknowledgement

of where they belong. Through repetitive visits and seeing acquaintances, residents are able to compose another

realm of familiarity and develop a sense of being a valued member of society (p. 65).

- - - Social support from community strength - - -

Another reason I have chosen to look at Lifeboat theory is its focus on development of self-empowerment in

individual residents. In addition to the six spatial organization zones that help facilitate social engagement, Lifeboat

also directs the programming component to assist in further development of social support. According to Mayuzumi

(2006), a community is established by people who are involved (p. 13). Likewise, the Lifeboat suggests residents

take part in offering social assistance to strengthen the notion of a community. This concept is based on the idea

that through providing assistance to others, one also receives assistance. It pushes the idea of equality, breaks down

any existing hierarchies, and establishes a common ground for all residents and staff. In this way, residents have

the chance to meet more people within the housing, enabling them to build a network and friendships, and the

realization that they are not alone (Sprague, 1991, p. 28). As a member of the community, residents are encouraged

to share responsibilities by taking on tasks such as helping raise children in daycare, cooking, and cleaning.

Although these activities may resemble household chores, taking turns in doing such tasks greatly helps mothers

in transitional housing. It provides more time for a mother to study, find jobs, contemplate, heal, and escape

the accumulation of stress (p. 33). Normally, taking care of someone else’s child is a responsibility and a type of

assistance that one can give only after the establishment of trust; therefore, by giving this assistance one can see

where she stands in relation to her community.

The interior design inspired by Lifeboat theory allows clear views of all activities so that each mother can look

after the children in her proximity and share the responsibility of taking care of children together (Sprague, 1991,

p. 41, 57). Sometimes, a complete dependency and isolation from group activities may be the outcome of victims

staying in an institutional setting (p. 43). However, Hana’s Place applies the Lifeboat method that suggests residents

participate and be involved in decision-making to enhance the quality of space, and have it closer resemble being

at home.

Providing residents with tasks that involve responsibility, such as answering phone calls and sitting behind the desk

at the office, show the transmission of trust between a resident and the managerial staff. Tasks like these, where

residents are required to run the office, not only allow residents to embrace the sense of independence imparted

by the staff, but also allow them to understand their own capabilities and self-worth (Pizzey, 1974, p. 130). Allowing

residents to be part of the decision-making process in house meetings also highlights the notion that their opinions

and thoughts matter and that their involvement contributes to a beneficial outcome. The weaving together of

respect, humility, and care, with the acknowledgement of others and the sense of inclusiveness found through

being part of the community, increases one’s perception of self-worth and self-empowerment (Mayuzumi, 2006,

p. 13).

Through the design of various shared spaces and the establishment of strong community at Hana’s Place, residents

are given a multitude of opportunities to engage with others, connect, establish a network, and make friends

within the facility. They can learn to look after each other and reinforce the sense of security for all. The sharing

of tasks not only exposes residents to a variety of important experiences that ultimately help shape their skills,

but also, one person’s task benefits many others. When the rhetoric of community is weaved together with the

concept of teamwork, each resident will see that what she does is valued by many, and that her existence and

involvement matter. As residents engage in the social loop, they have various exchanges of information and

benefit from informal learning. As residents look after and acknowledge one another, the personal progress of one

resident has the potential to inspire and assist others, making both mothers and children role models for others

(Sprague, 1991, p. 55). As the community becomes part of a residents’ extended family, comfort is found through

familiarity and trust. Once residents understand that their involvement in decision-making has benefitted all, they

gain a sense of self-empowerment which is an important part of the healing process.

Summary of Lifeboat theory:

- Introduces community zones

- Recalls early feminist vision of homemakers sharing household chores

- Integration of home and work

- Flexible home and work schedules

- Live, learn, work without having to leave child behind (family strengthening)

- Safety as community life through support of network of people with similar goals

Design Approaches:

- Generate social activities to foster group support

- Provide various meeting areas and shared spaces

- Design garden spaces with sitting areas to encourage socializing

- Allow residents to take part in improving housing programme

- Establish daycare services

Open Your Curtains: Access to Nature and Natural Qualities

To promote a healing environment, Theory of Supportive Design emphasizes the importance of access to outside

and providing natural qualities. Ulrich (1991) has found through a number of studies that even something as simple

as installing artwork in a patient’s room that illustrates a view of nature can significantly ameliorate a patient’s

health conditions (p. 102-103). He continues on to stress that he has seen the same effects among employees; his

research evidence shows that there are differences in working habits and conditions. Those who were given views

to outside or had time to stroll in the garden reported higher levels of job satisfaction and lower indications of

stress (p. 99).

On a different note, in 1980, the Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson explained that humans have an innate

attraction towards nature and introduced the term biophilia (Kellert et al., 2008, p. 23). According to Wilson,

human beings gravitate towards the appearance of nature and prefer to be in earthly settings due to our biological

needs. Wilson’s theory argues that for generations, human beings have lived in a natural world where their senses

were dominated by environmental features such as light, sound, odour, wind, weather, water, vegetation, animals,

and landscape, resulting in humans having developed a sense of strong attachment to natural qualities. Whether it

is through seeing, feeling, or being in nature, the connection to nature generates an amicable feeling of being with

or going back to where humans are originally from and away from the modern technology-based environment

(as cited in Kellert et al., 2008, p. 3). Under the theory of biophilia, people respond positively to organic shapes

as a psychological and behavioural response to portray the affection humans have towards the curvilinear forms

reflected in nature and landscapes (Heerwagen, 2008).

Meanwhile, the modernization of society – from the increase in production of mechanical systems, to the rapid

improvements in technology and people’s dependency on these technologies – have influenced many people to

live lives that are disconnected from nature (Maller, Townsend, Pryor, Brown, & Leger, 2005, p. 46). Hence, another

type of study has been conducted in Japan, called Shinrin-yoku. It is a term coined by the Forestry Agency of the

Japanese government in 1982. Closely related to the idea of biophilia, Shinrin-yoku translates to an amalgamation

of two words, “forest” and “bathe”, and was introduced to encourage the use of forests and nature as places to

spend time for human physical and psychological enhancement (Tsunetsugu et al., 2007, p. 136). After research

on the effects and testing of the validity of Shinrin-yoku, it was proven that forest environments are beneficial

to acute emotions, especially among those who experience chronic stress. This was discovered from a study of

physiological data that were measured by Ulrich and his colleagues. Their findings suggest that settings that portray

natural characteristics and qualities affect a component of the parasympathetic nervous system, and as a by-

product, restoration of human physical energy is achieved (Maller, Townsend, Pryor, Brown, & Leger, 2005, p. 47-

48). Recognizing that survivors of domestic violence are often faced with persistent stress and swings of emotional

instability, I have found Shinrin-yoku has the potential to be beneficial to many residents of Hana’s Place.

Shinrin-yoku has been recognized by both European health authorities and the Japanese Ministry of Health for its

positive health outcomes in study cases of rehabilitation and other forms of healthcare. Seeing natural environments

as therapeutic landscapes, both European and Japanese authorities recommend that patients at care facilities

have regular interaction with nature (Morita et al., 2006, p. 55). In the research performed by Roger Ulrich and his

colleagues, the measurement of an array of responses (including heart rate, muscle tension, and pulse transit time)

from bodies experiencing Shinrin-yoku concluded that it had positive outcomes on blood pressure, cholesterol,

outlook on life, and stress reduction (Maller et al., 2005, p. 49). According to Kaplan and Kaplan, professors of

psychology at the University of Michigan, it is in nature that humans find all of their restorative requirements.

Nature being a realm of wonder, fascination towards its characteristics is felt by many people. The excitement of

discovering nature’s wonders uplifts people’s moods and creates a moment of escape from their usual settings.

Simultaneously, people are reminded of their existence as part of a larger whole and that nature has everything

required for one to survive (as cited in Maller et al., 2005, p. 48).

According to Eugene Palka (1999), a former Head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering

at the United States Military Academy at West Point, his studies of the effects of earthly elements on people

have confirmed that nature does offer a positive and therapeutic experience to humans. He conducted numerous

interviews with research participants with regard to their experiences, conditions, and their feelings after being

exposed to and spending time in Denali National Park in Alaska, USA. Palka’s findings leaned toward nature having

helped facilitate relaxation and restoration in both body and mind (p. 30). Many of Palka’s participants showed

interest in relaxing and “getting away” from the hectic life of the city and found the national park healing, fulfilling,

and restorative since it provides a realm that is completely the opposite of what modern cities provide. The park’s

scenic beauty was described by participants as a realm of wonders where possibilities for spotting wildlife exist in

multiple directions (p. 40). Palka’s research on therapeutic landscapes has shed light on the idea that not only do

people find healing properties in nature, but are also fascinated by the varied and unpredictable characteristics of

nature (p. 33). One research participant described her experience as follows:

As you follow the trail to the lake, the human-caused sights and sounds that surround you will be

gradually replaced by the signs of nature, and you’ll enter a realm where the body can relax, the mind

can expand, and the spirit can be restored (Palka, 1999, p. 34).

National parks such as Denali provide a peaceful and thought-provoking experience to users, and are referred

to as “accessible wilderness” (Palka, 1999, p. 31). They offer experiences that conjure many senses in the body

through walking around, smelling, and touching various aspects of nature. Meanwhile, pleasure derived from the

body transitioning from city to wilderness and the kinds of physical and psychological experiences that are sensed

by the body are regarded as a form of therapy (p. 41).

Hana’s Place has been designed to incorporate many earthly elements that will facilitate similar therapeutic

experiences that were perceived during Palka’s studies on Denali. Having a place where they can wind down to

get a sense of being away from the congestion of city life is beneficial for the users of Hana’s Place. Gardens and

interior spaces that are designed to frame the processes of nature growing in their innate ways will reference

authenticity found in natural settings, forgoing any hint of human control. Further results of the study of the

therapeutic landscapes of Denali show that people were convinced they were taken to a realm different from their

everyday surroundings, from the absence of human imprint and fences that often pose limiting boundaries (Palka,

1999, p. 45).

Through the entirety of Palka’s investigation, Denali continued to receive positive reactions as spectators found

the place to be unique, peaceful, and relaxing. They felt content and were able to “recharge their batteries” (Palka,

1999, p. 43). One of the participants referred to the place as a “refuge from the hectic life of the city” (p. 44). In

light of these responses, it is safe to say that natural settings are able to play the role of places where one finds

escape from everyday influences and disturbances. They bridge both Roger Ulrich’s theory of providing privacy

and access to nature as therapeutic. At the end of his study, Palka concluded that similar environments have the

potential to provide the same profound effects that are perceived as therapeutic on a person’s body and mind.

Design of these environments should be appropriately managed and bear qualities similar to a pristine, tranquil

setting, that convey the idea of being undisturbed (p. 49).

Sharon Gretch, the company colour expert at Benjamin Moore, has helped paint women’s shelters4 across Canada,

using colours inspired by nature, particularly those inspired by the sea, the landscape, and each neighbourhood’s

unique set of distinguishing colours (Magarrey, 2011, p. 18). The neutral tones inspired by nature result in rooms

that are aesthetically calming and help residents feel a sense of connection.

By allowing the residents of Hana’s Place to extend their domains outward to nature, we challenge the notion of

4 In association with Canadian Women’s Foundation.

Juliet Kinchin (2006), a professor and curator of architecture and design, who indicated that women’s domain within

the nineteenth century household was the interior, surrounded and protected by the perimeter of male domains

(p. 168). In allowing women to extend outside of their preconceived frame of boundaries in the household, the

act overcomes male domination and control. As mentioned earlier in the chapter, many conventional transitional

housing facilities camouflage their whereabouts, as though cutting ties between the location and the building.

While this behaviour enforces the sense of powerlessness, I view the integration of the outside and inside to be

not only a source of therapy, but also an effective source of empowerment and an act of liberation.

Design Approaches:

- Design gardens where residents can spend time to relax and socialize

- Provide windows with nature views in all resident rooms

- Provide view to outside in communal spaces

- Create an atrium to allow vertical extension of space

- Design spaces and use colours inspired by natural settings

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THEORY

In the traditional family structure, the husband or father figure left the house to work, supporting his family

financially. Meanwhile, the wife or mother stayed at home to do chores and cook, essentially nurturing the family

and maintaining the home environment. In this family structure, daughters were trained to take on their mother’s

role in the future. Hence, husbands and sons had an advantage, since they were regarded as having useful

knowledge that allowed them to work outside of the home. This type of family structure, also referred to as the

patriarchal family, portrayed hierarchical differences between men and women and endorsed the stereotypical

portrayal of gender roles. Today, changes are often evident as more families are becoming egalitarian. Moreover,

family structures today include other relationships such as same-sex partnerships. Within the family of man and

a woman, both husband and wife are often seen taking care of the home environment; hence, daughters in the

family are given relatively the same treatment and freedom as sons. With mothers taking part in the financial

control of the family, they have gained power in their households, resulting in smaller differences in the gender

roles (Balfour & Comack, 2006, p. 31). French post-structuralist theorist Michel Foucault also claimed that one’s

level of power and ability to sustain him- or herself independently in a setting are strongly influenced by one’s

level of knowledge, stressing that when one has more knowledge, one is less dependent, and assent from others

is gained (as cited in Balfour & Comack, 2006, p. 43). A comparison of the patriarchal family and the egalitarian

family shows that women with more financial control and knowledge to work outside the home gain more power

and independence.

When we reflect back to the needs of survivors of domestic violence, a lack of work experience and or formal

education causes heavy dependence on their abusers, thus limiting their options for affordable housing and

proper childcare. Furthermore, the survivor’s disadvantage in not being able to communicate her concerns due

to her lack of ability to speak the dominant language is evident as being another barrier. Looking at the various

issues survivors of domestic violence face, learning, training, and obtaining work experience are some of the core

challenges.

The Theory of Supportive Design was studied to establish a healing environment, and Lifeboat theory was used to

help develop a community within the housing facility and to generate social assistance. Now, Experiential Learning

Theory is examined in order to shape the programming component of this practicum project to assist women and

children with the development of new knowledge, skills, and self-improvement.

- - - Learning through experiences - - -

The foundations of Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) point to studies and theories that focused on the idea that

experiences take the central role in human learning and development. Works by John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, Jean

Piaget, William James, Carl Jung, Paulo Freire, and Carl Rogers make up the few that have contributed to the

development of this theory (Kolb & Kolb, 2008, p. 43).

The foundational theorists of ELT focus on the idea of learning as a process, rather than on learning outcomes. They

emphasize that learning is also about re-learning. By contrasting new ideas with previously earned knowledge, one

can refine his or her understanding. New ideas and knowledge are strengthened by constant transitions of reflecting

and acting, feeling and thinking; a process that one goes through in the midst of learning. New ideas may converge

with old and diverge with experience, indicating that learning not only involves one’s cognitive development, but

is a synthesis of thinking, feeling, seeing, and doing. Rather than transmitting the pre-existing fixed idea to the

learner, the theorists of ELT reference a constructivist theory of learning, in which existing knowledge is moulded

and shaped into a personal interpretation of knowledge in addition to pre-existing knowledge (Kolb & Kolb, 2008,

p. 43-44).

Further reading on ELT reveals that one must first grasp an experience and transform it in order to generate

knowledge (Kolb & Kolb, 2008, p. 44). The ELT model portrays a four-point cycle that is constructed of two modes

of grasping experience – Concrete Experience (CE) and Abstract Conceptualization (AC) – and two modes of

transforming experience – Reflective Observation (RO) and Active Experimentation (AE). It is the tensions that

are developed between these four learning modes during the process, as a response to the contextual demand,

that construct knowledge in Experiential Learning (Figure 4) (p. 44). In the cycle of Experiential Learning, the

Concrete Experience is regarded as the immediate, solid experiences and milieus that are the basis for observations

and reflections to follow. In Reflective Observation, one would see, feel, and think of the experience and

respond by contrasting to what has already been earned as knowledge. In Abstract Conceptualization, the new

experience (CE) is molded with or subtracted from one’s depository of knowledge, and later shapes an abstract

meaning or interpretation. Then abstract concepts are distilled into actions, where they are actively tested and

function as a guide in creating new experiences, hence completing the cycle (p. 44). Kolb and Kolb (2008) also

explain the development process of Integrated Deep Learning (IDL). This is a learning process where one fully

accommodates all four modes of the learning cycle – experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting – thereby

removing the limits that are imposed by one preferring to lean on a certain point in the cycle (p. 49).

The preceding information has led me to understand that learning is not limited to classroom experience. Thus

the programme of Hana’s Place offers positive, practical group activities and classes to provide residents with

informative experiences. One example is the sharing of recipes in the communal kitchen since an activity like

cooking requires one to perform, it is an opportunity for individuals to reflect upon the experience. A similar

approach was taken in the childcare

programme and also in art activities such

as painting and sculpting. Rather than

CONCRETE EXPERIENCE

providing informative classes that focus on

a sole person passing knowledge on to a

group, the programmes offered at Hana’s

Place use participatory group activities

where residents can all engage in sharing

ACTIVE

Figure 4

EXPERIMENTATION

Cycle of

Experiential

Learning Theory

(Diagram by

author based

on Kolb & Kolb,

2008)

ABSTRACT CONCEPTUALIZATION

REFLECTIVE

OBSERVATION

information, learn from performance,

and reflect on their experiences. In order

to facilitate the formation of such group

activities, various shared spaces are

incorporated into the final design.

According to Kolb and Kolb (2008), one’s learning experiences are also largely influenced by the transactions

occurring between the individual and the environment (p. 42). A psychologist and one of the modern pioneers of

social organizational and applied psychology, Kurt Lewin has developed a mathematical formula, B=f(p,e) which

translates one’s behaviour as a by-product of a function of person and environment (as cited in Kolb & Kolb, 2008,

p. 47). Meanwhile, another psychologist, Urie Bronfrenbrenner defines the realm of learning spaces in micro- to

macro-categorizations that nest the smaller in the larger context in an orderly fashion (as cited in Kolb & Kolb,

2008, p. 47). Looking at Hana’s Place, Bronfrenbrenner’s categorizations would describe the learner’s immediate

setting – such as a classroom – as a microsystem, which then leads to categorizing the larger environment – such

as families – as the mesosystem. The exosystem in Hana’s Place refers to the formal and informal social structures

that help shape the person’s immediate environments, such as policies and lifestyle. Finally, the macrosystem

refers to the wider abstract knowledge that is embedded in the cultural values that one finds him or herself to be

part of (as cited in Kolb & Kolb, 2008, p. 47). Bronfrenbrenner’s concept of the categorization of what influences

a person refers back to Elizabeth Grosz’s theory of the external and internal influences of one’s body. At Hana’s

Place, residents are encouraged to exercise their learning in all of these layers of the learning domains. The design

of the garden at Hana’s Place will not only be used to promote connection with nature but allow the residents to

see how plants grow and flowers bloom, and this can also be looked at as a metaphor and an influence for one’s

way of living and learning experience.

While Lewin and Bronfrenbrenner discuss the interaction between a person and the environment in the learning

process, psychologist Lev Vygotsky continues to branch out from the ELT to assert that learning is also a transaction

between the person and the social environment (as cited in Kolb & Kolb, 2008, p. 47). Similar to the concept behind

Lifeboat theory, where community activities subtly encourage people to engage in knowledge sharing, Vygotsky

stresses the idea that knowledge resides in the communities of practice rather than in the individual’s mind.

According to his theory, learning is therefore a process of becoming a member of the community in which the

practice takes place, through participation (as cited in Kolb & Kolb, 2008, p. 47-48). Lastly, ELT makes note of the

value of taking on management tasks and decision-making opportunities as part of learning experiences (Kolb &

Kolb, 2008, p. 50). The idea of providing residents with decision-making opportunities not only helps survivors find

self-empowerment through gaining control of their environment as informed in Lifeboat theory, but is considered

a valuable learning experience by ELT.

Design Approaches:

- Provide residents with jobs that require decision making and responsibilities

- Provide programmes that facilitates residents to engage in sharing their own knowledge with others

- Construct mentoring programmes

- Allow residents who are transitioning to permanent housing to have the option of becoming a registered staff

member at Hana’s Place

ZEN: Finding More than Perfection in Imperfection

The rain has finally stopped. The sky slowly removes its mask and the

layered shades of grey dissolve into thin air. In the distance, rays of light

seep through slits between the clouds. I step outside and feel the strange mix

of cool breeze dancing in warm light. The air now fills with the aroma of grass;

a bitter scent yet one that conveys a sense of freshness. Suddenly I feel as if

the place has revealed its hidden layers, cleansed of dust and mud

accumulated over time. Standing in this place of calm, I feel my own perception

of life cleansed through nature.

Upon discovering the benefits to human health from contact with nature, I further investigated the aesthetics

and principles of Japanese Zen. My motive to study Zen came from understanding its strong relation with nature

and the human perception of life. Additionally, through my examination of Zen, I have also discovered that it has

a therapeutic purpose as well as a goal of finding happiness and one’s true self. Hence, I have found it appropriate

for the principles and the aesthetics of Zen to illustrate my practicum project, tying together all of the preceding

concepts of self-discovery, nature, and healing.

- - - Principles and practices - - -

As an essential expression of Buddhism, Zen derives from the Japanese word, “zazen”, which means to “sit and

meditate” (Barrett, 1996, p. 1). The primary focus of Japanese Zen is the art of discovering one’s own being and

finding a direction that leads to a sense of freedom (p. 3). According to D.T. Suzuki, an influential writer and a chief

emissary of Zen to the West, every human being has all the energy and tools needed to make him- or herself

happy and loving towards others from the moment he or she is born. However, people often forget or fail to

realize this and find themselves lost and struggling in everyday life (p. 3). Other times, people get derailed by the

influence of a disquieting intellect that steps in and tries to make them believe what they have is not enough (p.

9). Greed, hatred, and ego are other factors that result in people feeling that they are never content. However,

Zen meditation is known to help people to liberate all the energies properly and naturally stored inside them,

guiding them back to Nirvana, a state where a person is in peace and happiness through disposal of all personal

desire (p. 15). In this perspective, Zen can be regarded as a method or an opportunity to reconstruct one’s moral

character, a therapeutic experience that helps to create a psychological wholeness (p. xviii, 16). In order to retain

one’s strength, energy, and independence, he or she must know how to resist the forces of greed and ego, which

can create a battle within one’s self. The Zen master would whisper,

[Do not disturb the life stream with greed and hatred]. The moment your hands are dipped

into it, its transparency is disturbed and it will cease to reflect your image which you have

had from the very beginning and will continue to have to the end of time (as cited in Barrett,

1996, p. 9).

Similar to the notion of musical harmony, in which two or more chords complement each other, in Zen, one aims

to create harmony with nature (Barrett, 1996, p. 20). Once one succeeds at becoming in tune with nature, he or

she will realize that nature is never stationary and thus will move on as well as away from life’s many struggles

(Mayuzumi, 2006, p. 19).

In other words, Japanese Zen regards nature as an important element within its religious connotation. Japanese

Zen is unique and different from the Chinese Dzyen5. It is closely related to Shintoism, which finds spiritual divinity

residing in nature and thus seeks to develop a harmonious relationship that ties together humans, architecture,

and the surrounding environment (Goto, 2003, p. 103). For this reason, followers of Shintoism believe that all

nature and gardens, regardless of size and location, are sacred places where kami, the spiritual gods, gather (p. 2).

In a Shinto perspective, through a performance of Zen meditation, one achieves a dialogue with nature or kami

(p. 4).

In my own inadvertently therapeutic experience, I was reminded by nature of life’s impermanence and that

negative occurrences will pass with time. Zen meditation is therefore a method of grounding people to their

original state of being calm, and gardens are sacred places facilitate this (Barrett, 1996, p. xix). Since nature is also

a representation of gods, followers of Shintoism do not try to alter or shape gardens and forests through human

control. Hence, Japanese gardens depict natural forms and contain aesthetics found in nature growing in their

innate ways (Goto, 2003, p. 5). Lastly, although a separation of roles between men and women is evident in many

religions, in the Yo-ro- code of 718 – a code of regulations monks and nuns follow – it is stated that both monks

and nuns are of equal status, reinforcing the fact that both men and women have the same level of power (Morrell

& Morrell, 2006, p. 5, 38).

5 Dzyen, is a Chinese way of referencing Zen.

In the design of transitional housing, I have removed the religious aspects that are embedded in the idea of Zen as

much as possible to allow all users of Hana’s Place to find connection to the design. This liberates residents from a

restricted frame of reference based on religious concepts. Rather than looking at the principles of Zen as a motive

for religious behaviour, I have concentrated on designing spaces that are informed by Zen and its aesthetics in

order to facilitate the same appreciation of life, nature, and equality in people.

- - - Aesthetics of Zen found in architecture - - -

Thanks to Shinto’s concept of blurring architecture and nature, buildings inspired by Zen are often constructed from

wood. Avoiding the use of vibrant colours in the architecture allows the natural beauty of construction materials

to be expressed (Goto, 2003, p. 15). In this way, the notion of creating harmony with nature is strengthened,

as the buildings appear to dissolve into their surroundings, creating a subtle transition between the inside and

outside of the building. The characteristics of Zen architecture are always minimal and often seem skeletal, with

large openings in walls to allow air to circulate with ease (Goto, 2003, p. 1). Wood used in the construction swells

from absorbing moisture, almost evoking a sense of breathing. Taking Elizabeth Grosz’s concept of environments

reflecting their users, I hope for the residents of Hana’s Place to also find reflections of themselves in the structure.

In using earthly materials and leaving them in their natural condition, I hope the design of the housing will symbolize

that the residents of Hana’s Place are already perfect in their own way, and that they hold the tools and energy

necessary to find happiness in life.

In a Zen building, interior walls are constructed of movable doors called fusuma, and are opened or closed

depending on the use of the rooms (Oba & Castile, 1993, p. 48). In opening of these doors, panoramic views of

outside are revealed; works of art illustrated by nature are seen from the interior spaces (Goto, 2003, p. 36). In

this way, the connection to nature is once again strengthened as the interior of the building extends fully out

to nature without any obstruction. One of the subtle indications of the threshold between inside and outside is

present in the raised floor. People take off their shoes upon entering the interior, and it is this act that references

the transition between spaces (Goto, 2003, p. 2).

Figure 5 (left)

Stepping stones

by entrance

Figure 6 (right)

Relations

between nature

and Japanese

architecture

In his book In Praise of Shadows, Japanese writer Junichiro Tanizaki (2006), describes a speck of gold shining

beautifully and bright, capturing the minute light found in a dark room (p. 338). Likewise, in designing the building

to be humble and subtle, the vibrant colours found in the surrounding flowers can be appreciated to the fullest

extent, illustrating a beautiful, seasonal painting while the architecture around it emphasises the delicacy found

in each petal.

In order for architecture to communicate further with nature, Japanese buildings are normally shaped

asymmetrically, since nothing grown out of earth is truly symmetrical (Goto, 2003, p. 42). The placement of garden

stepping stones exemplifies this notion. While walking through the garden, people take a zigzag route to interweave

with nature’s asymmetry. As each new turn is taken, a new and different scenic vista appears. The theme of being

constantly exposed to a new vista is a subtle way to suggest to residents of Hana’s Place that one never knows

when or where to find hope, chances, and opportunities. It exemplifies that every day and each moment of life is

a moment of discovery. By incorporating these principles of Zen into the housing facility’s design, users of Hana’s

Place will feel a connection and understanding – as was studied in Shinrin-yoku – that aesthetics and qualities

of nature are universally understood. The calm environment will allow women and children to heal from their

hardships without disruption, providing a realm that is gentle for those in contemplation and preparation for new

phases in their lives.

- - - Beauty of imperfection: Design methods and outlook of lifestyle - - -

I once took a walk inside a Zen garden. Without any preconceived idea of

what Zen was, I entered the garden and began my journey. The garden

required me to walk very slowly as I immediately noticed the path was rough

and not level. Naturally, and without realizing it, I began to focus more on

my surroundings and was able to study the characteristics of nature carefully.

I realized the pebble was round as I saw it roll down a small hill. I realized it

was Spring, as the leaves felt smooth and their rustling sounds were very soft.

I came across a song-like conversation and butterflies performing a dance.

At once, I forgot the worries I had come with, and felt that nothing could

harm me in this serene, heavenly place. Lastly, I found a stem of leaves

growing between the stones. I wondered how it had found its home there,

away from the bed of soft soil. The leaves appeared very delicate and yet

it bloomed so beautifully that it was indeed illustrating Tanizaki’s image of a

speck of gold shining in a room of shadows. In this Zen garden, there was

no order, nor forcing, nor shaping of the landscape that suggested human

control. The life found in this nature was so simple and beautiful because it

was pure.

Figure 7 (left)

Stem of leaves

growing between

rocks

- - -The beauty of imperfection - - -

From my own experience, I have found one of the key principles in Japanese Zen is to appreciate everyday

occurrences and things in their most natural ways, reminding people that we are surrounded by the beauty of

imperfection. This concept is evident in the performance of a tea ceremony. In using tea sets that are warped and

discoloured, people find attraction and comfort in the sense of honesty and imperfection. Through participation

in the ceremony, members accept the world’s mundane ways as they are, and instead try to find beauty in the woe

and worry (Okakura, 1956, p. 4).

Another example can be seen in the layout of stones in the Ho-jo- garden of Ryo-anji (Figure 8). One of the most

famous Zen gardens in Kyoto, Japan, the garden is a type of a kare san sui6, designed with only white gravel and the

placement of fifteen low-quality stones. Depending on the viewer’s interpretation, the fifteen rocks represent tall

mountains peeking over a cloud; fifteen rocks to represent ju-goya, the fifteenth day of full moon; or the character

symbolizing the word “heart” (Ryoanji, 2006). However, through the designer’s careful calculation and precision,

the stones are arranged so that only fourteen can be seen from any given vantage point (Brinker, Kanazawa,

Leisinger, 1996, p. 80). This portrays the concept as incomplete and imperfect. Indeed, the importance of Ryo-

anji’s garden lies in the appreciation of beauty found in incompleteness. It stresses the idea that beauty is not

found in what one can see but in knowing that there is beauty inside. Zen principles such as these have informed

the design of the garden and interior spaces of Hana’s Place, with the goal of inspiring residents to discover their

own beauty and strength, and that beauty is not always evident to the eye. Hana’s Place hopes for its residents to

find comfort in themselves by being content with who they are; honest, rather than trying to look like someone

else; and to be optimistic, even if their immediate situation seems cloudy and grey.

6 When translated, Kare san sui means “dry mountain water”. It is a type of Japanese garden that is composed of white gravel and

large stones. Kare san sui gardens often represent the image of a pond, where white gravel is raked around large rocks that represent

islands, creating a watery, ripple-like effect that mimics the shore. (Brinker, Kanazawa, & Leisinger, 1996, p. 68).

Another important aspect in the design principles of Zen gardens is the purposeful putting together of two imperfect

stones (Figure 9). Just like human beings, few stones are viewed as being perfect. However, although there may be

awkward indents, discolouration, and chips along the edges, when combined with other stones, these elements

can be what make the two beautiful. By compensating for each other’s weak points, they reinforce each other’s

strengths and good points (Goto, 2003, p. 44). I have found that this method of design can be bridged with Lifeboat

theory to strengthen the idea of establishing teamwork and community development where individuals can share

their strength to help another.

Figure 8 (left)

Ho-jo- garden

of Ryoanji

(photograph by

J.C. Schmeil)

Figure 9 (right)

Two rocks leaning

on each other

(photograph by

J.C. Schmeil)

- - - Notion of impermanence: Appreciation of aging and decay - - -

According to D.T. Suzuki, the world is an ever-changing realm, where nothing in nature remains stationary (Barrett,

Figure 10

Decaying rock

(photograph

property of

Tokeiji)

1996, p. 282). In keeping with the concept of fleeting moments, the term Wabi Sabi is used in Japanese Zen culture

to reference people and occasions, as well as to things and events, relating to the beauty found in impermanence

(Tierney, 1999, p. 15). Such beauty is found in a blossoming cherry tree. The falling petals remind viewers of the

ephemeral beauty portrayed by nature. Wabi Sabi emphasises the idea that what is here today is gone tomorrow.

Strongly influenced by Shitonism, Wabi Sabi refuses to see change as a negative; rather, its intent is to seek beauty

in and appreciation of aging and decay (Goto, 2003, p. 51). A discoloured rock that has withered in its shape

through continuous exposure to rain is more beautiful and appreciated than a polished stone that is smooth

in every surface (Figure 10). Similarly, a greenish glow of patina on bronze contains layers of uniqueness and

elegance.

Wabi Sabi’s concept of incompleteness

shows no desire for perfection because the

idea of incompleteness, in fact, contains no

thought of incompleteness (Hammitzsch,

1980, p. 71-72). In my understanding,

Wabi Sabi’s true beauty is found in the

accumulation of the effects of time. As

time goes by, layers of meaning, value, and

aesthetic are accumulated. Thus, every

layer is necessarily incomplete, to allow

continuation of this act. The weathered

rock is not a result that is complete but an

effect and a process which continues to

change with time.

According to D.T. Suzuki, both Zen and Wabi Sabi do not see pain and suffering as misfortune. Instead, they

view it as providential and as an opportunity to grow one’s character and psychological strength. Suffering is

viewed as a chance for the body to challenge new problems. It allows the body to learn new skills and knowledge,

deepening one’s character and reading further into one’s capabilities and secrets of life. Through meditation and

contemplation, one’s experiences bridge the idea of self-discovery (Barrett, 1996, p. 6). It is the compilation of

both good and bad experiences that constitute a person’s personality and the way he or she thinks. Looking at it in

this perspective, no experiences are of waste. While pain might challenge one’s ability, it challenges him or her to

become stronger. Meanwhile, happiness reminds one of having feelings and being real as a human. Zen celebrates

changes and sees the layering together of old and new, previous and present, as an important characteristic (Goto,

2003, p. 4-5). For this reason, the water lily is often used to symbolize Buddhism, since it is perceived as a beautiful

flower that has grown out of muddy water. The idea of overcoming suffering and pain, and of transitioning from

what one was to what one is now are portrayed in this symbol (Goto, 2003, p. 83).

One of the important skills to master during a Zen meditation is to bring oneself into a state of muga, where one is

released from all external forces, emptying the mind (Barrett, 1996, p. 290). Similar to how Hana’s Place residents

will gain composure of the mind in their private rooms – as discussed in Theory of Supportive Design – under

Zen’s concept, the same behaviour can be performed in the gardens (Tierney, 1999, p. 67). In a Buddhist concept,

one can only be free if removed of all attachment to the idea of having or not having. It emphasises that the true

definition of prosperity is not having much, but having little and recognizing that as sufficient. True poverty comes

from dissatisfaction born from a feeling of being short of something (Morrell & Morrell, 2006, p. 20). Japanese

poetry beautifully frames this concept:

Monogoto ni

Since not a thing

Kokoro tomeneba

Takes lodging in the mind,

Kumori nashi

It is untainted;

Migaku to iu mo

To speak of polishing

Mayoi narikeri

Is itself illusion.

([Author unknown] as cited in Morrell & Morrell, 2006, p. 53)

Just as a shattered mirror can still reflect morning light, or the deepest colour of black in a lacquer can reflect

a child’s smile, Zen speaks of a beauty found in what is perceived as imperfect. It reminds people not to wither

from pain but use it to become stronger. It leads people to be optimistic and helps gather the energy and tools

stored inside to find their next path. Through the design of environments that have been inspired and informed by

principles and aesthetics of Zen, the users of Hana’s Place have places where they can comfortably contemplate

and plan their future. Through blurring together nature and interior spaces, these designed environments include

gardens where residents can sit around to watch their children play and interior spaces where vistas face directly

to the outside, all of which resemble places where followers of Zen could easily join to sit and meditate. The act of

looking into a positive future, seeking and understanding the power one already has, and realizing that negative

occurrences in life are impermanent are a few perspectives of life derived from the principles of Zen. Hana’s Place

has been designed to feature invigorating spaces that allow residents to achieve this same set of goals. Similar

to the concept of leaning of two rocks, the designed spaces allow residents to join together, share, and develop

community activities where each looks after the other. Hana’s Place was designed to provide natural references to

impermanence, and to inform that every day hold new discovery, chances, and opportunities. Like the small stem

of leaves found growing alone between the rocks, residents of Hana’s Place have the opportunity to find strength

and happiness in what they already have.

Design Approaches:

- Use materials and colours inspired by nature

- Design gardens and outdoor spaces where users can gather and develop friendships

- Provide views to outside in residential spaces and communal areas

- Design quiet places where users can comfortably contemplate

- Design communal spaces that are flexible in their function

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

This chapter first examined the causes and effects of domestic abuse in order to shape my understanding of what

kind of needs the users of Hana’s Place are anticipated to have. Through the investigation I have discovered their

values and what design aspects are needed and should be avoided in order to create an environment where all

users can feel comfortable and move towards reaching their goals. I have come to understand that many who

are affected by abuse are segregated from the rest of the neighbourhood, hence social support is very difficult

to receive. The effects of abuse and violence in children are displayed in their behaviours at home and in school,

where they have difficulty fitting in with other children, or face the possible consequence of losing their sense

of identity through being placed in foster care. Mothers, on the other hand, must make many difficult decisions

in order to protect their children. While leaving their abusers may be the easiest solution, many obstacles such

as financial dependency prohibit them from leaving; the lack of information needed for their future steps limits

their escape routes. Sadly, not everyone in society is aware of the seriousness of domestic violence, believing that

such issues will never impact their lives, and seeing women and children who do experience domestic violence as

failures. This research shaped my practicum project in both design and programming in the following three key

categories:

1. Provide improved social assistance through the establishment of community support

2. Offer self-improvement classes and activities where users can develop their hobbies and knowledge

3. Develop environments and opportunities that will encourage self-empowerment and healing

In order to achieve these design goals, I have first examined Theory of Supportive Design to understand in what

ways design can be directed in order to create a healing space. Here I discussed the power of privacy, community

strength, and phenomenon of nature as described by Roger Ulrich. This theory emphasizes the importance of

having one’s own room and focuses on the well-being not only of the residents but also of the staff.

The study of Lifeboat theory shed light on the methods of community development and helped strengthen the

idea of teamwork and creating a sense of looking after each other in my design of Hana’s Place. By incorporating

this theory in the design and programme, I have offered an environment where residents can feel as if they are

part of a large family, and where each resident plays an important part of a whole, leading them to feel self-

empowered. Lifeboat theory has revealed that by including residents in the decision-making process, it not only

helps them to understand their own capabilities and help build self-confidence, but also allows residents to take

charge and control of their environments, and promotes a sense of ownership of the place.

One of the guidelines in Theory of Supportive Design is to provide access to nature. Hence, I have studied the effects

of Shinrin-yoku and therapeutic landscape to understand how and in what ways human wellness is ameliorated

from being in and seeing nature. This study has also informed my material choices and colour.

In order to offer assistance and activities that will help residents at Hana’s Place to refine their skills, knowledge,

and to develop their hobbies and interests, I have looked at Experiential Learning Theory to understand how

programmes and design can provide an optimal learning experience. Here, I have discovered that new knowledge

is gained through experiences and therefore a design of learning spaces should not be limited to a classroom style.

A variety of group activities combined with flexible spaces that accommodate multiple functions can increase

learning opportunities for the residents of Hana’s Place.

Finally, in the last section of this chapter I have examined the principles and aesthetics of Zen. With an understanding

of the strong relationship in Zen between nature and human wellbeing, I have focused on Zen to unite all of my

literature investigation, users, and practicum goals, essentially becoming the concept to express my overarching

design. Principles of Zen explain that people are born with all the tools and energy required to make their own lives

happy. It is seen as a route to self-discovery and living in harmony with nature. The study of the aesthetics of Wabi

Sabi was also conducted to understand how both Zen and Wabi Sabi can deliver therapeutic experiences to the

users of Hana’s Place. Zen also celebrates the changes that occur in one’s life and the beauty found in the state

of imperfection and impermanence. Along with these ideas informing the design, Hana’s Place was designed in

hopes that residents may find the place relaxing and comfortable as they plan their future steps.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

ISSUE

Healing

Learning

Theory of Supportive Design

Privacy - E. Grosz

Shinrin-yoku

Therapeutic Landscape

Experiential Learning Theory

Contact with Nature

Privacy + Control

ZEN

Community development

FINAL DESIGN

+ PROGRAMME

Figure 11

Theoretical

framework

diagram

Figure 12

Nitobe Garden

(Vancouver, BC,

Canada)

CHAPTER THREE

PRECEDENT STUDIES

Introduction

Shokozan Tokeiji

Savard’s

Church of Light

Chapter Summary + Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter I have examined the three precedents that have inspired and informed my design of Hana’s Place.

Through both document investigations and visual examinations of the chosen places, I have obtained a personal

understanding of the spaces. These close inspections have given me the opportunity to seek details on design that

were required to achieve my final design goals. To inform the final design of the transitional housing, I have studied

the following precedents: a convent that once functioned as a women’s shelter, an existing women’s shelter,

and a public gathering space. These precedents were selected because each present elements and methods of

design and programming that, in the literature investigation, are identified as foundations for designing a place

to recover, to learn, and to reflect on self-identity. The main purpose of the analysis was to look at how each of

these places has been designed to serve its users and how their interiors impact those users. Elements such as

lighting, nature, and both physical and invisible boundaries are major factors that shape the interior environment

and atmosphere. I have investigated how these elements have been incorporated into design, and what kinds of

qualities they produce. Two of the three precedents studied, Tokeiji convent and Savard’s are women’s shelters; as

such, therefore their programming and their methods of operation were also analysed. Finally, a discussion of how

these findings create relevancy and help inform the design of a women’s transitional housing facility is included at

the end of this chapter.

In this Chapter, the following places have been analysed:

SHOKOZAN TOKEIJI – Kita-Kamakura, Japan

SAVARD’S – Toronto, Canada

CHURCH OF LIGHT – Osaka, Japan

SHOKOZAN

TOKEIJI

LOCATION: 1367 Yamanouchi, Kita-Kamakura, Kanagawa, 247-0062, JAPAN

DESIGNER: Unknown

COMPLETED: 1285

The Tokeiji convent, also known as the “kakekomi-dera”, was a Zen Buddhist convent (Rinzai Zen tradition) and

a nunnery that operated as a women’s shelter for more than 600 years in Japan (Tokeiji Temple, 2011). When

translated, kakekomi-dera means a “rushing-in-temple” referring to women escaping from their abusive husbands.

Tokeiji convent was a refuge and sanctuary for women during a time when dominance of men over women was

regarded as the norm in Japanese society. For a man to divorce his wife, it was as easy as writing a three-and-a-half

line severance document7. However, women had no right to make such a decision. For this reason, Tokeiji convent

opened its doors to allow women escaping from abuse and wives seeking divorce to have a second chance in life.

While the shelter was in operation, Tokeiji convent was used solely to accommodate women seeking sanctuary, and

unwelcomed men were denied entrance until it ceased to operate as a shelter in 1902 (Tokeiji Temple, 2011).

- - - Programme - - -

Once women were inside the convent, they were not obligated to become nuns (Tokeiji Temple, 2011). Instead,

their responsibilities during their stay were to assist the abbesses, who had the highest authority among residents.

Other duties included keeping the shelter in good condition by carrying out daily clean-ups, and taking part in

providing meals for their fellow residents (Ruch, 2002, p. 210). None of the tasks were paid in a monetary form,

but in return, women received guidance in how to live each day in a healthy manner thanks to good cooking and

cleaning, and were provided with shelter, food, and protection by the official Shogunate, the top military leader (p.

209). These resident activities parallel the idea found in Lifeboat theory that when each takes a task, all benefit. In

addition, this can be regarded as a way for women to take control of their own environments.

7 The three-and-a-half line severance document called a Mikudarihan was often written by the husband to divorce his wife. It consisted

of three parts, where the first line indicated the statement of divorce, the second line provided reason(s) for divorce, and the last line pro-

vide an agreement that he would not interfere in the case that his ex-wife decided to remarry in the future (Ruch, 2002, p. 212).

During the Tokugawa era (1603 – 1868), the Japanese government instituted a special provision that allowed

women to obtain an official divorce after dwelling in Tokeiji convent for three years with training in Zen (Ruch,

2002, p. 209). One example of their training involved performing zazen, a sitting meditation, while in front of the

mirror. This Zen practice helped women to deconstruct their attachment to their physical self-image by allowing

their souls to blend with the environment. While creating harmony and balance between the environment and

the body, the women trained themselves to look into their own natures while becoming part of nature and

understanding their relation to it (Morrell & Morrell, 2006, p. 53).

Although the convent is popularly known as having been a shelter, the duration of time the women typically stayed

at the convent is characteristic of what would today be considered transitional housing. Offering more than the

basic essentials of a short-term shelter stay, Tokeiji convent offered programmes and training that allowed women

to stay for a much longer time, as is the norm in transitional housing. While Tokeiji convent instituted significant

tasks to help women to become independent, I have found the duration of time they stayed reflects a positive

outcome.

Although access was limited, Tokeiji convent did not prohibit all men from entering the estate. A few indentured

male servants were hired and were given access to the outer perimeter of the estate to perform heavier labour

such as farming the vegetable plots and repairing the facilities (Ruch, 2002, p. 218). This may have been regarded

as positive, in that it demonstrated that not all men are antagonists. However, in the context of empowering

women, the role of men would not have been characterized as having a positive impact on the resident

women. These men’s roles were to provide help with tasks that were thought to have been inappropriate or

unfit for women to perform. Therefore, their presence only strengthened the stereotypical societal notions

that women were incapable of doing certain tasks. I have found that this created a further division of gender

roles and was prohibitive to women learning to become independent. One of the goals of this practicum was to

encourage a sense of empowerment in women and children. While gardening, farming, and landscape design were

perceived as male activities in the Tokeiji convent, they will be offered as part of the programme and activities at

Hana’s Place to overcome this stereotype.

At the time Tokeiji operated as a shelter, it was likely that society prohibited women from taking any initiative

or making decisions on their own. However, it is evident that the convent not only provided a place to stay that

was safe, nurturing, and away from violent men, but also offered programmes and learning opportunities that

allowed women to make decisions on their own, ultimately beginning a new chapter in their lives. Although many

tasks the women were required to perform seem to be training them to be good housewives, and on the surface,

appear to reinforce gender roles, similar programmes have been incorporated in this practicum design. Instead of

viewing the programmes as a way of catering to men, they are seen as classes and activities focused on developing

community bonding and knowledge-sharing between residents. The programmes are also, in part, therapeutic

activities that help women to learn that they have something to share with others. Although cleaning may come

with a negative connotation, creating a nurturing environment through joint effort in maintaining the spaces will

benefit everyone in the facility. It not only provides a safe environment for children to play in, but is also beneficial

for everyone’s health. Additionally, it strengthens J.F. Sprague’s idea of building community through taking turns

at tasks, creating trust and dependence on each other that can be looked at in a positive way.

Assisting the abbesses was an important task for the residents at Tokeiji convent, but in the proposed transitional

housing facility there will be neither hierarchies nor people in authority. The goal of the housing is to maintain

equilibrium among the residents and to foster a community-like environment with the same level of responsibility

required of every resident. The role of men in Tokeiji convent illustrated a distinctive division in gender roles

and reflected stereotypical thinking of what women are capable of. In the proposed design, male assistants such

as play group leaders are an essential part of children’s growing process, helping those that have had negative

experiences with men to realize that not all men are antagonists and remind them of the importance of the

existence of a male figure in their lives. In order to accommodate and provide services to a board range of users

from many backgrounds and beliefs, reciting of Buddhist sutras as were performed at Tokeiji will not be part of

the women’s daily activities. However, designs of both the interior of the housing and the programme have used

the principles of Zen to create harmony with nature and its aesthetics. Study of the Tokeiji convent’s function has

also revealed some aspects that are demeaning towards women and were regarded as examples of what to avoid.

Finally, unlike Tokeiji’s practice of separating mother and child to strengthen the independence of the mother, the

proposed housing has focused on strengthening the relationships of all family members, allowing children to stay

with their mothers at Hana’s Place. Although it was subtle, Tokeiji did invoke a sense of community by establishing

tasks that required each woman to do her part to complete the daily tasks. By fostering the theory of establishing

a community environment proposed by J. F. Sprague, the design aimed to generate a sense of self-worth in women

by helping them to see that their being in the group makes up the community.

The following presents an outline of pros and cons of the programmes offered at the Tokeiji convent in relation to

the design of this practicum project:

Pros:

- Provided training to discover new self

- Duties at the shelter required women to be part of a group, facilitating a resident community

- Provided training on everyday tasks such as cleaning and providing food

Cons:

- Tasks focused on becoming a house-wife

- A person with authority had control of the residents

- Relied on men to do tasks women were stereotypically thought unfit to do – strengthening of

gender roles found in examples such as farming

- - - The Site and Design - - -

Although the Tokeiji convent is no longer a women’s shelter, the convent still exists today at its original site in the

coastal town of Kita-Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture. Kamakura is a hybrid city of traditional and modern, often

displaying iconic symbols representative of Japan. As one of Japan’s religious centres, Kamakura is home to many

well-known shrines and temples, with Tokeiji convent being the third largest estate (Ruch, 2002, p. 214). Individuals

come to Kamakura to experience traditional customs, and the appearance of the Tokeiji convent also takes visitors

back in time, with its buildings and gardens reflecting classical Japanese design. As in the rest of Kamakura city,

most buildings in the Tokeiji estate have been constructed and reconstructed using traditional native materials

such as wood, paper, and stone. The unpolished quality and rawness in the materials found in many architectural

design elements reflect the essence and the beauty of nature. The colour palette used for embellishments is

muted and uses only shades found in nature. These hues paint the buildings with a sense of humility; structures

blend into the environment while whispering the characteristics of Wabi Sabi. Immersed in nature, the convent

ages in harmony with trees that are centuries old. Fittingly, the convent’s full name, Matsugaoka Shokozan Tokeiji,

refers to “Tokeiji on a Shokozan mountain located in the pine grove area” (Morrell & Morrell, 2006, p. 119).

Even centuries after the convent ceased to serve as a sanctuary for women escaping violence and wives seeking

divorce, the estate continues to provide an environment where one may experience an escape from daily stress.

The site plans show that buildings in the Tokeiji estate are situated in a way that resembles the veins on a single

leaf (Figure 13). From this layout, the estate’s relation to nature and the environment is very pronounced. It is

evident from the site plan that buildings were situated so as to accommodate the original landscape of its site.

Rather than shaping the land to provide a brand new canvas to work with, the buildings were built on a pre-shaped

land, a canvas half-painted. As such, the convent can be considered an inconspicuous addition to an environment

with an established identity. This layering of identity in the Tokeiji convent is a valuable example in how this

practicum project was designed. The original identity of the chosen site, combined with the newly designed

Figure 13 (top)

Map of Tokeiji

convent

(graphic property

of Tokeiji)

Figure 14

(bottom)

Entrance stairs

(photograph

property of

Tokeiji)

Figure 15

(opposite)

Winding path in

Tokeiji garden

(photograph

property of

Tokeiji)

addition, makes reference to a fundamental tenet of Zen: the inclusion of new

with the old only strengthens one’s identity (Goto, 2003, p. 4).

The Tokeiji convent is situated on a reclining hill and requires visitors to ascend

a long staircase before reaching the entrance (Figure 14). This design amplifies

the concept of “shelter”. Situated at the zenith of a hill, the convent has a

considerable level of privacy, as the height creates a natural barricade that

makes it impossible for unwelcome visitors to steal a look inside. Since the

estate’s perimeter was surrounded completely by a forest with an outer wall,

entering the estate was difficult from anywhere but the main entrance. While

Tokeiji was a shelter, the inner areas were reserved for religious practices and

women’s accommodation. Access to the central compound was strictly limited

to women, referencing Juliet Kinchin’s (2006) noting the placement of female

domain at the core (p. 168). Meanwhile, the lower part (or the exterior) of the

estate, which no longer exists in today’s plan, was used for administrative and

business purposes (Ruch, 2002, p. 215-216).

This practicum has focused on employing the existing site’s earthly

characteristics to establish a sufficient level of privacy for the users inside. In

this way, the design will foster the sense of being surrounded by nature, as

opposed to feeling barricaded by concrete walls, which may evoke feeling of

being trapped. By locating their domain at the core of the convent, the layout of

Tokeiji bridges Kinchin’s concepts of providing safety and a nurturing place for

women. However, the design of Hana’s Place challenges this theory by allowing

the female domain to spread to the outside. With the use

of security cameras and the presence of female guards,

the design will depart from locking residents up (the

model often found in conventional shelters), without

compromising the safety of women and children.

One of the prominent characteristics of a Zen garden is

its organic composition. The Tokeiji compound shares

the same profile, with numerous winding passages that

encourage people to walk in a zigzag pattern (Figure 15).

This walking procession exemplifies the act of walking

through various thresholds; one experiences a new vista

and atmosphere each time a turn is taken. In contrast to

the European theory of garden design that emphasizes

human dominance over nature with linearity and order

(Goto, 2003, p. 5), the Tokeiji convent encourages a

stronger connection between humans and nature

by allowing flowers and trees to grow in their innate

ways. One can walk through the garden and find him-

or herself taking a path that winds in many directions,

with every step forward revealing a new vista created

by nature. The weaving together of colours, revealed

by the layering of various leaves, hints at what is

hidden beyond the shield of green, and announces

that the ground is shared by both nature and humans. A winding passage fluctuates in width, and curves depending

on the shape of each stone or the thickness of tree trunks in its midst, making it impossible not to notice the

garden’s intricate elements. In this way, a person is forced to focus on the immediate surroundings rather than

the destination ahead. In incorporating a winding passage, I envisioned a woman who is desperate to jump to

conclusions about her future being encouraged to slow down in life, to find the smallest of nature’s beauties that

are often undetectable in well-groomed gardens.

Inside the estate, several tea houses stand quietly between the fanning trees (Figure 16). Similar to the rest of the

convent, the buildings display a humble character and contain colours from nature’s own palettes. The exterior

profiles of the tea houses depict characteristics of humility, and small stepping stones subtly indicate the location

of its entrances. Soft, off-white rice paper sho-ji, translucent paper screens, create a backdrop for nature, and

diffuse the natural light entering into the interiors. The sheer rice paper also captures the silhouettes of dancing

trees outside and visually renders them into black ink calligraphy. Even when closed, the sho-ji screens allow

nature’s presence to be felt, by capturing and framing nature’s ephemeral performances as shadows, viewable

from the tea room’s interior.

Prior to entering the building, one’s shoes must be removed before ascending a few stone steps. The change

in materials from soil to stone emphasize the boundary between inside and outside; the act of taking off the

shoes create a metaphorical indication to leave what belongs outside by the door. Upon entering a room, one

experiences a new dimension, a new realm yet with a simple turn, one sees the room extending out into nature.

When the sho-ji screens are open, a panoramic view of the outdoors and a visual connection between the inside

and outside deliver an experience completely opposite from the moment of entering the room.

The design of the tea houses had strongly influenced the designed of Hana’s Place. More durable than rice paper,

yet with translucency and function similar to sho-ji screens, these screens will provide residents with the privacy

they require, while allowing silhouettes to be cast, signaling the presence of others. Giving the residents the ability

to open and close the screens will foster a sense of ownership of the space. Meanwhile, the frost on the walls will

also diffuse direct light and deliver a soft filtered light that gently illuminates the interior spaces. The stepping up

into a space informed by the tea houses were also utilized in the design to reference change in the use of space

without having to install a wall that blocks people’s views. In this way, the residents are encouraged to experience

the threshold in ways beyond seeing.

Figure 16 (above)

Tea House in

Tokeiji

(photograph

property of

Tokeiji)

Figure 17 (above)

Interior view of

Tokeiji

(photograph

property of

Tokeiji)

Despite the organic composition found in the gardens, the interior spaces in the buildings of Tokeiji convent are

designed in a defied linear fashion (Figure 17). From clerestory windows to sho-ji screens and to tatami (straw)

mats, the use of grids is evident throughout the space. Not only do these lines suggest order, but their patterns

create a rhythmic layout. Although all the elements found in the space reflect linearity, the space remains organic

with its asymmetric layout and its references to human scale. The size of one tatami mat of 3 feet by 6 feet was

determined by measuring the amount of space one took to sit and enough to accommodate one lying down

(Isozaki, 1986, p. 66). More sho-ji screens are positioned along the perimeter of the rooms, while fusuma, solid

paper sliding doors, are placed within the interiors, allowing the space to be opened up to accommodate more

people, or closed off, to increase privacy. The architectural act of opening and closing the rooms metaphorically

unites all three domains – nature, humans, and interior space – through a single common behaviour: breathing.

There are numerous aspects and elements of interior spaces in Tokeiji that help inform the design of the spaces

within the transitional housing facility. The sliding fusuma doors expand and compress the size of rooms to provide

flexibility for women with growing children. With the installation of these doors, a single room may be divided to

accommodate different uses. For instance, doors may be opened to bring together the family, or closed to provide

privacy as required. The doors create immediate change and the residents’ control of them further strengthens

the notion of ownership. The transmission of light through the sho-ji screens inspired doors establishes a sense of

blurred boundaries between inside and out, and a feeling of opening up without being totally exposed.

In my design for this practicum project, Tokeiji convent provided guidance in the design of programmes as well

as interior spaces. From its classical construction methods incorporating natural materials, to embellishing with

colours inspired by nature’s palettes, Tokeiji embodies Zen’s principle of a marriage of nature, humankind, and

architecture. By building the estate on a hill, the entrance to the inner convent was afforded a heightened level

of privacy and security, preventing the need to build a monolithic wall. The positioning of the entrance not only

made it impossible for unwelcome guests to see inside but also made it difficult to ascend the stairs without

being noticed. The same design theories were practised in this practicum project to ensure security without

compromising aesthetics.

At Tokeiji convent, one could walk in the garden and experience countless ephemeral works of art created by

nature. The serene environment provides a place for women to focus on themselves; the winding passages

encourage them to slow down in life. The sho-ji screens inspire similar applications in the transitional housing

facility, which provide flexibility in a space and a sense of ownership. The translucency of the screens will deliver

diffused light and subtly connect the inside and outside. Through its asymmetry, the Tokeiji convent maintains its

connection to nature. Fusuma doors and tatami mats convey a strong geometry, while the overall plan depicts the

opposite. Tatami mats refer to the human scale, sliding doors mimicking a breathing motion, and the interior space

in Tokeiji ultimately remains connected to the elements of life, humans, and nature.

This precedent shows a strong correlation of Zen and desirable attributes of a women’s shelter. With Zen, women

were able to ground themselves and detach from their physical image, purify their minds, and focus on their new

life and new self, along with various other disciplines. In the gardens, Zen allowed women to relax and showed

them that their existence was part of the larger whole. By providing a therapeutic Zen garden similar to those

found in Tokeiji, this practicum’s transitional housing facility focused on a design to allow women and children to

grow and learn in their innate ways and humility, using nature as a tool in this process.

The following presents an outline of pros and cons of the design of Tokeiji convent in relation to the design of this

practicum project:

Pros:

- uses natural earthly materials to reflect essence and beauty of nature

- provides an environment where one may experience an escape from daily stress

- landscape creates a natural barricade

- reference to Zen was established by allowing flowers and trees to grow in their innate ways and from

its organic composition

Cons:

- sho-ji paper screens may not be sufficient in soundproofing, privacy, and they are easily damaged

resulting in high maintenance costs over time

SAVARD’S

LOCATION: 1322 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA

DESIGNER: Levitt Goodman Architects

In Toronto, a shelter for homeless women called Savard’s operates under the Homes First Society, a housing

organization for homeless and vulnerable women. Although the facility is categorized as a shelter for the homeless,

those who are utilizing the shelter have experienced various life issues, including domestic violence. According to

a cultural anthropologist, Rae Bridgman (2003), what is unique about the operations at Savard’s is their minimal

rules. Staff do not subject the residents to curfews or expect a change in their lifestyles (p. 6). The Savard’s mandate

revolves around giving every resident freedom, enforcing only a few rules with regard to their safety and health.

Savard’s hopes to allow its residents to use the space as their home, with its welcoming staff and doors open 24

hours a day, seven days a week (p. 54).

- - - Function - - -

Unlike many conventional shelters, Savard’s does not allocate a specific time frame for one’s duration of stay

(Bridgman, 2003, p. 4). This is an interesting concept since Savard’s has not been very fortunate with their

size of the facility (p. 131). According to Bridgman (2003), once a woman enters the doors, she is immediately

provided, without judgement, sleeping and storage space, provided the number of shelter beds suffices

(p. 54). Government agencies that provide funding generally support shelters that have made measurable,

proven changes in people’s lives. Savard’s mandate of placing no time restrictions on residents’ stay has

made difficult to receive permanent funding (p. 105). However, unlike many shelters, Savard’s does not vet

potential residents according to the woman’s likelihood of making favourable life changes, solely to improve

chances at funding. Neither does Savard’s require its residents to take mandatory courses or demand them to

show improvement in lifestyle by a specific deadline. Looking at the mandate and functions of Savard’s, it is

clear that their doors are open for the betterment of people’s lives, and not for generating monetary profit.

Bridgman (2003) explains that once a woman is settled at Savard’s, she is neither obligated to stay or leave, as

long as she does not pose any harm to the other residents. At the shelter, women are provided with life’s basics,

including meals and even a television to watch (p. 71). Because Savard’s offers such flexibility, some women leave

their bed spaces open for many days without notifying the shelter of their return. While one woman might stay for

a day and be absent for the next three months, another has lived at Savard’s for a decade, yet is still homeless (p.

5, 54-56). This aspect of their mandate – high tolerance, low demand – is a prime example of how Savard’s rejects

the typical institutional image. This also gives the shelter a home-like environment where residents are free from

rules that prevent them from perceiving the space as their own. Although forcing people is never the way to elicit

positive change, the effectiveness of non-intervention and the shelter’s offer of unlimited duration of stay must

be questioned. As is evident in certain types of behaviour (e.g., vacating one’s bed space for days on end), a lack

of motivation and commitment to change can yield no effective results.

At Savard’s, only women are hired as staff and men are not allowed access to the shelter, since many homeless

women come to the shelter having been abused by men as children, as lovers, and as wives (Bridgman, 2003,

p. 55). These restrictions lead some to perceive Savard’s as sexist (p. 10). The staff’s responsibilities consist of

cleaning and maintaining the shelter, offering general everyday assistance, and advising residents in finding

community resources and permanent housing (p. 79). According to Bridgman (2003), Savard’s has also established

a partnership with local medical facilities as part of the resources they offer to residents. This has been beneficial in

providing residents access to general practitioners, dentists, nutritionists, various specialists, psychiatric services,

and local hospitals (p. 135). Although evicting residents happens rarely at Savard’s, the staff ultimately maintain

control over who is allowed to stay, depending on how each individual responds to the shelter’s very minimal rules

(p.63). Concurrently, the roles played by staff and residents at Savard’s make it difficult to distinguish an order of

hierarchy. While residents are given the freedom to use the shelter however it suits their lifestyle, the staff take

part in providing and maintaining the comfortable and clean conditions at the shelter.

Savard’s has made a paradigm shift in the function of a shelter through its offer of unlimited stay and its mandate

to not place expectations on its residents regarding changes in lifestyle. It does raise questions: how will one

be motivated to transition from a shelter to permanent housing when the shelter is so convenient? However,

Savard’s does emphasize the importance of allowing residents to use the space without limitation to establish

a truly home-like environment. Since every step towards change is made at the resident’s own pace, there is an

opportunity for residents to grasp a better understanding of their wants and why they seek a change. Rather

than having these reasons forced upon them, this method could provide a better opportunity for residents to

understand themselves and realize their identities. Learning can take place by observing other’s behaviour, but

it may be difficult for Savard’s to provide such opportunities since each resident takes such an individual route.

Savard’s functions also reveal the importance of having only women staff in the facility as a response to residents

who may have sensitive, gender-related issues. However, one wonders how this method will help residents to

understand that not all men are abusive, and also how the residents’ children will learn the role of a responsible

male adult.

The shelter’s lack of personal judgment provides an example of a shelter that has the betterment of people’s lives

as the true core of its operation. The establishment of partnerships with local doctors and practitioners adds

a great deal of value to residents who often do not get enough access to these essential services. Hierarchical

constructions are blurred at Savard’s, allowing every staff person and resident to be equal. Ultimately, Savard’s

has created a utopian setting for those in need of immediate assistance in accommodation, and emphasizes the

importance of providing freedom. However, one must wonder what the next steps in their residents’ lives might

be.

The following summarizes the pros and cons regarding the programming at Savard’s:

Pros:

- Offers freedom to residents (very minimal rules)

- No expectation is placed on women to change

- Takes homeless women as they are

- The shelter has a partnership with local medical facilities

- There is a blurred hierarchy in the relationship between staff and residents

- Partnership with local amenities and medical assistance

Cons:

- No specified time limit for length of stay

- No expectation is placed on women to change

- Accommodation is limited to a very small number of people

- There is no indication to what the residents’ next step in life might be

- - - Design - - -

At the time of renovation, the primary focus of the architects and staff of the shelter was residents’ individual

needs. As such, the space corresponds to residents’ everyday needs, rather than forcing residents to live a life-

style that suits the space (Bridgman, 2003, p. 65). While engaging their residents in the design meetings, Savard’s

discovered that some women were interested in having a smoking room, a pacing room, and more storage areas.

While many women preferred to sleep in a private room, a few did not (p.64). To a number of women, being within

a room with four walls and behind a closed door reminded them of being raped and they labelled those rooms as

being “possessed” (p. 63). In response to these women’s needs, Savard’s made sure sleeping areas were close to

windows to provide all residents with a view of the outside. Through this, the design also made sure the residents

did not feel as though they were trapped in a confined space. The windows also allowed the residents to keep

track of who was coming in and out of the building.

Here, Savard’s reminds us that preferences are subjective and that not everyone’s fundamental preference is to

have a private room of their own. In response to each individual’s unique needs and preferences, Hana’s Place has

three different types of rooms (Please refer to Chapter Five: Programme Design for details on each room type).

As one of the goals of my practicum project was to blur the boundaries between inside and outside, regardless of

the type of room, the outside will be visually accessible at all times. In this way, the design of the housing provides

a way for users to experience and create a stronger connection with the outdoors even while remaining indoors.

This will benefit the users in many ways, such as providing them with a view of who is accessing the facility, and

offering an opportunity for them to experience the effects of Shinrin-yoku to a greater extent.

Figure 18

(below)

Communal

Kitchen at

Savard’s

(photograph by

Robert Burley)

As part of their design strategy, the designers of Savard’s did not

place the shelter entrance opposite to the staff area. Instead, the

entrance was adjacent to the lounge area and the communal kitchen

(Figure 18), to create an inviting atmosphere each time a person

entered the shelter (Bridgman, 2003, p. 65). This design removed

the residents’ feeling of being required to “check in” with staff,

and also prevents a sense of surveillance. Although this floor plan

is possible at a shelter for homeless women, the lack of security

by the entrance is a potential hazard for the users of a transitional

housing facility. However, as the design of Savard’s suggests, the

notion of surveillance and the pressure of having to “check in” may

prevent women and children from feeling at home.

With consensus among the Savard’s designers and residents, the

private lounge area and the residents’ sleeping “nooks” were

designed to be located at the back of the shelter and away from the entrance door.

This was done to provide privacy and to increase the sound reaching from the

living space (Bridgman, 2003, p. 65). However, afterwards, a number of residents

felt safer if their sleeping areas were located in closer proximity to the staff. As a

result of this, a couple of “nooks” were also placed closer to the staff area. Although

both of the requested settlements were made, in order for the shelter to be more

flexible in accommodating as many residents’ needs as possible, the “nooks” were

built using plywood. They were built as a light-weight module that could be moved

around easily so when a new resident entered the shelter, she could choose her

own placement (p. 65) (Figure 19). This service not only gave residents options,

but also emphasized their freedom to use the space however they preferred. Each

“nook” functions as a miniature room with a bed, open shelving, and a few storage

spaces underneath the bed. However, the ease of moving and rearranging the light-

weight modules came at the expense of reduced sound-proofing, and in the open

concept, residents were afforded less privacy (p. 65) (Figure 20).

Savard’s is a precedent that exhibits a paradigm shift in the function of shelters,

namely through offering complete freedom to its residents. It is also a great

example of how resident participation can be beneficial in designing a shelter.

The spatial design of Savard’s focuses on the needs of homeless women, hence

the security measures are lower than would be expected in transitional housing

for women who are survivors of domestic violence. The needs of each individual

woman and the notion of creating a comfortable place are carefully considered

and relevant in each design. Although Savard’s was unable to provide residents

with spaces such as a ventilated smoking room and a music room, the fact that those spaces were proposed

suggests that they should be considered in the design of future shelters. All of the spatial design considerations

of Savard’s are relevant and beneficial to the design of transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence,

since they carefully consider safety requirements, the unique needs of individuals, and the comfort levels of each

resident, with the goal of providing a space where users have a sense of ownership and comfort.

The following summarizes the pros and cons regarding the design of the interior space at Savard’s:

Pros:

- Residents’ were involved at the design stage

- Spaces were designed to prevent a constricted environment

- An inviting entrance was created

- Features movable sleeping “nooks”

Cons:

- There is very little privacy

- There is little soundproofing

Figure 19

(opposite top)

Residents’

“nooks” at

Savard’s

(photograph by

Robert Burley)

Figure 20

(opposite

bottom)

Residents’s

beds at Savard’s

(photograph by

Robert Burley)

Figure 21 Church of Light (photograph by Ali Abbas)

CHURCH OF

LIGHT

LOCATION: 4-3-50, Kita-Kasugaoka, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka-fu, JAPAN

DESIGNER: Tadao Ando

COMPLETED: 1989

SIZE: 1,216 ft²

Submerged quietly, in the suburban residential area of Osaka, is a humble Christian church where people gather

on Sundays to share the lessons of the sermons and the beautiful voices of the resonating choir. Ibaraki Kasugaoka

Kyokai is better known to the world as the Church of Light. While many churches around the world often have

an aesthetic driven by their incorporation of august stained glass and lavishly embellished details on the altar,

the chosen precedent presents no signs of imposing colour or detail. Instead the building is a simple rectangular

hollow concrete block. The interior is dim while one large window on the North side wall acts as one of the few

sources that provide light into the interior. Due to having the window facing away from the public street, the

passerby would only notice its thick concrete walls that conceal what is inside. Although the church presents itself

as a humble, minimalistic building, the users are often struck with awe by the spiritual connection they build; an

experience one would never imagine to have inside a concrete block. This precedent presents an example of how

architectural design and light can affect the user’s mood and the experience they receive.

Although it is easy to consider a geometric shape of a concrete block as an antagonist to the conventional

forms of nature, the way the architect, Tadao Ando has designed the church carefully considers its surrounding

environment, its relationship to nature, and the effect of time. Altogether straight lines might lack any relevance to

the curvilinear forms of nature, strangely the simplicity of the concrete resembles the same level of calmness often

depicted by nature (Figure 22, 23). Despite the heavy characteristics and the immovable appearance normally

depicted by a concrete material, Ando took careful consideration of its surroundings and how the existence of

the two interrelates with each other. The concrete creates a balance with the solidity of the ground and the

monochromatic light gray façades take away the perception of heavy weight.

Figure 22 (top)

Nature and

architecture

relationship of

Church of Light

(photograph

by Gianpiero

Venturini)

Figure 23

(bottom)

View of nature

from inside

Church of Light

(photograph by

Jon Reksten

As sho-ji screens would frame the swaying shadows of branches

to turn an ephemeral performance by nature into calligraphy art,

the polished concrete walls of the church behave in a similar way.

The shadows of swaying trees are reflected on the concrete walls

which create a backsplash for a nature’s show. When Ando was

designing the church, he had made sure that the building was at its

optimal location and position. With careful calculation of the sun’s

movement, elements such as a crucifix on the exterior wall that seem

to get camouflaged during a certain time of the day, slowly reveals

its presence as the sun changes its position. What seemed to have

been lost in the daylight revives with the formation of shadow casting

behind it (Figure 24).

Although the concrete used to build the Church of Light is polished,

the markings left behind from the construction frame are evident

throughout the façades and display a raw appearance that resembles

the texture of tree bark (Figure 25). The juxtaposition of natural

elements such as trees and the concrete façade display a timeless

quality and a perfect balance. Ando explained in an interview with

CNN (2007) that when he was designing the church he tried to

make the architecture and the natural environment become one.

This is a reference to Zen philosophy, which Ando often uses when

conceptualizing his designs. He highly values the qualities found in

nature and in man-made structures. Ando revealed that when the

church was first built, the trees and shrubs that existed on the site were very small. Decades later, he sees them

in harmony, co-existing and growing old together. Ando explains that beauty found in his work often continues to

grow with time, and is evident during the constant change his architecture undergoes in nature. Ando’s intention

is to maintain the original quality of the building’s materials (CNN, 2007). Without using curvilinear forms to mimic

the natural characteristics, the precedent shows that textures and colours could exert the same timeless quality

that is found in nature. As Roger Ulrich (2002) explains, surrealistic curvilinear forms have the tendency to convey

negative interpretations to the users (p. 6), linearity hints order and control which would be more appropriate for

the users of transitional housing.

The Church of Light was designed with simplicity in mind using concrete as its prime material. While its walls

are 15 inches thick all around, the building seems to deliver a permanent status with an illusion of casing people

Figure 24

(top left)

Church of

Light - Shadow

of crucifix on

the façade

(photograph by

Liao Yusheng)

Figure 25

(top right)

Church of Light

- Wall surface

(photograph by

Ali Abbas)

Figure 26

(bottom left)

Light entering

between walls

(photograph by

Naoya Fujii)

Figure 27

(bottom middle)

Walls at

different heights

(photograph by

Jon Reksten)

Figure 28

(bottom right)

Interior of

Church of Light

(photograph by

Naoya Fujii)

inside a large box. However, in various places of the building, walls of different heights are placed adjacent to one

another, which form sliver-like openings that allow light to seep through the dense thickness of the walls (Figure

26, 27). Although electrical lighting is installed it is not often used, forcing the space to remain dim. However, due

to the absence of light from an electrical source, the natural light entering through the openings is perceived in a

dramatic manner. Despite the grounded appearance of concrete the permeation of light creates a visual illusion

that causes one to perceive the ceiling above as floating at ease (Figure 28).

The Church of Light also allows its users to experience the volume of the interior space using many of their senses.

Through touch, one can feel the rawness of the materials and the cold temperature emitted from the walls. By

listening, one can sense people coming together through the echoing of laughter in the halls and the drumming

sound of footsteps. Seeping light between the walls and the ceiling triggers eyes to wander throughout the space,

reminding users of the presence of nature right outside.

The colossal structure of concrete may present itself as

minimalistic and deliver a notion of dominance and a sense of

immovability. However, when inside at the right time of day,

users can experience an unanticipated moment of spiritual

connection. The fundamental function of the building still lies

in serving people’s spiritual needs, i.e. accommodating the

purpose of a church. The name Church of Light speaks louder

to its identity than its original name, due to the important role

sunlight plays in bringing the building’s interior to life. Behind the

altar, a cruciform is cut into the concrete wall, allowing sunlight

to penetrate through the opening. While this façade is facing

east, the morning sunlight washes the wall with brightness and

warmth. Simultaneously the calculated positioning of the building

allows the sunlight to enter the space through the crucifix to

envelope the complete volume of the interior, immersing people

inside (Figure 29). Immediately, the space that seemed vacant

with darkness is given a new face, a new atmosphere, and a

new defined quality. A space that was expressionless suddenly

gains a wealth of value, identity, and purpose. With the changing

position of the sun, the expression in the interior continues to

change with time.

Figure 29

Crucifix at Church of Light

(photograph by Jon Reksten)

The interior conveys the impression that the design of the church was deliberately simple in form to allow the

spiritual quality that light offers to fill the space. Ando’s intention was to create the effect of intensified light

penetrating through the crucifix to capture users attention and create a unification of souls (CNN, 2007). The

mood, the attention, and the people’s feelings are altered in accordance to the light effects that take place inside

the church. With the infiltration of light pervading throughout the space, it creates a phenomenon by causing

users to perceive solid forms as immaterial and shapeless.

Similarly, the design of Hana’s Place benefits from the light effects that are conveyed by the sun. By providing spaces

whose characteristics change with the movement of the sun, the effects and presence of nature are conveyed in a

poetic manner. This conveys therapeutic and spiritual qualities that may be appreciated by all women and children

despite different cultural and religious backgrounds. The design of gathering spaces was approached similarly to

the design of the Church of Light in order to achieve a sense of unification. While some may find lighting as a tool

of security and orientation, others may experience uneasiness from feeling exposed. Nonetheless, both natural

and electrical sources of light have a phenomenological power that affect people’s feelings. Hence a dimmable

function is installed in most of the residential rooms within the housing complex to provide users with lighting

control within their immediate surroundings. Simultaneously the design of Hana’s Place focused on delivering

the effects of nature into the building’s interior through the installation of windows in various places, as well as

by using materials and textures that are often found outside. By doing so, any sense of confinement has been

removed from the residential spaces, providing users with the illusion of being outside while remaining inside.

Concurrently, the effects of nature will continue to change the expression of the interior spaces over time and

provide a metaphoric reference to the Zen principle that nothing remains the same. With the amalgamation of

these methods, the final design was also aimed at stimulating the human senses.

While the previous precedent of the Tokeiji convent showed the importance of curvilinear forms applied in the

design of gardens, the Church of Light shows the positive effects of rectilinear forms of a building. Not only does

the shape allow room for future design alterations, the simplicity will provide flexibility in ways that allow users

to take ownership of the transitional housing. Despite the church delivering a colossal presence with its concrete

walls, the minimalistic approach in design does not dominate the intricate characteristics of the surrounding

nature. Instead, the multitude of dimensions found between the branches of trees and shrubs create a sense of

prominence. This causes the monochromatic light gray walls of the building to seem rather muted and become

a backsplash. The simplicity in the design of both the exterior and interior of the building references both the

calmness and the timeless quality often found in nature. It indicates that building and nature can create balance

by delivering a similar sensory effect. Since the beginning stage in the design, the notion of coexistence of nature

and architecture was considered carefully by Ando’s implication of a Zen philosophy of allowing the two to grow

old together. Both the tranquility and the timelessness will be a benefit to many women and children seeing a safe

environment that is suitable for all cultures and beliefs.

This precedent also exemplifies how embellishment through applied décor is not the only way to provoke emotions.

The users of the church experience the quality of space through multitudes of milieus from the reverberation of

voices, to the intensity of seeping light, to the cold touch of the concrete surface. The cut out of the cruciform

on the East wall creates a phenomenon where solid concrete seems to dematerialize and fade as the sudden

flourishing of sun light creates a sense of spirituality. The church presents the dichotomy of light and shadow and

how the existence of both strengthens each other. Through the application of a similar approach, I have conveyed

a similar light effect in the areas where gathering is encouraged in the transitional housing facility. As the sun

changes its position, it continuously alters the expressions within the interior space, reminding the users of the Zen

philosophy that nothing remains the same.

The following presents an outline of pros and cons of the design of the Church of Light in relation to the design of

this practicum project:

Pros:

- Presents nature’s effects both inside and outside of space in a poetic manner

- Resembles the same level of calmness often depicted by nature

- Displays a timeless quality and a perfect balance

- Design of space affects people’s multiple senses, allowing people to experience the space more deeply

Cons:

- Not enough views to outside

- Material choice may pose heating and cooling problems

- Material choice does not allow for sufficient soundproofing

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

The three precedents, Tokeiji convent, Savard’s, and Church of Light, have informed how spatial designs can impact

the way that people experience a space. Light, materials, and layout all convey experiences in a variety of ways;

even when the same set of materials is used, differing layouts can completely alter an individual’s movement,

senses, and how they perceive the space. This was most strikingly evident in the examination of Church of Light,

where even heavy material such as concrete can be perceived as light through careful adjustment in the placement

of the light that pierces its surface. Even its monochromatic appearance can seem to have various shades when

juxtaposed with plants and when sunlight creates shadows of other elements on it. What first appears to be two-

dimensional and flat can be suddenly turned into a canvas full of colours and textures, resulting in a perception of

depth.

Tokeiji convent was informative in both the programming and design aspects of Hana’s Place as it exemplified a

similar approach to Lifeboat theory where residents each took action to construct a community in which they

all looked after each other. In other ways, the programming of this theory has informed my own programming

in terms of what to avoid and what should be included to prevent stereotypes. Tokeiji’s design showed great use

of earthly materials that reflected the essence and beauty of nature. It creates a place where people can relax,

escape from everyday stress, and allows them to slow down in life – even though it has ceased to operate as a

shelter.

Savard’s in Toronto has shown the importance of residents taking control of the decision-making process in their

housing facility. It exemplified what shelters and transitional housing alike can be when administration removes

its hierarchical status from the picture. Savard’s is a positive example of place-making that truly feels like home,

one that refutes an institutional image through its high tolerance, low demand policy. Similar to Lifeboat theory,

Savard’s shows the importance of developing relationships with local amenities. Not only does this allow residents

to reach further out into the public and away from hiding, it also provides them with more information, resources,

and opportunities to move on with their lives. Finally, Savard’s has also clarified that preferences are truly subjective

and that room layouts should be flexible in order to allow residents to have the freedom to move furniture around

to create their own comfort.

Despite the linear construction of Church of Light, it displays the same level of calmness found in nature, where

one can feel relaxed and sense its timeless quality. Ando’s careful consideration of the building’s surroundings

has allowed nature and the building to grow old together, a strong connection to the principles of Zen. All three

precedents have shown the significance of nature. Although subtle in the design of Savard’s, a view to nature or

outside can make residents feel less confined in a space.

Figure 30 West Point Grey neighbourhood

CHAPTER FOUR

SITE + BUILDING ANALYSIS

Introduction

City of Vancouver: Green, Connected, and Accommodating

Site Evaluation: West Point Grey Neighbourhood

Building Evaluation: 1515 Discovery Street

Chapter Summary + Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Through literature investigation and precedent studies, I have used the following criteria as my fundamental

framework for choosing the appropriate site in designing a hypothetical transitional housing facility:

- Location immersed in nature

- Location close to amenities

- Near large open field space that allows for gardening design

- Quiet environment

- A safe neighbourhood where children can play outside in safety

- A controlled environment for privacy

Selecting a suitable site and building that met each of the above criteria was a challenge. My intention was not

to isolate the user groups away from the general public, but because a therapeutic Zen garden plays a prominent

role in the design of this transitional housing, my focus was drawn away from dense residential areas. Among the

various sites that were considered, 1515 Discovery Street in the West Point Grey neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC

was an ideal location, and met all of my criteria.

Prior to entering the designing stage, I conducted a site and building analysis to grasp the key elements found in

the chosen site that may have influences in the final design of Hana’s Place. This chapter describes my investigation

of the site from a macro- to micro-scale. I obtained an understanding of how Hana’s Place could relate to and be

part of the larger city. I began by exploring the city of Vancouver to find out what the city has in its immediate

goals and whether Hana’s Place will benefit from them. Second, I investigated the neighbourhood district of West

Point Grey to understand its characteristics to see whether Hana’s Place should be situated there and whether the

environment is suitable for the users of Hana’s Place. Finally, a building evaluation was completed to understand

its aesthetics, convenience, and design limitations. This investigation has allowed me to see what elements of the

building should be kept and updated to suit the functions that will be accommodated.

CITY OF VANCOUVER: GREEN, CONNECTED, and ACCOMMODATING

Nestled between British Columbia’s prolific coastal mountain range and the vast Pacific Ocean, Vancouver

possesses many of nature’s profound gifts. Having recently been in the spotlight as the host city of the 2010

Winter Olympics, Vancouver has become known as a place with great opportunities and exciting discoveries yet

to be made. While warm memories of the Games continue to live in people’s hearts, the event’s legacy is one of

permanent improvements to the city, made in preparation for the Olympics. One of the greatest improvements

was the construction of a new Skytrain route, called the Canada Line. Along with an extensive system of bus lines,

the Skytrain connects Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley to downtown Vancouver. These numerous and

sophisticated modes of travel allow Vancouverites to commute easily across significant distances, blurring the

boundaries of the city and making it easy to shop, learn, or recreate anywhere in the Lower Mainland.

The addition of the Canada Line goes beyond expanding Vancouverites’ ability to connect with others. Improves

to public transit have also greatly contributed to Vancouver having one of the smallest carbon footprints of all

major North American cities (“About Vancouver”, 2011). As a leader in green building, planning, and technology,

Vancouver has a goal of becoming the greenest city in the world by 2020 (“Greenest city 2020”, 2011). With

the establishment of the Greenest City Action Team (GCAT), Vancouver pays critical attention to sustainability,

and offers programmes and events to spread this knowledge to the greater public. The city’s residents have

always been environmentally conscious: between 1996 and 2006, the number of Vancouverites walking to work

increased from 68% to 74% (“Understanding Vancouver”, 2010). Vancouver seeks long-term benefits from green

jobs, improved health, and prosperity for generation s to come (“Greenest city 2020”, 2011).

Vancouver’s improved transit system and environmental conscience provide many benefits to women and

children, and still has more to offer. The city’s welcoming arms foster the continuous growth of cultural diversity;

each culture’s uniqueness is celebrated. There are at least 17 major mother tongues spoken in the city, and this

is considered a positive element in the creation of a cultural patchwork (City of Vancouver planning department,

2006). It is evident from the diversity of visual arts, performances, and events, along with the multitude of ethnic

neighbourhoods, that Vancouverites have embraced the fusion of many cultures and philosophies.

Survivors of domestic violence do not come from one particular culture or background, hence, Vancouver’s

appreciation of and respect for cultural differences will not only help women and children to transition smoothly

from their location of origin to their new settlement in Vancouver, but will also reassure them that they are not

alone.

SITE EVALUATION: WEST POINT GREY NEIGHBOURHOOD

West Point Grey is paradise for nature lovers and social butterflies alike. The neighbourhood is zoned a RS-1 (One-

family dwelling district) by the City of Vancouver, and amenities are continuously enhanced by the preservation of

outdoor spaces and maintenance of healthy trees and plants (“About Vancouver”, 2011). Row upon row of trees

grace the neighbourhood with greenery and fresh air. While the trees in West Point Grey mark the boundary lines

of the beginning and end of the neighbourhood, they also act as nature’s parasol on sunny days, and nature’s

umbrella on rainy days. The neighbourhood is often quiet, as conversation and peals of laughter from various street

corners are muffled by the soft brushing sounds of trees dancing in the wind. With the majority of construction

materials being wood and stone, the neighbourhood exudes warmth (Figure 32). Through touch, one can learn the

characteristics and age of every type of material present. For example, the sun’s warmth is stored and can be felt

again – even hours after sunset – by pressing one’s palm against a wooden fence. The shuffling of golden leaves

crunching underfoot reminds residents of fall, while specks of silvery light from droplets of water collected on

delicate flower petals remind them of spring. The West Point Grey neighbourhood is like a large, vibrant painting

with a variety of colours that excite the viewing eyes, making spectators reluctant to focus on just one spot.

LEGEND:

WEST POINT

GREY DISTRICT

1515 DISCOVERY

STREET

Figure 31

(opposite)

Site location

Figure 32

(opposite)

Site fabric

Figure 33

(this page)

Colours of site

Between the north ends of Wallace Street to Discovery Street is the vast stretch of Jericho Beach and Park. The

area offers much to neighbourhood dwellers and Vancouverites as a place to wind down with friends and family.

On warm weather days, it is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver, and caters to swimmers, windsurfers,

and sailboat users. In the park areas, laughter erupts and relationships are strengthened over picnic tables. Quiet,

serene trails through forested areas offer bicycle riders, joggers, and dog-walkers an ideal place to escape from

the busyness of the city. Depending on the season, the beauty of the park and beach are enjoyed in many different

ways, from bird-watching, to playing field sports like tennis and baseball, to admiring the magnificent North Shore

mountains painted white with snow. Many activities are offered by the popular Jericho sailing Association along

with the Vancouver board of Parks and Recreation, which specializes in looking after the health of public parks

(Vancouver board of parks and recreation, 2011).

While the coastlines of West Point Grey are popular for recreational purposes, the commercial part of the district is

found along W. 10th Avenue. Here, over 130 local businesses and shops line the street, delivering both convenience

and supplies to residents (Figure 34). From Tolmie Street to Discovery Street, the area also known as Point Grey

Village is a hub, where people unite and enjoy a coffee break, buy flowers on the way to see a friend, and or just

explore the neighbourhood. The shopping area reflects the West Point Grey profile by being immersed in nature

as well. Rows of cherry trees create a feathery fence along the road, showering passerby with pastel confetti.

Storefronts are uniquely decorated with locally-made products including one-of-a-kind home décor, specialty

items, and fashion. Window displays change frequently, like art exhibits, inspiring people to take time in their

walks. By supplying everyday essentials (grocery shopping, bookstores, doctors, and dentists), and special services

(veterinarians, massage therapists, insurance agencies, and lawyers), Point Grey Village removes the need for

residents to travel very far, and strengthens neighbourly relationships. As many businesses are family-operated,

the shopping district also emphasizes the importance of family (Point Grey Village, 2011).

100

In this neighbourhood of approximately 12,990 people, the majority of residents (38%) fall between the ages of

40 to 64 (“West Point Grey census data”, 2006). Although young children and seniors represent smaller portions

of the population, the neighbourhood makes sure that all members of the community are highly regarded and

protected.

West Point Grey Community Centre (Figure 35) is situated across the street from the building chosen for this

practicum project. Established within a beautiful Vancouver heritage building, the community centre currently

offers many activities and programmes appropriate for all ages (“Understanding Vancouver”, 2010). Pottery-

making classes (Figure 36) allow residents to express their artistic skills and computer labs help them to explore

the world and future in unlimited ways. A games room and a playground give freedom to children and often it is

here where imaginations soar. Jericho Arts Centre (Figure 37) is a humble building that is also located close to the

chosen site. It holds performing and visual arts presentations during 10 months of the year.

Figure 34

(below)

Point Grey Village

shopping district

101

Education is an important element in the face of West Point Grey. Queen Mary Elementary School and West

Point Grey Academy (Figure 38) are among the numerous schools ranging from pre-school to secondary level

in the district. Thanks to the family-oriented nature of West Point Grey, the neighbourhood is safe for young

children walking to and from school. The neighbourhood also shows its support of cultural fusion and education by

providing programmes such as Aikido martial arts at the Jericho Hill Gymnasium and Pool Centre. Here, students

of all ages engage in learning a self-defense programme while getting a glimpse of the Japanese culture. Adjacent

to West Point Grey to the west are the University Endowment Lands, where The University of British Columbia

(UBC) is situated. Due to its close proximity to the UBC, West Point Grey is also a popular place to live and study

for many university students.

West Point Grey itself is a city in a micro-scale. As evidenced by the availability of schools, professional offices,

and locally-owned retail stores, the neighbourhood has a unique, independent identity and a recognizable local

ethos. With the neighbourhood’s family-friendly culture, residents are constantly offered and reminded of a sense

of security surrounding them.

For women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, West Point Grey can be a place for them to

grow and heal, make new acquaintances and friends, experience new activities, and be embraced by the cultural

fusion. The neighbourhood opens its doors for women and children to have social support in many ways beyond

the following design of transitional housing. The district’s natural surroundings can not only provide women in

distress a tranquil space to reflect silently on themselves, but also remind them that beauty sometimes speaks

very quietly. Though it may be difficult for women and children who have just escaped from an environment of

domestic violence to see the light at the end of the tunnel immediately, with time and patience and with the will

to seek what is beyond their immediate wall, they may uncover strength and opportunities that have been there

all along. Similarly, a droplet of silvery light on a flower’s petals is only noticed by those walking slowly and with

the patience in their hearts to listen to nature’s quietest voices.

Figure 35

(opposite top

left)

West Point Grey

Community

Centre

Figure 36

(opposite bottom

left)

Pottery-making

class at West

Point Grey

Community

Centre

Figure 37

(opposite top

right)

Jericho Arts

Centre

Figure 38

(opposite bottom

right)

West Point Grey

Academy

103

Figure 39

Circulation map

of West Point

Grey district

104

LEGEND

1515 DISCOVERY STREET

BEACHES + PARKS AREA

UBC ENDOWMENT LAND

PRIMARILY PEDESTRIAN

PEDESTRIAN + VEHICULAR PATH

PRIMARILY VEHICULAR

Figure 40

(top)

Jericho Beach

Park

Figure 41

(middle)

Near Discovery

Street

Figure 42

(bottom)

West 8th Avenue

neighbourhood

105

Figure 43

Map of nodes

106

NODES

1515 DISCOVERY STREET

BEACHES + PARKS AREA

UBC ENDOWMENT LAND

POINT GREY VILLAGE SHOPPING DISTRICT

1. Jericho Sailing Centre

2. Vancouver Board of Parks

and Recreation

3. Jericho Arts Centre

4. West Point Grey Community Centre

5. Queen Mary Elementary School

and Trimble After School Care Society

6. Trimble Park and Tennis Courts

7. Westbrook Parent Participation Preschool

8. Safeway Grocery Store

9. West Point Grey Academy

10. Jericho Hill Gymnasium and Pool

11. Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

12. Jericho Garrison

13. Moksha Yoga Vancouver

14. Jericho Tennis Club

15. Royal Vancouver Yacht Club

16. Jericho Kids Club

17. Bayview Community Elementary

Figure 44

(top)

Near West 8th

Avenue and

Tolmie Street

Figure 45

(bottom)

Corner of West

8th Avenue and

Trimble Street

107

BUILDING EVALUATION: 1515 DISCOVERY STREET

Figure 46

(left)

Main entrance

of HI-Vancouver

Jericho Beach

Figure 47

(right)

East façade of

HI-Vancouver

Jericho Beach

The proposed women’s transitional housing is located at 1515 Discovery Street, in Vancouver, only a five-minute

walk from Jericho Beach (Figure 46, 47). Located in the outskirts of the West Point Grey residential district between

two beautiful city parks, Jericho and Locarno, the building was formerly a barrack for the old Jericho Beach Air

Station, and later became a youth hostel in 1971 (Davis, 2011, p. 355). With a generous total square footage of

just over 24,000 sq ft, the building is currently operated by Hostelling International Canada (HI-Vancouver Jericho

Beach), accommodating many visitors and tourists from around the world. The three-storey building is immersed

in the serene Canadian landscape. Along the south west façade, trees create a natural shield from the street. The

building is surrounded by lush green fields; nature’s carpet, soft underfoot. Ultimately, the location and the ample

outdoor space allow for flexibility in connecting the principles of Zen and the therapeutic landscape in the design

of the housing.

108

The building is situated slightly off the main busy road of West 4th

Avenue. However, the location is serviced by bus, with a stop located

only a few minutes’ walk from the building. From here, residents

are able to catch buses heading towards UBC, Point Grey Village,

and downtown Vancouver. By taking the bus from this location or

simply by walking, residents also have easy access to many schools

and West Point Grey Community Centre, which is situated just

across the street. Adults of all ages who wish to broaden their skills

and knowledge may be interested in attending UBC, located only 20

minutes away by bus. While the building is close to many amenities

and recreational and educational activities, thanks to Jericho Park

on the east and numerous tall trees along the south-west, it is also

shielded from the rest of the residential area, allowing privacy and

space away from the immediate public. There is enough distance

from the main street for all vehicular noise to be dampened

and for children to play in the field without fear of an accident.

However, these visual barriers do not provide sufficient security

for the survivors of domestic violence, thus further improvement

and new construction of both visual and physical barriers must be

considered.

In contrast to the softness of the site’s natural surroundings, the

chosen building is made out of thick, 16-inch white plastered brick

walls, giving it a fortified appearance. Despite the strength and

Figure 48

(top)

Nature and

building

relationship

Figure 49

(bottom)

By front entrance

of HI-Vancouver

Jericho Beach

109

Figure 50

(bottom left)

Secondary

entrance on East

side (currently

not in use)

Figure 51

(bottom middle)

West façade of

HI-Vancouver

Jericho Beach

Figure 52

(bottom right)

Fire escape stairs

security in and around the building required to protect the proposed users, alteration to the wall is still necessary

in order to minimize its institutional appearance. A partial wall will be demolished to create openings on the

building façade to enhance daylight delivery. This process will include widening of the hallways as well as creating

a vertical perforation between the floors. Since Vancouver has the mildest climate in Canada, with an average

temperature of 3.6°C in winter and 17.1°C in summer, opening the walls in this way would be unimaginable in any

other Canadian city (Environment Canada, 2011). This transition in the façade will also foster a better connection

between the building and the outside environment which will reinforce the concept of blurring the boundaries

between inside and outside.

The current design of the building has a staircase leading to an archway entrance located at the east side of the

building. The large fortified columns on either side give a sense of grandness and power (Figure 50). However,

despite the visual impact upon entering the building, the current state of the staircase reminds us that a revision

110

of the recent building code is necessary as the entrance area must be redesigned to provide accessibility. The

existing building lacks ramps and elevators, which is limiting for people with reduced mobility.

After passing through the mezzanine area, another set of stairs leads to the main floor. In the current interior

design, the reception and information areas are found here, along with both dormitory-style and private rooms

for travellers to stay in (Figure 53). The space is clean, vast, and white. It is also very functional with the reception

office located right next to the main entrance (Figure 57). The current positioning of the reception office makes it

convenient for the staff to keep track of those who enter and leave the building. However, the interior imparts a

slightly cold atmosphere, due to the choice of materials used in this space. Though hard plastic flooring is ideal for

high-traffic areas, especially in the reception space, footsteps and conversations are echoed by this chosen material.

Combined with the excessive use of fluorescent light, this strengthen the institutional appearance. The interior

space is heavily dependent on electrical lighting, as windows are sparse in this space. Relocating the staircase

Figure 53

First floor plan of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach

(graphic property of HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach)

111

is critical because it partially blocks the daylight delivered form the largest window in the reception area (Figure

59). In the hallways, the dense, plastered walls evoke feelings of security yet also create a slightly claustrophobic

sensation.

Figure 54

(bottom left)

Hallway beside

reception area

Figure 55

(bottom right)

Mezzanine area

Figure 56

(opposite top

left) Welcome

area

Figure 57

(opposite top

right) Reception

counter

Figure 58

(opposite bottom

left) Information

wall facing

welcome area

Figure 59

(opposite bottom

right) Staircase

leading to

second floor and

basement

On the second floor, the view from the windows is much improved. From here, residents may enjoy the vast blue

sky, the mountains at a distance, and the fields that seems to extend infinitely. Daylight streams through the

second floor windows, unobstructed by the staircase. Common rooms located at the north and south ends of the

central corridor provide a comfortable gathering space with soft furniture and an open concept. However, the

central corridor remains dark, as it, too, is surrounded by plastered walls and no windows (Figures 60-62). In my

design, most of the surface materials, including doors and knobs, will be changed to reflect less on the building’s

original military profile. Natural materials such as wood and stones will be incorporated throughout the interior,

to complement the natural surroundings of the building and its neighbourhood.

112

113

Figure 60 (left)

Central corridor

on second floor

Figure 61 (midde)

Door to the

central corridor

Figure 62 (right)

Common area on

second floor

Bays in each of the building’s four corners contain the majority of the residence rooms. Here the quality of daylight

is at its best. Ample lighting from the sun wraps the interiors, providing sufficient brightness and allowing a lower

dependency on electrical lighting (Figure 63-65). Tall windows along the perimeter of the building let daylight

enter from various directions, allowing the warmth of the sun to envelop a person’s body. However, in the current

layout, each bay is divided in to two narrow sections, which narrows the walking distance from wall to wall, and

results in a stiff, institutional-like environment. Hence, opening the walls and the application of light-transmitting

materials will play a significant role in transforming this environment into a much more open concept with more

emphasis on natural light delivery.

The basement can be accessed via the same staircases that service the second floor, which are located at both

north and south ends of the building. Currently, the majority of the basement is occupied by a laundry facility, a

communal kitchen, and a dining space. The remainder of the space is used for a television room and public café.

114

In the construction of this space, many of the walls that are divisive on upper floors have here been removed.

The four bays of the basement space have a refined open concept and provide more gathering spaces. However,

the window size here has diminished significantly in some places and the exposure of various pipe systems on the

ceiling could potentially create hazards (Figure 66-70).

Figure 63 (left)

Dormitory room

Figure 64

(middle)

Dormitory beds

With routine maintenance and upkeep by the HI-Vancouver Jericho, in its effort to retain its original aesthetic and

physical condition, the chosen building is currently in a great state inside and out. This does not only allow for

the building to be immediately occupied by the proposed users but it provides the opportunity to make further

changes to the building without any hazard. For women and young children, the natural surroundings offer not

only a healthy place to spend time and play in, but also afford adequate distance from the busy streets without

total seclusion from the neighbourhood. Although the building’s current security levels are not sufficient to protect

women and children in a delicate state, this issue can be resolved with a few changes made to the immediate

Figure 65 (right)

Natural light

entering the

interior

115

Figure 66

(top left) Laundry

space

Figure 67

(left middle)

Exposed pipes in

the ceiling

Figure 68

(bottom left)

Communal

kitchen area

Figure 69

(top right) Dining

space

Figure 70

(bottom right)

Public café

116

surroundings. The convenience of being close to many amenities – schools, a community centre, shopping, and

professional services – will encourage women to explore the neighbourhood for opportunities that they and their

children may take advantage of.

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

It is evident that Vancouver is a city with growing dreams and concrete goals. With the expansion of its transit

system, residents may travel more widely than ever, and with a minimized effect on the environment. Vancouver’s

cultural vibrancy unites people of all backgrounds; walking within the various ethnic neighbourhoods is a rich and

flavourful experience. Meanwhile, the neighbourhood of West Point Grey is a micro-city of its own, with a similar

respect and appreciation of nature. Lush with trees and spectacular natural hues, its colourfulness is also reflected

in resident’s enjoyment of their neighbourhood, through their daily activities and also their sense of familiarity,

comfort, and ease. A sense of community, bolstered by the family-friendly culture, has instilled a feeling of security

among residents. New knowledge and skills flourish in the neighbourhood with schools and special classes offered

in various places. Both Vancouver and West Point Grey are also artistically inclined; the poetry of many languages

is reflected through visual and performing arts. Finally, the chosen building encompasses all of the fundamental

criteria in the design of transitional housing. With its unique original purpose, the building has a fortified look yet

still provides flexibility for new transitions to be made. The addition of an improved security system in and around

the building will offer the proposed users the comfort they seek.

For women and children requiring transitional housing after escaping from domestic abuse, the chosen site and

building offer a safe neighbourhood and extensive opportunities. The following outlines the pros and cons of the

chosen place:

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Pros:

- Immersed in nature and quiet neighbourhood

- Culturally vibrant

- Excellent transit system

- Great selections of schools, amenities, and activities

- Strong neighbourly relationships

- Mild climate

- Building condition is well-kept and safe

Figure 71 (left)

At the public café

area

Figure 72

(middle) At the

public café area

Figure 73 (right)

Television room

Cons:

- Building requires heightened security measures around the perimeter

- Needs better connection with natural surroundings

By deconstructing part of the building façade and widening the hallways, the design of the housing will feature

an open concept that blurs the boundary between inside and outside. In this way, residents will have a stronger

connection with their natural surroundings and will have more daylight entering through the building. By

emphasizing nature’s profound gifts, the proposed design will make this site a good place for users to stroll at any

time of day.

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CHAPTER FIVE

DESIGN PROGRAMME

Introduction

Primary Users

Secondary Users

Tertiary Users

Room + Activity Descriptions

Preliminary Zoning Study

Chapter Summary + Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Morning arrives and a beam of sunlight sneaks in between the folds of

the blinds. The warm light gently touches the woman’s cheek and whispers

to remind her of another new beginning. At Hana’s Place, one of

the fundamental goals is to provide comfort to women and children who

have struggled in starting their days, thinking of each light and sound

as antagonists; signs of another living nightmare. Through their stay at

Hana’s Place, users find a new appreciation of the warmth that comes

with sunlight, and become able to once again value the gift that are given

each morning: another opportunity for a new discovery.

In this chapter you will find a collection of information that constructs the programme of Hana’s Place. The

finalized form takes examples of and inspiration from various existing transitional housing facilities. While all of

the programmes offered are tailored to suit a variety of age groups and individual needs, they predominantly aim

to help individuals to regain control of their everyday lives with self-confidence and independence. While some

programmes follow a conventional approach, such as a daycare system, a few selected programmes were inspired

and developed by my literature investigation and precedent studies. Particularly in the organization and designing

of spaces, Hana’s Place reflects the principles of Zen by applying its thought: rediscovering the self as a part of the

universe (Goto, 2003, p. 101), by reinforcing the concept of connecting places, inside and outside. The programme

design is shaped by the four major frameworks described in Chapter Two: Theory of Supportive Design, the Theory

of Lifeboat, the Experiential Learning Theory, and the principles of Zen.

The programme of Hana’s Place has been designed with the best intentions in mind, and aims to respond to the

analyses, perspectives, and my own understanding of what is required or would be beneficial for the general

group of women and children who would be residing with their mother. Recognizing the limitations of my

knowledge, further analyses on programme options to meet specific cultural, physical, and or psychological needs

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PRIMARY USERS: PROFILE + REQUIREMENTS

- - - User Description - - -

As briefly explained in Chapter One: Introduction, the aim of the design of Hana’s Place is to provide both emotional

and social support for the primary users: women and children who have witnessed or are survivors themselves

of domestic violence in their own household. Women, both single and mothers, aged 18 and older will arrive at

Hana’s Place primarily through a referral from an emergency shelter or other social support centre they have

visited. Children, both girls and boys, regardless of age, are also invited to stay with their mothers or caregivers.

One of the fundamental focuses of Hana’s Place is to foster the relationships between mothers and their children.

Although conventional transitional housing often sees the presence of boys over the age twelve as emotionally

uncomfortable for women, all boys and young males are invited to reside at Hana’s Place alongside their mothers.

The facility allows all boys to participate in the programmes and activities offered to receive the same assistance

and guidance as the rest of the residents. In this way, mother-child relationships are strengthened, and women

and young girls learn that not all boys and young men are antagonists in their lives. This also aims to halt the cycle

of domestic abuse in males, by encouraging boys and young men to develop healthy relationships with women,

preserve their identities, and allow them to plan their future steps together with their families. To foster emotional

and psychological comfort for all residents of Hana’s Place, newcomers are informed of the presence of boys and

young males before their arrival.

As a result of the chosen site for this transitional housing facility, it is expected that the users of Hana’s Place will

mostly be from Metro Vancouver areas, including Abbotsford, Squamish, and Whistler.

Upon their arrival, the woman and her children are greeted by various staff members including a staff member

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who is assigned to her as her mentor throughout her stay at Hana’s Place. Later, they are ushered to their room

depending on the availability of the space. Should the resident request a specific type of room, her preference will

be taken into account by the staff and will be processed appropriately. The following presents the types and the

characteristics of the three styles of rooms that are offered at Hana’s Place.

TYPE

Dormitory Style

Family Suite

Independent Suite

CHARACTERISTICS OF ROOM

Residential rooms for single mothers and those with infants: Multiple occupants in one

large space

Residential suite for mothers and children: Single household in one suite

Residential suite for single residents: Single occupant in one suite

* Details of the rooms are summarized in Table 3 and 4 in Appendix B.

Each woman is given a package that includes the facility’s rules and regulations, activities, and service details, and

a list of phone numbers of recommended local social services and emergency contacts. Inspired by the system at

Savard’s, in order to provide a space where users feel comfortable, Hana’s Place aims to keep residents free to use

the provided space as they wish. As is also the case at Savard’s, residents are not obligated to stay at the facility for

the allotted two years. Should the resident feel comfortable stepping outside the facility, whether it is for work, to

strengthen her neighbourhood participation, or for any other leisurely purposes, she is welcome to do so at any

time. For security reasons, the doors are monitored 24 hours a day. Residents will be required to check-in and out

when entering and leaving the facility. Although the check-in system is not favored by many Savard’s users, it is

necessary for the safety of every occupant. Hana’s Place also focuses on building independence; therefore, unlike

Savard’s, it encourages residents to transition to permanent housing within the duration of their two-year stay.

Special extensions will only be granted through negotiation and reasoning with staff.

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- - - Rules and Regulations - - -

At Hana’s Place, the programme concentrates on creating a family environment, so that residents are able to

call the place home and take ownership of the space, while protected by the comfortable environment. Hence,

it is crucial to eliminate all notions and aspects that reference characteristics of an institution. For this reason,

the facility does not oppress residents with numerous rules and limitations. However, in order to maintain an

environment where residents feel safe and comfortable, certain conditions do apply. Smoking, drinking alcohol,

and the use of non-prescribed drugs are prohibited at all times at Hana’s Place. Breach of this rule can lead to

termination of a resident’s contract with the facility. Other minor rules at the housing facility are as follows:

- Female friends and relatives are asked to visit between 9 am and 4 pm after signing-in

- Social workers are permitted entrance to the facility after signing-in

- All residents must be respectful of others

- Residents are responsible for cleaning up after themselves

- Residents are responsible for keeping their suites clean and free of damage

- Hoarding, screaming, vandalizing, and violence against one’s self and others are not tolerated

During their stay, each resident who is over the age of 16 is encouraged to participate in at least one position at

Hana’s Place. The purpose of this is to help women to establish a connection with other residents, to learn to

be part of a housing community, and to provide learning opportunities on everyday household activities. The

positions may be one of the following:

- Cooking meals for fellow residents

- Taking turns in looking after other residents’ children

- Answering phone calls at reception

- Gardening and/or landscaping

- Cleaning the common areas of the facility

- Working at the kiosk located inside the facility

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The purpose of these recommendations for daily activities is to help women build community, to be active

participants in the network, and to see Hana’s Place as their own home and that its condition and comfort depend

on residents’ participation. Inspired by the system used at the former transitional housing in Tokeiji convent, the

tasks are designed to strengthen the idea that each resident’s involvement matters, and to remind them that they

are not in an institution or a hotel. Although some tasks may seem conventional, it is the everyday encounters

with others and taking collective responsibility for the facility that bring the opportunity for informal exchange of

experiences. This information turns into a wealth of life learning experiences.

Hana’s Place offers a variety of programmes to encourage women and children to gain self-empowerment and re-

discover themselves. To this end, different jobs are available within the housing facility, such as answering phone

calls at reception. This not only fosters a sense of trust between the staff and users, but also allows user to be

in control of their surroundings and participate in making their home a better place for everyone. By providing

residents with jobs, Hana’s Place hopes to deliver a lesson about holding responsibilities, and allow residents to be

part of a decision-making group. In the next section is a description of programmes and services that are offered

to residents and staff.

- - - Services for Primary Users - - -

The following services were designed with three key categories in mind: comfort, safety, and social assistance. They

were designed with flexibility to suit the schedules of both women and children. Educational classes offer learning

experiences in a variety of everyday life skills from cooking to maintaining healthy hygiene. Job preparation classes

inform residents of current job postings and how to prepare for interviews. Residents who are interested in having

one-on-one lessons may request learning sessions with student volunteers from local educational facilities through

staff. Social assistance programmes concentrate on making residents’ life at Hana’s Place easier, comfortable, and

with more time to focus on childcare and finding work. Through services such as grocery and mail deliveries,

residents can avoid having to leave the facility to run errands.

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Clothing and Everyday Essentials – The “Kiosk”

Located on the first floor of Hana’s place is a small convenience store that supplies everyday essential from soap

and shampoo to baby diapers and more. The store is operated by a staff member of Hana’s Place and a resident

who has requested a job position. Inspired by Salvation Army thrift stores found across Canada, the store also sells

clothing for women and children at reasonable prices. In order to provide choices for residents, clothes are placed

in shelves for individuals to look at and to try on. Clothes come from public donations and various other supportive

programmes.

Benefits of this service:

- Provides work for residents

- Removes the need to leave the facility to purchase essentials

Daycare

Regardless of the conditions one has at home, it is always a challenge to try to study or work while taking care of

children. Numerous literature investigations have also reveals that mothers often make life decisions based on the

safety and well-being of their children (Moe, 2009, p. 245), often at the expense of making time for work and self-

improvement. To address this matter, Hana’s Place offers a daycare system that makes sure children are safe while

providing time for their mothers to study, work, or attend counselling.

To request this service, the mother will make arrangements to meet with her mentor for details. Registered staff

and residents who have taken interest in childcare work will provide children with food, playtime, and reading

sessions on behalf of their mothers. The daycare system not only provides time for mothers but also allows children

at Hana’s Place to mingle, find play buddies, and heal upon discovery of a safe environment. The service will also

strengthen community trust and bonding as mothers will build trust in the staff and other residents. However,

in order to foster mother-child relationships, it is recommended that mothers do not solely rely on this service.

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Mothers taking evening shifts at work or enrolled in evening classes can also request that staff or friends at Hana’s

Place put their children to bed at a specific time. Upon establishment of friendship and trust, two households

can take turns looking after each other’s children if their work schedules permit. This creates an opportunity to

develop lifelong friendships and possible permanent housing neighbours following a stay at Hana’s Place.

At the daycare facility there is a registered part-time male playgroup leader. If permission is given by the mother,

children can spend time with this male child-care provider. Investigation of the literature reveals the importance

of a male existence in a child’s growing process. It is crucial that children be reminded that not all males are

antagonists and is beneficial for them to have male role models since psychological contact between a male figure

and a child is different from a mother-child relationship (Sprague, 1991, p. 29).

For a small fee, former residents of Hana’s Place can continue to have their children attend the daycare. For

mothers who have recently moved into permanent housing, this ensures that their children are in a safe place.

It provides reassurance and helps them make a smoother transition to permanent housing. Meanwhile, it allows

their children to continue relationships with other children and caregivers that were established during their stay

at Hana’s Place. Former residents can come visit Hana’s Place to “follow up” with their former mentors and retain

the friendship and connection they built over the years they stayed there.

Benefits of this service:

- Provides time for mothers to study or work

- Provides work for residents

- Establishes connection, trust, and friendship

- Allows children to have healthy contact with male care-givers

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Driving and Pick Up Service

For a mother who is constantly moving around, it is never easy to find a new school for her children. Arranging

enrolment at a new school not only takes time, but is also stressful for children: coping with a constant change of

environment, losing friendships, and trying to keep up with schoolwork takes a toll. In order to prevent children

from losing their familiar surroundings and to keep up with educational expectations, Hana’s Place offers a driving

service exclusively for children. Through this service, children are able to continue to attend their original schools

and mothers are provided with reassurance that their children will safely get to school. This service assists in

driving to and from the children’s designated schools and covers all of Vancouver and the Metro Vancouver area.

Mothers may request this service by contacting their mentors.

Benefits of this service:

- Allows children to remain at schools they are already attending

- Provides assurance to the mothers of their children’s whereabouts

- Provides safety for children attending school

- Allows children to remain part of the environment they are accustomed to

Grocery Service

A Hana’s Place staff person is available to assist mothers who prefer to remain at home by getting groceries on

their behalf. This service also involves a staff member taking a group of women to the local grocery store by

vehicle. It brings an opportunity to widen residents’ awareness of local amenities and possibly become a leisurely

activity shared by the group. This group activity also reinforces the importance of looking after each other and

assists those who prefer not to leave the facility alone.

Benefits of this service:

- Provides mothers with convenience and more time to heal

- Fosters community activity

- Builds trust between residents

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Mail Delivery

All mail delivered to Hana’s Place will be sorted and delivered by staff to each addressed recipient. For security

reasons and to prevent further emotional damage to the primary users, all letters and parcels will be opened

carefully and respectfully in advance before being delivered to the intended recipient. Reversely, to avoid residents

from possible exposure to harm outside of the housing facility, if residents prefer, letters and parcels can be sent

out by registered staff on their behalf. None of the items sent by residents will be scanned before leaving the

housing facility.

Benefits of this service:

- Takes away the risk of further emotional harm to residents

- Residents will continue to foster connections with family and friends outside the facility

Meals

While residents at Hana’s Place are encouraged to prepare their own breakfast and lunch, supper is provided

for residents who require this service for a small fee. The meals are prepared by staff with the participation of

residents, who take on tasks related to cooking. This service is provided exclusively for women with children and

to residents living in dormitory-style rooms. Meanwhile, complimentary tea and coffee are offered to all residents

throughout the day. Residents in independent suites are encouraged to cook their own meals; their rooms are

stocked with basic kitchen equipment, dishes and utensils. Groceries are purchased by staff using funds collected

from individuals requesting this service. This model embraces the idea of sharing cooking knowledge, celebrates

cultural food, and establishes social gathering.

Benefits of this service:

- Allows exchanges of knowledge

- Encourages social gathering

- Takes pressure off of mothers to cook healthy meals for their children everyday

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Mentoring

At Hana’s Place, each woman is paired with a mentor who will provide individually tailored support. It is

recommended that residents meet with their mentors at least once a month to discuss progress and any questions

or concerns. The mentor is a registered staff member who may also be a retired resident of Hana’s Place. It is

important to keep in mind that Hana’s Place focuses on providing services in a non-hierarchical manner. It is crucial

that staff maintain residents’ trust and respect their privacy. This requires that staff behave in a manner that does

not belittle residents, or react in a way that implies they have higher status. Upon a new resident’s request, and

with agreement form both sides, meetings with former residents of Hana’s Place can be also arranged.

Recommended mentoring discussion topics include:

- Resident’s and children’s educational goals

- Searching for jobs and career

- Resident’s financial goals

- Searching for permanent housing opportunities

- Resident’s progress

- Enrolment to housing services

Benefits of this service:

- Seeing staff as helpful friends

- Offers services tailored to suit individuals

- Offers guidance throughout their stay

Residents’ Open Discussion Group – “Sharing Circle”

The “Sharing Circle,” is led by a staff member and allows residents to share their experiences, struggles, and

current goals with others. This programme gives residents an opportunity to open up others and realize that

there are others who have gone through similar hardships. It is not mandatory to participate. However, residents

may share their personal experiences, feelings, and opinions, which in return, may inspire others to open their

hearts. The Sharing Circle reveals to residents that there are people who can truly relate to what others have gone

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through in their lives. This group session helps residents with similar experiences to learn from each other, open

up to others, and to get to know each other.

Benefits of this service:

- Establishes an opportunity for residents to share experiences and feelings

- Establishes an opportunity to meet new people

- Encourages bonding with others

- Allows residents to understand that they are not alone in overcoming hardships in life

- Allows residents to share knowledge, strategies, and skills

Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony is a group activity that offers residents the experience of finding stillness for a moment. This part-

performance, part-ritual allows participants to wind down. The tea is known to have salutary effects; it rejuvenates

from fatigue and fortifies both inner soul and will-power (Goto, 2003, p. 117). According to Japanese scholar and

author of the Book of Tea, Kakuzo Okakura, the tea way is a path to self-realization (as cited in Hammitzsch,

1980, p. 27). Each tea bowl used in the ceremony is a different shape, colour, and size and is warped purposely in

unexpected ways. Careful examination and holding of the bowls reveals that each one is unique and beautiful in

many ways. This symbolize that people come from different cultures and have different experiences, but are all

beautiful in their own unique ways. This programme is inspired by a customary Japanese activity that is strongly

co-related to the Zen philosophy of discovering perfection within an imperfect form (Goto, 2003, p. 125). Hana’s

Place hopes that by participating in this ritual, residents will experience relaxation and be able to focus on stillness,

nature, and the art of humility.

Benefits of this service:

- Establishes closer connection to nature

- Strengthens community activity and relationships with others

- Provides relaxation for residents

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Service Limitations: Due to the size of this practicum project, services aimed at recovering from rape or sexual

assault, alcohol or substance-abuse related issues, mental illness, and child abuse are limited to a basic level.

Group counselling and discussions are held at Hana’s Place, but these do not, include specific professional medical

programmes. To address these issues to their fullest potential, it is recommended that further research be

completed before offering this type of service at the housing facility. Residents who require advanced assistance

with these issues are provided with a list of contact numbers upon request.

- - - Educational Programmes for Residents - - -

As explained in Chapter Two, in 1984, for every dollar earned by a man, a woman earned 59 cents. In 1990, that

number rose to 66 cents. One explanation for this gap is our male-centric society’s view of woman as being of

lesser value than men. However, various readings reveal that employment rates also correlate to one’s educational

background (Sprague, 1991, p. 8-9). The following programmes are provided for residents, with the goal of gaining

and refining knowledge and developing new skills to improve employment opportunities. The classes also aim

to ground residents with a healthy lifestyle and childcare habits. Fundamentally, the classes are tailored to bring

residents self-awareness and to generate a willingness to make life changes. In Japanese Zen philosophy, it is

believed that achievements are made through “jiriki” – one’s self power – that is always through one’s own efforts

that new life and change are achieved (Goto, 2003, p. 89).

Ideally, a partner’s programme would be established between Hana’s Place and the University of British Columbia.

Allowing university graduate students to participate in teaching sessions would be a valuable experience for

residents and students alike, as they are both given the opportunity to share knowledge and inspire each other.

Art Making (Group Activity)

A student artist from the University of British Columbia visits Hana’s Place to teach an art class on drawing,

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painting, sewing, knitting, and sculpture making. Residents may take this class as a leisure activity, to fulfill their

hobby, or to learn to become an artist. Sculpture making is inspired by the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence

at Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to Beverly Wilkins, the shelter’s former executive director, sculpture

making can be regarded as a form of an art therapy for both adult and child victims. By creating a physical symbol

of the cause of one’s suffering, then breaking it, one is able to release negative expressions and pain. The act of

molding the clay into a desired shape and then crushing it is seen as an important learning experience of being

responsible and taking control (Sprague, 1991, p. 122). At Hana’s Place, various sliding doors in the communal

areas are also painted by these residents to visually and aesthetically inform their ownership of the place.

Benefits of this programme:

- Building hobbies

- Opportunity to become an artist or designer

- Therapeutic

Business Skills (Group Activity)

Business skills class helps residents with composing effective resumes, teaches work etiquette, and offers advice

on job interviews. This class benefits residents who are looking for a job or those wanting to improve their work

skills.

This programme will help residents in the following categories:

- Resume writing

- How to search for a job

- Job interview practice

- Work professionalism

- Mainstream language practice (English)

- Word processing (Microsoft Office programmes)

Benefits of this programme:

- Learn about current job postings

- Improve one’s work skills

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Cooking (Group Activity)

The cooking class offered at Hana’s Place has two primary functions. First, it provides an educational opportunity

for residents both women and children to learn to prepare nutritious meals. The classes teach residents how

to cook on their own, and strengthen their sense of independence. The classes can be led by a hired instructor,

staff member, or a resident, allowing each to take a turn at sharing their own knowledge. According to Kimine

Mayuzumi (2006), an author who has written about her own healing process and of discovering her identity, food

is much more than what humans need to sustain life; it is, in fact, a life itself. Therefore, when the sharing of food

happens within a group of people, the act is a representation of sharing of life and the most intimate selves with

others. For this reason, Mayuzumi stresses the idea that people’s relationship with food must be one of respect

(p. 20). Together with Mayuzumi’s ideas, the opportunity to cook and exchange recipes could also be seen as a

celebration of cultural diversity and individual selves.

Second, cooking activities at Hana’s Place are the basis of an important onsite business that helps sustain the

programme financially. Residents are encouraged to make small, transportable goods such as jams, cookies, or

pastries, which are sent out to local markets to be sold. This programme not only supports Hana’s Place financially

but allows each resident to contribute to the facility as a whole. This is also an opportunity to share with society

some awareness of domestic violence by including short informational messages on products sold. It is a way of

explaining the issues, allowing those who do not have the courage or the chance to express themselves to voice

their thoughts and opinions anonymously. Through teamwork, a sense of community and self-worth are also

strengthened.

Benefits of this programme:

- Celebrates cultural diversity

- Gives leadership roles to residents

- Helps generate self-worth

- Valuable lessons on nutritional needs and exchange of knowledge

- Therapeutic

- Financially supports Hana’s Place’s programmes

- Strengthens community relationships

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Healthy Lifestyle and Child Care (Group Activity)

This parenting education programme is led by a hired instructor and helps new mothers learn to take care of

their new-born children. The instructor and staff teach residents how to feed, change, and bathe their children.

The class also reminds residents of the basic personal hygiene required to keep Hana’s Place clean and healthy.

The course provides useful experience that helps if residents opt to take the exam to become licensed childcare

providers.

Benefits of this programme:

- Provides childcare guidance and tips

- Provides option to become a licensed child caregiver

Landscaping and Horticulture (Group Activity)

Residents are offered lessons on types of plants and how to take care of them. They can take this programme as

an opportunity to become a gardener or for the enjoyment of growing plants, vegetables, and flowers as leisure.

In the gardens of Japanese temples, a deeper understanding of nature is often gained through weeding, raking,

and witnessing the growth of each plant and flower (Goto, 2003, p. 115). According to Sprague (1991), gardening

can be also be embraced by mothers and children as a learning experience and a symbol for the rhetoric of caring

and growing (p. 64).

Benefits of this programme:

- Provides opportunity to become a gardener

- Provides deeper understanding of nature

Legal Classes on Rights and Freedoms (Group and Individual Sessions)

With guidance from lawyers and social workers, residents can receive assistance in settling issues that are obstacles

as they move forward in life. They also learn about their legal rights and freedoms.

Benefits of this programme:

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- Provides useful information on rights and freedoms

Tutoring (Individual Lessons): By appointment

Upon request, a female graduate student tutor from a local university may be arranged through the resident’s

mentor. Different tutors may be assigned depending on the subject or the task the resident is seeking assistance

with. The opportunity to meet provides benefits for both resident and the student tutor, as their interaction may

foster an informal exchange of knowledge. This service is designed to help residents who are struggling with their

independent studies and or those who are interested in a one-on-one learning experience without having to leave

the facility. Depending on the residents’ and the tutors’ preference and agreement, small study groups on specific

subjects can also be arranged.

Benefits of this programme:

- Provides one-on-one learning sessions

- Assists residents in various subjects

- Provides an opportunity to establish connection with university students

University of British Columbia Courses (Individual Lessons)

Upon a resident’s request, courses may be taken at the University of British Columbia. According to Sprague

(1991), evidence shows that providing residents with access to local universities and libraries has the potential

to influence education and new way of life (p. 136). Residents who are interested are advised to meet with their

mentors for options.

Benefits of this programme:

- Provides an array of varied learning options

- Provides the chance to connect with university students

Wen-do (Group Activity):

Wen-do, is a form of martial art that focuses on self-defence. It combines both physical and verbal self-defence

techniques that are useful in threatening situations. Following the exercises, there are discussions about the

psychological, social, and legal issues involved in self-defence (Wen-do, 2012).

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Benefits of this programme:

- Learning physical and verbal self-defence

- A good form of exercise

Yoga (Group Activity):

Hired yoga instructors lead yoga classes in the morning and evening. Yoga not only involves the practice of deep

breathing and emptying the mind, similar to practices found in Zen meditation; the exercises also help residents to

be physically active, and are suitable for all ages.

Benefits of this programme:

- Allows residents to remain active

- Provides an opportunity to empty the mind and practice relaxation

- Appropriate for all ages

- - - Special Events and Sessions at Hana’s Place - - -

The following special events are held at Hana’s Place to encourage women and children to share quality time, and

to celebrate who they are while strengthening the notion of community.

Birthday Celebrations: Birthdates are celebrated for all women, children, and staff.

Fashion Show / Spa Day: Four times annually

This event celebrates being a woman and the love of fashion and style. Those who are interested can have their

hair styled and make-up done by a professional stylist hired for the event. The celebration includes upper body

massages and a facial spa.

Movie Nights: Twice a month

Twice a month, Hana’s Place has movie nights for women and children. The event helps residents to relax and

strengthen family relationships. Mother and child can sit in the living area and enjoy quality time together.

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Sports Day

During the warm summer months, Hana’s Place organizes a sports day where women and children can enjoy

outdoor games such as baseball, yoga, football, and many more activities. The locations of these activities are held

in various places depending on the type of sports.

Welcome Parties for New Residents / Farewell Parties for Departing Residents

This is a celebration event for those just entering or departing Hana’s Place. Those who are taking their next

step in life by moving into permanent housing are reminded that they will continue to have family, friends, and

community the can always come back to at Hana’s Place.

[PLEASE REFER TO TABLES PROVIDED IN APPENDIX (B) FOR SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ON

PRIMARY USERS AND RESIDENT ROOM TYPES]

SECONDARY USERS: PROFILE + REQUIREMENTS

- - - Secondary Users - - -

Upon entering a foreign space, seeing familiar faces and hearing warm, welcoming voices have always helped me to

feel right at home in a comfortable environment. Hence, at Hana’s Place, secondary users aim to be the extended

family members of the residents, evoking those feelings of comfort in residents each time they step inside the

facility. They include both full and part-time staff, volunteers, and security guards. It is essential that there be a

number of staff consistently present at the facility to provide familiarity and assurance to residents that there

is 24 hour help available. It is highly recommended that two full-time staff are appointed as permanent on-site

managers. They make executive decisions about the housing facility and consider everyone’s safety and comfort.

Staff at Hana’s Place are from various cultural backgrounds and ages. Though everyone is over the age of 21, a

mixture of cultural background fosters further psychological comfort and a sense of equality for all residents.

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Volunteers may be from local neighbourhoods, universities, colleges, and various social support groups. Staff and

volunteers alike must respect and protect the privacy and information of all residents. Their responsibilities include

keeping the facility safe, running the programmes, helping residents through services, and bookkeeping related

to the cooking business. Staff and volunteers are encouraged to establish trusting relationships with residents

without creating hierarchical positions. At Hana’s Place, female security guards monitor the facility 24 hours a

day.

- - - Staff Rooms - - -

As part of the goal of preventing hierarchical differences between staff and residents, rooms provided exclusively

for staff are limited to the following:

Staff Closet

A lockable closet is provided for staff and volunteers to store their belongings.

Office

Access to the office at Hana’s Place is not restricted to staff. Residents may take interest in working at the desk to

answer calls and assist in the organization of the programming. All delivered letters and parcels are scanned in the

office before reaching the appropriate recipients. Residents’ contracts and confidential information is stored here

in a locked cabinet which is accessed only by registered staff.

Reception – Main Entrance

Upon their arrival, new residents and visiting guests are welcomed by the staff in the reception area. For safety

reasons, reception desks are only occupied by staff and volunteers.

[PLEASE REFER TO TABLES PROVIDED IN APPENDIX (B) FOR SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ON

SECONDARY USERS AND STAFF ROOMS]

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TERTIARY USERS: PROFILE + REQUIREMENTS

- - - Tertiary Users - - -

Nurses, playgroup leaders, programme instructors, psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, social workers, and

university students are categorized as tertiary users of Hana’s Place. Appointments must be established with the

office in advance to ensure entrance to the facility. Their access in the facility is limited to small meeting rooms, the

lecture room, and the daycare space. These boundaries are set to respect the privacy and comfort of all residents.

Male playgroup leaders must also keep in mind that their access throughout the building is limited to the daycare

and the office. Like secondary users, tertiary users must also be 21 years of age or above to access the facility.

[PLEASE REFER TO TABLES PROVIDED IN APPENDIX (B) FOR SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ON TERTIARY USERS]

SHARED SPACES

Bulletin (information) Hall

The bulletin hall includes postings of current job opportunities, local news, various contact information, and notices

of events at Hana’s Place. Residents can share information and advertisements that may be of value to others.

Communal Bathroom

Provided for resident and staff use.

Computer Station

The computer station is located on the third floor for residents and staff to use for research and entertainment.

Counselling Rooms / Small Meeting Rooms / Individual Study Rooms

Private rooms are located outside of the residence building to allow residents to meet with their mentors and

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professional visitors. Those who wish to use the space for studying may have access when it is not being occupied

by formal meetings. Staff and residents may also use the space for small programme planning meetings, tea

ceremony, and for quiet reading time. To prevent overbooking, appointments to use the space for private meetings

should be made in advance.

Courtyard

This space is provided for residents and staff to find relaxation. It is an optimal place to meet with other users of

the facility and functions also as a safe place for children to play in.

Delivery / Loading Space

This space is allotted for donation delivery and waste removal.

Dining Area

It is recommended that all residents staying in the dormitory-style suite have meals in the dining area. When the

space is not occupied for mealtimes, all residents and staff are welcome to use this space for studying and other

leisurely activities.

Entrances

All entrance points in the housing facility are monitored 24 hours a day for security reasons.

Indoor Garden Spaces

The indoor garden spaces provide the same sense of serenity and calm found outdoors to the inside of the facility.

It is a relaxing space with plenty of natural light, making it an ideal place for mothers to nurse their newborns.

Kiosk

A small convenience store provided for residents to purchase basic everyday essentials.

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Kitchen

The communal kitchen is provided for residents residing in the dormitory-style suite. This space is also used for

cooking classes and Hana’s Place cooking business. Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks are offered here.

Large Storage Room

The space is used to store extra furniture and various large items that belong to the residents. The storage is

accessible only by one registered staff member and a single resident at a time to prevent mix-ups of personal

items.

Laundry Room

The design of the laundry space allows visual access to the children’s play area to afford mothers the comfort of

knowing their children’s whereabouts while doing laundry.

Living Area

The design of this space allows comfortable interactions among residents. This relaxing environment is an ideal

place to spend time with family members, especially when poor weather prevents residents from spending

time outside. Televisions are not installed at Hana’s Place in order to minimize noise interruptions and avoid

monopolization of channels. However, twice a month, with the use of a projector and a portable screen, Hana’s

Place offers movie nights where mothers and children can share quality time together.

Meditation Spot (View Lookout Space)

Here, residents can relax, enjoy the view from the window, and perform meditation.

Multipurpose Space

This space, in conjunction with the adjacent patio space, accommodates large housing events such as spa days

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and programmes like yoga and wen-do for which open, versatile space is necessary. Large, informal house meetings

are also held in this space.

Music Room

This space is soundproofed and is provided for those with interests in music. Synthesizers, computers, music stands,

and chairs are available for all residents to use. It is recommended that residents who own other instruments play

them in the music room to prevent sound leaks.

Nurse Station

Located within the office, the nurse station is used to treat minor injuries and to assist those who are ill with

common sicknesses.

Outdoor Garden

A Japanese Zen garden is situated adjacent to the residence building attracting activities such as yoga, contemplation,

reading, relaxation, and garden strolls. This garden is designed for residents’ healing purposes and to showcase

nature’s performance of changing colours throughout the year. A communal farm garden is allocated at the north-

west corner of the facility for growing edible plants and vegetables.

Open Patio

This is an extension of the floor plan to outside. Here, residents can enjoy time in the sunshine, sit and watch

children play in the gardens, have their meals, or study.

Play Area / Daycare

This space is equipped with various toys and furniture appropriate for small children up to the age of 10. A staff

member must be present at all times in presence of a child. The daycare includes cribs and a sleeping area. A

changing room and a kitchenette for preparing light meals are located adjacent to the multipurpose space for ease

of access.

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Study Area (Lecture + Library)

Most lecture-style educational programmes are held in the study area. Schedules are posted outside the room

to prevent overbooking of events. Residents and staff may use this space for studying and meeting while classes

are not in session. Along the shelving are books and various other study materials that have been donated to the

facility. Removing materials from the room is discouraged, so that all residents may access this information.

Swing Room

A small play area with a porch swing is provided for all residents to use.

Telephone Room

This soundproofed space provides privacy and comfort while residents use the payphone installed inside. The

phone allows residents to contact their professional assistants, family, and friends outside the facility. In the event

of an emergency, residents should contact staff in person or use the intercom provided in their residence spaces

and various places throughout the communal areas in the housing.

Workout Room

This small gym has a set of exercise equipment and a full ceiling-height mirror. This room is also soundproofed and

is suitable for activities like dance, yoga, and wen-do when the weather does not permit them to be performed

outside.

- - - Physical Design Goals - - -

For Children:

- Furniture to be designed low for accessibility

- Spatial layout to have clear view, allowing mothers to keep an eye on their children at all times

[PLEASE REFER TO TABLES PROVIDED IN APPENDIX (B) FOR SUMMARY OF INFORMATION ON SHARED SPACES]

143

PRELIMINARY BUILDING ZONING STUDY

Figure 74

Preliminary

building zoning

study

144

COMMUNITY +

NEIGHBOURHOOD ZONE

SMALL INFORMAL

MEETING AREAS

COUNSELLING ROOMS

Small Meeting Rooms

Counselling Rooms

Individual Study +

Reading Rooms

MULTI-

PURPOSE

ROOM

COMMUNITY ZONE

Outdoor Garden

STUDY

LECTURE

LIBRARY

DAYCARE

PLAY AREA

1ST FLOOR

HOUSEHOLD +

COMMUNITY ZONE

Administration

Communal Kitchen

Dining Space

Kiosk

Large Storage

Laundry Area

Living Area

2ND FLOOR +

3RD FLOOR

PRIVATE +

HOUSEHOLD ZONE

Dorm Residence

Family Suites

Independent Suites

VARIOUS TYPES OF

VEGETATION + TREES

COMMUNITY +

NEIGHBOURHOOD ZONE

LOADING + DELIVERY

PRELIMINARY SPATIAL LAYOUT STUDY

FIRST FLOOR (formerly basement) SECOND FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

KITCHEN

DINING

ADMIN.

INDOOR

LIVING

AREA

GARDEN

MAIN

ENTRANCE

AREA

LAUNDRY

STORE

LARGE

STORAGE

FAMILY

SUITES

DORMITORY

STYLE

INDEPENDENT

SUITES

FAMILY

SUITES

STAIRS / ELEVATOR

STAIRS

Figure 75

Preliminary

spatial layout

study

145

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

Through programme designing I finalized the ideas and information that were drawn from my literature

investigation and precedent studies. Fundamentally, the design programme takes inspiration from Lifeboat theory

to focus on community building, the sharing of both knowledge and space, and providing each resident with

opportunities to participate and be engaged with others. The design also makes safety its central concern and

nurturing family relationships as another important priority. Through the incorporation of the six zones of housing

design inspired by Lifeboat theory, there are programmes that also extend out to help develop neighbourhood

connections. Not only do the programmes and activities concentrate on meeting the residents’ everyday needs

and on self-improvement; they also touch upon important factors such as individual interests and opportunities to

develop their hobbies. Hana’s Place’s programmes were designed to not only provide help, establish community,

and safety, but to ensure that residents can feel comfortable alone with their families, have time to themselves to

explore interests and hobbies, and ultimately find enjoyment in staying at Hana’s Place.

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CHAPTER SIX

DESIGN APPLICATION

Introduction

Design Exploration

Site Plan: Building in Relation to its Site

Exterior Views

Overall Design of Interior Spaces

First Floor

Second Floor

Third Floor

Sections

Selected Room Information

Chapter Summary + Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Imagine for a moment: waking up while the sun is still low on the horizon.

You glance over to your side and notice your child is still sleeping soundly.

While still in your gown, you quietly take your steps towards the kitchen to

make yourself some coffee. You realize it has rained overnight; the air carries

a slightly bitter scent. With a warm cup of coffee in your hands, you find

your neighbour has risen, too. With the exchange of soft smiles and a nod of

the head, you thank her for taking care of your children last night. A few

minutes have passed in silence, and you can feel on your skin that

the temperature has risen as the sun slowly reveals its face, higher in the

sky. The ripple of your black coffee now reflects a golden light. Then you

hear a soft shuffling sound as your child rises from his bed. With his hair

mussed and his eyes still sleepy, he turns around and gives you a gentle smile.

The primary goal in designing Hana’s Place was to provide a place where users can self-improve, contemplate in

peace, and find their next steps in life. However, its fundamental aim was to design an environment where each

women and children may begin their day by waking up in the morning without a hint of fear. I have called my

design of transitional housing “Hana’s Place” as a reference to a woman’s name but also to draw connection to

the Japanese word, hana, which means “flower”. It not only alludes to a visiting a friend’s house, but also to the

opportunity for women and children’s lives to flourish while staying at Hana’s Place, as they become part of nature

and add colour to the world with their smiles and laughter.

This chapter includes my final design proposal for a transitional housing facility. The final product was essentially

constructed of a careful amalgamation of information and inspiration derived from my literature investigation and

precedent studies.

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DESIGN EXPLORATION

As discussed in Chapter Four, the current building interiors are composed in a very linear fashion. The corridor in

the centre of the building has a tunnel-like purpose, allowing people to only transition from one end to another

without encountering any interesting vistas, scenery or windows that look out to the outdoors. The building’s

current function as a hostel does convey a sense of security because of its fortified appearance. Therefore, visitors

may feel a sense of protection and assurance that their belongings are safe. However, for women and children

going through the healing process, the corridor is too narrow and prohibits a mother and child from walking side

by side without causing congestion in the hallway. The lack of windows in the centre yields no incoming natural

light, and one is made to feel trapped and confined despite it being in a communal space and hub that is shared

by all of the building users. At the end of many halls are either walls or solid doors that strengthen the notion of

being lost in a labyrinth. Despite the presence of large windows at either end of the central hall, the existence of

staircases continues to prohibit natural light from entering the interiors. For these reasons, I have found it very

difficult to achieve a floor plan design that will allow a strong relationship with outside nature using the existing

floor plan. Additionally, the existing floor plan does not comply with the needs of the residents, as it is difficult to

perceive a sense of escape or freedom. The extreme linear organization is reflective of the characteristics that may

generate stress in a person, as described in Chapter Two. As a result, I decided that best way to approach this issue

was to demolish all interior walls, including the current staircase. The following figure shows a demolition plan of

the current building (Figure 76).

Figure 76

Demolition plan

149

Figure 77

(all of images

below) Design

exploration

sketches

After the removal of interior walls, my next step was to organize a spatial layout that is most suitable for facilitating

an outward extension towards natural elements and the garden outside. Inspired by Tokeiji’s overarching layout

in asymmetry and by the organic zig-zag formation found in Zen gardens, I began laying out various lines in many

directions that would convey similar characteristics. Care was taken not to over-emphasize the organic and

curvilinear shapes, as it was also discovered in my literature investigation that too many curvilinear shapes have

as negative an impact on the human healing process as do rigid layouts.

150

Before finalizing the floor plans, I made a quick sketch of an

interior space which conveyed the ideas and aesthetics I wanted to

illustrate in my design (Figure 78). Despite the freehandedness in

this drawing, it was very helpful for me to map out the directions I

wanted to go in my design. In this sketch you will find my intentions

to create a volumetric experience for the users of Hana’s Place

by incorporating level changes and the subtle placement of steps

before meeting places. Doors and windows were drawn in ways to

remind myself that providing mothers with views to their children

is critical. The drawing also reveals a sense of openness that

allows users to experience a feeling similar to being outside while

remaining inside the building. Although subtle, material references

are evident in the walkways near a meeting area.

SITE PLAN: BUILDING IN RELATION TO ITS SITE

Figure 78

Conceptual

sketch of interior

space

As mentioned in Chapter Four, the chosen neighbourhood boasts a scenic atmosphere thanks to the immeasurable

natural elements in its surroundings. With just a turn of the head, one will find adjacent to the building a vast

stretch of Jericho Beach. Its immersion in this natural environment was one of the major contributing factors

to the selection of this site and building. No significant changes to the surrounding site were made, in order to

preserve this wealth of nature.

To the east of the building remain Jericho Park and city tennis courts where residents of Hana’s Place can take a

quiet stroll on warm weather days. Discovery Street continues to be the main road for accessing the site and faces

the main entrance. One of the prominent changes made to the building and site was landscaping on the immediate

151

perimeter. The original design of the building consists of a basement level with half of its height above grade and

two floors above. The newly developed building of Hana’s Place has chosen to turn the basement into a complete

first floor, leaving the perimeter of the building to slightly slope down from Discovery Street. This change was done

to create a smooth expansion of interior floor space into the outside garden. On the original site plan, there is a

small staff parking lot to the west side of the building. However, in the proposed final design, the parking lot has

been minimized to the east area of the building. This was done to allow space for a Zen garden, children’s play area,

and newly developed buildings.

All of the trees located on the south side of the building have been preserved, and an addition of more trees

strengthens the sense of being immersed in nature. This addition increases visual aesthetics, strengthens the

connection to the principles of Zen, prevents unwanted visitors from stealing a view of the inside, and adds

natural shading. Further south of the building are the Jericho Arts Centre and Jericho Community Centre. Both

buildings remain, in order to strengthen neighbourhood relations and to foster the opportunities these places

bring to the residents of Hana’s Place. The final building design of Hana’s Place has installed bamboo fencing

around the children’s play area and by the north-west corner to prevent children from external harm. Subtle

placement of monitoring cameras has also been incorporated in various entrances and hidden areas to increase

security. Additionally, female guards take security measures around and inside the facility, 24 hours a day. With

the inclusion of newly developed spaces, the final design of Hana’s Place has a square footage of 32,722 square

feet of interior space. Overall, much of the existing condition has been preserved in the proposed site design to

reflect the Zen principle of building something new by fostering something old.

Figure 79

(opposite) Site

plan

152

153

EXTERIOR VIEWS

Figure 80 (left)

East axonometric

view

Figure 81

(right) West

axonometric view

The east side of the building retains much of the original fortified image conveyed by the scale of its exterior

plastered brick walls. By providing privacy and a fortified appearance, they meet the security measures required

in the residential rooms and in the administrative office. This was also done to preserve as much of the original

appearance of the building, allowing for smoother transitioning to the new building identity and a minimal impact

on the neighbourhood. However, in order to allow a flow of natural light to enter in the morning and early afternoon,

ceiling-height glazing walls have been installed in the centre part of the building. The glazing here uses one-way

glass, so those outside the building cannot see inside, but those inside have a view of the outside. The glazing wall

is also a visual extension from the interiors to outside, referencing the concept of opening sho-ji screens to allow

the outside to be perceived as part of a living space.

154

Before proceeding to the main entrance of the building, one takes steps or the ramp up to reach the front door.

This raise in the floor height from the ground level references Tokeiji’s teahouse idea of crossing the boundary

between inside and outside. It is also to reference the characteristics of a Zen garden, whose grounds are uneven

with slopes in various places.

The west side of the building reveals a much more noticeable change to the building’s original appearance. Although

the residential suites along this side of the wall are also provided with privacy by the use of original plastered walls,

much of the first floor and north-west side of the second and third floors have further applications of glazing

walls. While the east side has a heavier appearance, the west side is much lighter in comparison. Through the use

of glazing glass, a significant amount of afternoon light can enter the building. While some of the windows and

doors are opened during the day, the west side helps the building to breathe both light and air. The fabrication

of the west side wall not only extends outwards to the

adjacent field but also indents towards the inside of

the building. It is evident especially in the swing room –

described further in detail later in this chapter – where

the small patio space delves into the building. Together

with the use of glazing walls that feature rather smooth

surfaces, the plastered brick wall adds a sense of roughness,

and the indented patios illustrate hollow spaces, which all

together reference the surface of a stone.

Figure 82

West

axonometric view

155

Figure 83 (top)

North exterior

elevation

Figure 84

(bottom)

East exterior

elevation

156

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

NORTH EXTERIOR ELEVATION

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

EAST EXTERIOR ELEVATION

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

SOUTH EXTERIOR ELEVATION

Figure 85 (top)

South exterior

elevation

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

WEST EXTERIOR ELEVATION

Figure 86

(bottom)

West exterior

elevation

157

OVERALL DESIGN OF INTERIOR SPACES

The overarching architectural language in the design of the interior spaces is strongly influenced by the experience

of walking in a Zen garden. While the original building layout is symbolic of having a single direction, a new zig-

zag layout simulates the sense of walking on a winding path, stopping at various intervals to pivot to another

direction. This moment of turning the body allows one to see different perspectives and vistas, which the final

design provides for all to enjoy and experience. By focusing on stepping away from tunnel-like passages that exist

in the original plan of the building, I have made sure that regardless of where one is standing, the perspective of

space is at an obtuse angle. In this way, the feeling of being in an open space is strengthened, and the feeling of

being confined is removed.

Through the use of glass and the way it is designed, one has a view of nature wherever they stand, either by looking

out the window to see the outdoors, or by seeing an element of nature found inside. I have designed the interiors

in ways so that no one will end up walking towards a wall with no focus elements, or into a dead-end hallway.

The use of glass has also allowed me to achieve a design where one is able to visually transition through walls and

bays. A person standing at the east side will still be able to look beyond the layers of glass to get a perspective of

the outdoors beyond the west side of the building. This visual transitioning of the layers of glass was inspired by

the layering leaves and branches of various trees. Another advantage of using glass is evident in the elevator and

staircase areas. By including glazing walls there, one is able to retain the sense of being in an open space despite

the smaller sizes of such interior spaces. The fire-escape staircase that could easily be neglected can be used as

a lookout point, as there is a platform on each level that affords residents a view of the garden and landscape

beyond. This way of designing is also beneficial, security-wise, as it prevents hiding places; people are constantly

aware of who is in their proximity. For increased security, the glazing walls used for the east side exterior walls

differ from the west by the use of one-way glass, which prevents unwelcome visitors from stealing a look inside.

158

FIRST FLOOR

As one of my focuses was to help users of Hana’s Place to find strength through development and participation

in community life inspired by Lifeboat theory, the main floor of the final design is central for communal use. The

first floor highlights most of the community and between community and neighbourhood zones informed by

Lifeboat theory’s six zones of a housing facility. On this floor, users’ everyday needs are met with convenience,

from cooking, playing, studying, doing laundry, relaxing, and contemplating. The design of this floor allows all

members of Hana’s Place to receive full access to all of the spaces, removing all suggestions of hierarchy and

emphasizing equality. Even the administrative office located in the north-east bay adjacent to the main entrance is

accessible by all residents, as Hana’s Place functions at its optimal state when residents participate in the decision-

making process and share control, an inspiration derived from the precedent study of Savard’s.

From the kitchen and dining areas, to seating in the atrium space and a multipurpose area, the first floor is where

social support is most evident. It is a hub where residents come together to meet and share information and

laughter. Although every household is provided with their own living space and kitchen alongside their private

bedroom space, all residents are encouraged to spend time on the first floor for various reasons. Not only does

it help establish networks, access to gardens and views of outside are more emphasized from this floor. Many

learning programmes and activities take place on this floor, as its spaciousness allows for multiple functions to take

place. Ample seating areas allow for small-scale to large meetings to take place. The variety in seating areas allows

residents to freely find their own comfortable places without having to go outside their comfort zones in joining

with others. South of the building is a loading zone area where donated items are received and stored. Although

some places have more specific functions, much of the space on the first floor is for multipurpose use. My design

goal for the first floor was for the residents of Hana’s Place to see it as a large living space where everyone can feel

relaxed, strengthen relationships with others, and together obtain a sense of ownership.

159

0’ 10’ 20’

Figure 87

(opposite) First

floor plan sketch

Figure 88

40’ First floor plan

FIRST FLOOR PLAN 161

Figure 89

First floor spatial

zoning plan

162

Loading Space

Large Storage Room

Kiosk

Elevators and Fire Escape Stairs

Courtyard

Laundry Room

Study Area (Lecture + Library)

Multipurpose Space

Communal Washroom

Open Patio

Play Area/Daycare

Outdoor Garden

Counselling Rooms/Small Meeting Rooms

Outdoor Garden/Community Garden

Kitchen and Dining Area

Reception and Office Area (Nurse Station)

Bulletin (Information) Hall

Living Area/Atrium Space

Main Entrance

Indoor Garden

SECOND FLOOR

Compared to the first floor, the second floor is much quieter, as it houses the residential suites. Circulation routes

similar to the first floor are evident as users continue to take a zig-zag route around the facility. Here, one will find

private, household, and between household and community zones informed by Lifeboat theory. All three types

of residential suites are also present in this floor: dormitory, family, and independent suites. As was discovered

through studying Savard’s, people’s preferences are a subjective matter; not everyone’s idea of a comfortable

room is the same. Thus, varying types of residential suites were designed in order to meet everyone’s needs and

unique preferences. Every household is given its own separate entrance to heighten the sense of independence.

Residents are encouraged to take full ownership of their spaces and even personalize their front doors to visually

indicate control of space and to act as directional landmarks for young children. In this way, the design ensures

that residents will experience a subtle transition when moving into permanent housing, making their change in

immediate surroundings a comfortable and smooth process.

The shared space between two households is a bathroom and it is easily accessible by either of the families. The

atrium space in the centre of the building creates a vertical connection that threads all three floors together.

In addition to the shared bathrooms, there are small, informal sitting areas in various parts of the second floor,

as well as a large patio. These places were designed to help residents build and affirm relationships with other

residents who do not share their bathroom. The meeting places on this floor are smaller in scale, therefore offer a

more intimate feel compared to the first floor meeting areas. Although meetings are more frequently held on the

first floor, there are times when children are inside the residential suites and their mothers prefer not to be too far

away. In these instances, the meeting areas located on this floor are especially useful.

163

0’ 10’ 20’

Figure 90

(opposite)

Second floor plan

sketch

Figure 91

40’ Second floor plan

SECOND FLOOR PLAN 165

Figure 92

Second floor

spatial zoning

plan

166

LEGEND

Family Suite

Elevators and Fire Escape Stairs

Courtyard

Patio

Telephone Room

Communal Washroom/Bathroom

Independent Suite

Kichenette

Swing Room

Dormitory

Meditation Spot/View Lookout Space

Atrium Space

Indoor Garden

THIRD FLOOR

The top floor of the building houses more residential suites. Here one also finds activity rooms designed for older

children and adults. A workout room is soundproofed and is usable even during evenings when quiet times are in

effect to respect younger children going to sleep. It is an ideal place to use when one feels the need for exercise,

but the weather outside does not permit. This space may be shared with other activities such as yoga and wen-do

when multipurpose space on the first floor is occupied or if weather is not ideal. The music room is also situated

here for residents who want to expand their skills or further their musical interests. My decision to include these

rooms was informed by an exploration of teenage blogs on the internet. I investigated activities that may be

of interest to today’s older children, and in my findings, music, dance, and exercise topped the list as the most

preferred and popular activities, next to shopping, going out to movies, and outdoor sports.

167

Figure 93

Third foor plan

168

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

THIRD FLOOR PLAN

LEGEND

Family Suite

Elevators and Fire Escape Stairs

Courtyard

Music Room

Swing Room

Independent Suite

Computer Station

Workout Room

Meditation Spot/View Lookout Space

Atrium

Indoor Garden

Figure 94

Third floor spatial

zoning plan

169

Figure 95 (top)

East-west section

with key plan

Figure 96

(bottom) North-

south section

with key plan

170

35’ - 0”

24’ - 4”

12’ - 8”

0’

10’

20’

40’

1st Floor: 1’ - 0” EAST-WEST SECTION

Grade: 0’ - 0”

0’

10’

20’

35’ - 0”

24’ - 4”

12’ - 8”

40’

NORTH-SOUTH SECTION

1st Floor: 1’ - 0”

Grade: 0’ - 0”

171

RECEPTION

Upon entering Hana’s Place through the main entrance, residents and guests are greeted

first in this location. The main entrance is always opened by a staff member upon hearing

the doorbell for security reasons. While from every other place in the facility, one sees

what is beyond, some aspect of nature, or views of the garden, the entrance space is the

only place in the facility that does not permit a visual extension. This is out of concern

for residents’ privacy; in the very rare case where an uninvited guest gains entry to the

building, he or she is unable to see beyond the entrance area, preventing a look at the

interiors or who is residing there.

Even so, the space has a welcoming atmosphere with a waiting area to the side, which

is useful when mothers are helping their children to put on their shoes. Adjacent to the

door is a place for residents and guests to hang coats and leave outdoor shoes. Entering

and leaving the facility is much simpler when residents don’t have to lug their coats and

shoes each time they make their transition. Hanging coats up immediately upon arrival

evokes a domestic ritual and indicates where the residential space begins.

Upon entry, the wall to the right has a bulletin board with notices of job openings and

other news. Picture frames are hung, framing photographs of former residents who

have moved on to permanent housing, as a reminder to them that Hana’s Place is one

of the homes they grew up in. This conveys the idea that these people were not just

clients, but important members of the housing family. It is also an inspiration for current

residents making their way towards permanent housing. With consent, current residents’

photographs may also be placed there; the idea is to create a sense of being at home for

each resident who sees his or her picture on the wall.

Figure 97

Perspective of

reception area

173

OFFICE AREA

Situated next to the reception area is an

administrative office area, which both staff

and older residents have access to. Thanks to

variations in the furniture, the characteristics

and appearance of a uniformed office space have

been removed. The lack of partitions allows the

area to remain spacious and eliminates the idea

of building hierarchy.

Figure 98

Perspective of

office area

174

NORTH COURTYARD

The north courtyard is situated between the office

space on the east and kitchen and dining area on

the west. It makes an optimal space to relax and

contemplate. As the space is located on the north

side of the building, the courtyard remains fairly

cool in temperature throughout the year. It provides

residents and staff a place to wind down after working

in the office, and enjoy the sense of freshness that is

felt there. The glass wall on either side allows a person

on the east to look through and perceive a view of the

nature at the west side. This seeing through layers of

spaces facilitates a visual weaving through different

boundaries and blurs boundaries between inside and

outside even further.

Figure 99

Perspective of

north courtyard

177

KITCHEN & DINING SPACE

The kitchen and dining area can be regarded as one of the primary places

where people converge. This space can function as a learning environment

as much as one for play and enjoyment. Cooking together can be both

enjoyable and a valuable learning experience. While the space allows

for informal activities such as cupcake decoration and snack preparation

to take place, it also houses the formal cooking business function of

Hana’s Place. Hence, though it appears that this space is used primarily

for cooking and dining, it can be regarded as a multipurpose space, as

it allows a variety of functions and levels of formality to take place. It

may also be used as a place to relax and study as it is an intermediary

space between two outdoor spaces. Both ceiling-height glazing walls on

the west and the courtyard on the east allow ample natural light to enter,

making the space a comfortable and warm environment.

To reflect a principle from the Savard’s precedent – that preferences differ

from individual to individual – various types of seating and tables are used

in this space to accommodate a variety of needs. For instance, sofa seating

can be used for children enjoying their snacks, while a full dining table

is a better fit for formal occasions. Bar stools are located near kitchen

counters for those having a casual lunch or engaging in conversation while

someone is cooking. Through these design choices, the domestic quality

of Hana’s Place is heightened; the cookie-cutter, institutional approach of

Figure 100

Perspective of

kitchen and

dining area

179

Figure 101

Perspective of

kitchen and

dining area

providing everyone with the same

set of furniture is done away with.

Buffet-style, elongated bench seating

was considered in my design, because

it encourages people to come

together as they sit along the same

table. However, my intention was

to create a comfortable community

space without forcing residents to sit

in rows and in a fixed manner, which

is a more institutional approach that

I wanted to avoid. Despite the open

concept within this space, through

furniture placement and elevated

sections of flooring, certain areas

become intimate and enclosed in a

comfortable level. Finally, there is

extensive storage space for food,

kitchenware, and dishes. Through

hosting group activities in its open

space concept, the kitchen and

dining area continues to strengthen

connections between residents and

nurture mother-child relationships.

180

PATIO AREA

Located at the north-west corner of the

building is the patio space that functions as

an outdoor dining space for residents and

staff. Here, mothers can relax and engage

in conversation with others while their

children play nearby. It is a serene space

where warm afternoon sun can be basked

in, where the patterns of shadows fabricated

by the awning represent the passing of

time, referencing the similar effects found

at the Church of Light. It is also evident in

this perspective image that the dormitory

space on the second floor is provided with

ample natural light coming from outside.

A glazing wall creates the perception of a

wide and spacious hallway which extends

into endless outdoor views. Without the

glazing wall, this corridor would seem quite

narrow and confined.

Figure 102

Perspective of

patio area

183

WALKWAY BRIDGE

Slightly south of the patio dining area on the west side

of the building is a walkway bridge that connects the

housing facility to the counselling and individual study

rooms. Here the walkway resembles the bridges often

found in Zen gardens, and it is low enough to be safe for

toddlers and small children. This perspective image also

reveals the walkway on the second floor at the upper

left that runs parallel to the bridge underneath. This

path located in the second floor provides individuals

standing in the hallway next to the north courtyard a

view of the west side, creating the impression of seeing

through layers of spaces – again, a reference to looking

through layers of leaves. The open fire staircase on the

right can also be seen in this perspective, showing how

the platforms located there can be utilized as an optimal

place to view the outdoors.

Figure 103

Perspective of

walkway bridge

184

LIVING &

ATRIUM SPACE

Figure 104

Perspective of

living and atrium

space - 1

187

This area may be perceived by the users as the living space on the first floor. It

allows for informal meetings to occur with movable cushions and coffee tables

for their convenience. A portable screen can be transported into this space for

movie viewing and photographic slide shows. Adjacent to this space is a storage

closet where children’s play items and board games are stored. By bringing out

the games, this space functions as an intimate area where families can enjoy

quality time together. This space also takes the role of being an atrium, as it has

a vertical extension up to the third floor ceiling. The living space not only brings

families together but allows continuum of movement and air flow to upper

floors, threading together floors that are otherwise perceived to be separate.

Figure 105

Perspective of

living and atrium

space - 2

188

KIOSK AREA

The kiosk space uses low shelving to

prevent the perception of overcrowding

and development of confined spaces. A

fitting room next to the large storage area

is installed for residents to try out clothing

they like.

Figure 106

Perspective of

kiosk area

191

SOUTH COURTYARD

Located between the large storage area on the east and

multipurpose area on the west is a south courtyard. Similar

to the one located at the north side of the building, this

space also functions as a transitioning place between inside

and outside. This courtyard is provided with a sandbox play

space which makes it convenient for mothers working in the

laundry room located adjacent to the courtyard. Mothers

can comfortably complete their tasks while their children

are occupied playing in the sandbox. The clear glass wall

between the laundry room and the courtyard also makes it

easier for mothers working there, as they have a clear view of

the whereabouts of their children. Above the laundry room

is a small patio space on the second floor. Here too, mothers

can be engaged in a conversation with their friends while

their children play just below, still within their viewing zone.

Figure 107

Perspective of

south courtyard

192

MULTIPURPOSE &

PLAY AREA

Figure 108

Perspective of

multipurpose

and play area - 1

The multipurpose area located in the

south-west bay of the first floor was

designed for large group activities

such as yoga and wen-do. As

instructors for various activities will

be visiting residents here, the area is

labeled as community and between

community and neighbourhood

zone according to Lifeboat theory.

By opening the folding doors, the

space here can be extended out

towards the adjacent patio space,

maximizing its square footage for

a variety of large activities and

events. This extension out to the

patio fortifies the interaction with

outside and further strengthens

the building’s breathing behaviour

as its boundaries are blurred.

194

The space also functions as an extended play space for young

children as it is located adjacent to the daycare area. The main

daycare area next to the classroom is enclosed and is provided

with a sleeping corner for small infants and therefore the

main daycare is provided for quieter activities. In comparison,

soft carpeting on the floor in the multipurpose area not only

lets children crawl, sit, and play comfortably, it absorbs noise

so that children can play freely without restriction. A small

kitchenette is installed for the preparation of simple snacks,

and a nearby washroom has a changing table.

The laundry room next to the multipurpose area has openings

in the walls to allow visual access to the children’s play area in

the multipurpose area, as well as to the large west patio. By

designing the space this way, mothers have continual visual

access to their children and outside while they are doing

household chores. A triangular corner sitting place faces a

white wall by the laundry space (shown in Figure 108). This

space can take on functions similar to the living space atrium,

where films can be projected onto the wall for viewing.

Bulletin boards share notices of house meetings and events.

Altogether, the multipurpose area has an inviting atmosphere

with soft finishing touches and bright colour applications. Not

only does the space have a playful atmosphere for children, it

is also appropriate for meetings, yoga, and other activities.

Figure 109

Perspective of

multipurpose

and play area - 2

197

ZEN GARDEN

The Zen garden at Hana’s Place offers residents a sense of the timeless qualities found

in nature. Here, residents can sit, relax, and feel time passing slowly by witnessing

the change in colours and textures of leaves and flowers. It is a place where residents

can have many sensory experiences. The beautiful bloom of a flower may give visual

enjoyment, while the fresh scent of grass and the sound of wind dancing with trees

offer other sensory experiences. While spending time here, residents are reminded

of impermanence and of the beauty found in imperfection. The children’s play area is

also in close proximity. Therefore, the garden naturally becomes a gathering place for

many mothers. As the garden provides tranquil moments, it functions as a therapeutic

space where one can escape from the day’s stresses.

Figure 110

Perspective of

Zen garden

198

DORMITORY ROOM

The dormitory suite is located on the second floor of Hana’s Place. It is primarily used by single residents or mothers

with infants who require no extra bedding space. Contrary to the confined spaces found in typical boarding school

dormitories, here, each resident is given a comfortably-sized private living space. The dormitory suite is situated

above kitchen and dining space on the first floor, making access to that space convenient. A communal bathroom

is also located adjacent to the suite, featuring spacious bathroom units that provide complete privacy when inside.

Here, the sharing of spaces inspired by Lifeboat theory is conveyed through the adjacent communal kitchen and

bathrooms. Glazing walls that run along the north-west side of the wall bring ample natural light into the suite,

making the relatively confined dormitory hallway to seem much more spacious. Each dormitory room has one of

its walls lowered slightly to allow sunlight to enter the space even when the door is closed. The sunlight coming in

shifts its position throughout the day, referencing the impermanent qualities found in Zen as well as the aesthetics

that the Church of Light has informed. When the sliding door of the individual room is opened, one has direct

visual access to the gardens and natural elements found beyond the glazing wall without a single obstruction.

Figure 111

(opposite)

Perspective of

dormitory room

200

FAMILY SUITE

Figure 112

Perspective of

family suite

202

The family suite was designed to accommodate

families with larger numbers of siblings. This style of

housing uses a concept similar to the residential suites,

where households share bathroom space, while

each has a separate entrance to maintain a sense of

independence. However, this family suite is designed

as a small house. It begins on the second floor with its

kitchen and dining space, a comfortable living space,

and a bed space underneath the staircase, which leads

to the third floor into an extra bedroom area and

a bathroom shared with the adjacent family. Given

that the space was designed for larger families, it is

possible that the oldest of the children may be young

adults. An ascent to the upper floor to access the

bedroom space was designed deliberately to provide

young adults with a slightly more visual separation

from the rest of their families, resulting in increased

privacy and an added sense of independence. I have

designed these family suites in this way to assist older

children as they transition from being dependents,

creating healthy visual separation between them and

their mothers without completely separating them

from the rest of their families.

SWING ROOM

The swing room is a small play area located in the south-

west corners of the second and third floors. It functions

as a half-patio, half-indoor play space that changes its

identity by the act of opening or closing of folding doors.

While the folding doors are closed, the play space on a

raised platform is separate from the small patio; an interior

space that can be accessed any time, regardless of the

weather. However, when the folding doors are open, the

space extends outwards, causing the play space inside to

become an extension of the patio space. Small porch swings

incorporated in the design provide users with a peaceful

experience as they sway back and forth, transitioning from

being outdoors, to indoors, to back outdoors again.

Figure 113

Perspective of

swing room

205

SECOND & THIRD

FLOOR COMMON AREA

[INDOOR GARDEN]

The second and third floor common areas are

both located beside the swing room on each

floor. They function as smaller common areas

for residents and staff for various purposes.

The space can be used as a meeting area for

residents to engage in conversation or sit down

to read a favourite book. One can also relax by

a tree or simply enjoy the view of outside. The

space is located in the centre of the building

which makes it a natural hub where all passersby

can acknowledge each other’s presence. The

materials found in this space are grass, stones,

glass, and wood. With ample natural light

coming in from both the east and west sides

of the walls, these common areas are fortified

with the sense of being outside while remaining

inside the building. The residents living adjacent

to these spaces can get a view of the common

area from their bedroom windows, giving the

impression that their windows face outside.

Figure 114

Perspective of

second and third

floor common

area [Indoor

garden]

207

CHAPTER SUMMARY + CONCLUSION

With this design of Hana’s Place, my hope was to provide a housing facility where residents would find their lives

flourishing with various opportunities. I began the design process by first looking at the original condition of the

chosen building and its surrounding site to determine which of its existing elements were beneficial for the users

of Hana’s Place. Any changes that were made to the building were done in order to strengthen its connection to

nature, to establish a healing environment, and to meet the unique needs of women and children. Many of the

plastered brick walls on the east façade of the building were preserved, as they provide the privacy and security

required for the residential rooms and administrative offices. New glazing walls, primarily along the west side of

the building, were added to enhance incoming natural light. The juxtaposition of smooth glazing walls and rough

plastered walls references the characteristics of a garden stone.

The overarching architectural language conveyed in my designed floor plans is the zig-zag route found in many

Zen gardens. Except for individuals’ private rooms, all spaces in the building have been designed to allow access

to all. This was done to prevent the development of hierarchies among residents and staff. This includes access to

the administrative offices, since Hana’s Place functions optimally when residents take part in the decision-making

process. Together with 120-degree perspective angles I have ensured that residents will have either a view to the

outdoors or a natural element brought indoors, regardless of which direction they are walking inside the building.

While different types of residences were designed to suit individuals’ unique needs and preferences, they also

follow the six zones of a housing facility informed by Lifeboat theory. In this way, I was able to design suites to

ensure that connections with others are never lost. Rooms for extra-curricular activities such as a workout room

and music room were designed to accommodate the hobbies and talents of residents and to potentially broaden

their interests.

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Finally, Hana’s Place was designed to be user-friendly, convenient, safe, and comfortable for all ages. Providing

access to nature was an ever-present priority, in order to deliver a therapeutic environment that assists residents

in their healing. Ultimately, Hana’s Place was designed for all residents to enjoy and to help them find a spark of

hope that they have been missing in their lives.

Figure 115

Hana’s Place logo

210

CONCLUSION

Reflections

Challenges + Future Research Directions

Last Remarks

REFLECTIONS

The inspiration for my practicum project came from the experience of seeing anti-domestic violence posters,

many of which included motivational quotes. Posted in many public places, they instilled in me an awareness of

the issue, and a desire to help end it. My work here has been an opportunity not only to realize and understand the

graveness of one of the world’s most significant issues, but also to discover the role that interior design can play

in helping survivors and in making improvements to a serious problem. Many of these posters raised awareness

of the issue; however, steps that survivors could take to make changes in their lives were never mentioned. Not

understanding how such important information could be missing from these advertisements, I turned the focus of

my project to designing residential spaces where survivors could heal, determine their next steps, and rediscover

their own identities, all while strengthening their family relationships and raising awareness of domestic violence

through a small business function. The project took its first step by understanding the users. Researching what

kinds of situations survivors come from, recognizing the effects of coping with these hardships on their lives, and

realizing what their needs are formed the basis of this design project and gave me direction for my next steps.

Having a clear grasp of the issue at hand also led me to define my overarching architectural language informed by

the principles of Japanese Zen.

Together with the goal of designing spaces where users may find a sense of healing and self-empowerment, another

fundamental objective in the formation of Hana’s Place was to initiate a method of designing a transitional housing

facility that could potentially be viewed as a paradigm shift away from the conventional institutional approach.

In order to achieve this, various theoretical frameworks were investigated to structure design foundations and

to provide a sense of validity in the final composition. First, an investigation on the Theory of Supportive Design

informed the key ingredients needed to construct a realm and spatial design that would help promote healing for

the survivors. This theory also functioned as an anchor and a backbone to build bridges between other theories

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and information. Second, Lifeboat theory was instrumental in constructing a spatial layout that would facilitate

community development. It revealed methods and inspirations to Hana’s Place’s spatial and programme designs.

It helped to construct an environment that encourages residents to build a team where one looks after another.

Furthermore, the purpose of constructing a community network within the housing facility was to strengthen

the possibility of residents learning from each other and through participation. This led me to study Experiential

Learning Theory, where ideas drawn were paralleled to what was found in Lifeboat theory. The Experiential

Learning Theory helped construct spaces and programme where residents’ interaction with others can easily be

achieved and where informal exchanges of knowledge take place naturally. One of the key ingredients in spatial

design that facilitated the healing found in Theory of Supportive Design was the importance of providing survivors

with earthly natural elements. This idea made connection to the study of the principles of Japanese Zen and my

additional analysis of Shinrin-yoku and therapeutic landscapes. The examination of these informed me of the

positive effects nature can have on the human condition.

All three of the precedents that were studied conveyed informative programming ideas, spatial planning and

design guidelines. The Shokozan Tokeiji convent not only shed light on the idea that survivors may be able to

find self-worth through taking an active role in team activities, but also provided a wealth of guidance through

its incorporation of Zen. Savard’s showed how its function as a shelter prevented the development of hierarchy

among staff and residents, along with ways to truly allow its clients to sense freedom and use the space as their

own. It also demonstrated that flexibility in design is optimal when accommodating people with different needs.

Church of Light emphasized that relationships can even be formed between an architecture that presents itself

as fortified through its use of concrete with soft earthly elements surrounding it. The church proved to be a

significant example of how principles of Zen can be incorporated in various ways and how people may feel and

perceive the interior they are in through experiencing a transition of time.

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The site analysis provided a sense of reality to this practicum project. Similar to the effects of examining a three-

dimensional model, by having walked through the neighbourhood, analyzed the interiors of the chosen building,

and felt its walls, the perception I got from conducting this analysis allowed me to truly comprehend the project.

It allowed me to physically understand the effects of nature, the fortified appearance of the building, and the

potential the neighbourhood has in turning the hostel into a transitional housing facility. The opportunity to

analyze the site has helped identify which existing elements could contribute to the healing of survivors. The ways

in which the chosen theories could be practiced – in order to convert a building that is narrow and constricted

into one in which rooms appear spacious with blurred boundaries between inside and outside – were put to the

test. Here, both Theory of Supportive Design and principles of Zen have played prominent roles in helping the final

physical form of the building transition from a fortified appearance to layered spaces of see-through walls.

The final design of Hana’s Place aimed to facilitate development of community networks and social support by

having various shared spaces. The scale of communal spaces range from small and intimate to large and welcoming;

from bathrooms shared between households, to the first floor common areas where most programmes take

place. The organization of these spaces allows residents to transition through all six zones informed by Lifeboat

theory. The programmes offered at Hana’s Place are inspired by both precedent studies and Experiential Learning

Theory where learning can be achieved through individual participation. Fostering the connection with nature at

Hana’s Place is an attribute derived from examining the principles of Zen, Shinrin-yoku, the study of therapeutic

landscape, and the overarching, grounding Theory of Supportive Design. While the chosen colour palettes in the

final result exert a calming and serene atmosphere, they also reflect the characteristics of earthly elements and

Wabi Sabi. Particularly, most walkways in the building create the illusion of walking outside; the wall installed in the

multipurpose area has the appearance of crumbling down with age. Rocks placed inside and outside in the gardens

reference nature’s innate ways. Finally, by having the floor plan circulation designed in the zig-zag orientation

inspired by Zen gardens, an opportunity was created for residents to naturally come to a short halt when coming

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to a corner. In this way, through the pivoting of the body and the time taken to do so, one’s movements are slowed,

and more time is provided for individuals to better acknowledge their surroundings and the presence of others

passing by.

Though in order to successfully obtain a valid finding of the effects of chosen theories and the final design, the

project must be built and be subjected to a post-occupancy evaluation, in the course of working on this practicum

project, the four research questions that were instrumental in my exploration of the research and design were as

follows.

1. In what ways can analysis of the characteristics and effects of domestic violence shape the interior design of

the project?

The study of the issues informed what is required and what to avoid. Some people may perceive a type of room

negatively as it might remind them of their past hardships. Therefore, recognizing the major issues and the users’

needs can shape the design of interiors significantly.

2. In what ways can design take a role in initiating healing and learning in survivors of domestic violence?

Through investigations of Theory of Supportive Design, Lifeboat theory, and Experiential Learning Theory, I

learned that designs do have the potential to influence how people behave, move, and work in their everyday

lives. Thus, designing spaces in accordance to these three theories could potentially alter individuals’ everyday

patterns towards a new direction that may facilitate both healing and learning. The principles of Zen, Shinrin-yoku,

and therapeutic landscapes have also shown examples of how humans may develop a sense of fascination towards

the extraordinary, and accept that changes in their environment may have a positive outcome.

215

3. How might the design of interior spaces foster the development of community and social support?

Through the design of shared spaces, individuals are provided with opportunities to meet others and engage in

conversation naturally. The size of the space is a fundamental factor, as some people may not feel comfortable

being too close to another person. Ensuring that the width of walkways can accommodate two people walking

side by side has the potential to bring people together.

4. In what ways might the principles and aesthetics of Zen be applied to the interior design to effectively have a

healing and self-empowering impact on the users of Hana’s Place?

Through investigation, it was revealed that Zen has serene and relaxing characteristics as well as educative

ones. Serenity and calmness are major factors, but Zen emphasizes its central focus as the realization of living in

harmony with nature. Establishing a blur between the boundaries of inside and outside may provide residents

with a strengthened connection to nature, allowing them to experience the healing effects found in Shinrin-yoku

and therapeutic landscapes. By having Zen gardens adjacent to the facility and using materials and colour palettes

inspired by earthly materials, residents may be inspired to learn from the beauty of imperfection and knowing that

events in life are impermanent. This may provide an opportunity for individuals to gain an appreciation towards

what they already have and feel a sense of contentment in their lives. The idea of two rocks leaning against each

other – a principle found in Zen – not only suggests the idea of teamwork and community networking but also

may inspire residents to realize that each individual has something to offer another, a gain of self-empowerment

through realization of one’s own identity.

216

CHALLENGES + FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

In my practicum project, my aim was to inspire a paradigm shift away from an institutional approach through

incorporation of the principles of Zen as the foundation of design. Although Zen has a strong correlation with

Shintoism and may be perceived as religious, by amalgamating the results of my study of Shinrin-yoku and

therapeutic landscapes, my project has become a framework that has opened up the opportunity for future

research in order to validate the theory. Since domestic violence is perceived as a sensitive issue for some people,

it was a challenge for me to find an interviewee who would share her experiences. The literature investigation

revealed a wealth of information that was significant in shaping the final design; however, I believe an interview

in the future would be an asset to further strengthen this practicum project. Lastly, I hope that there would be an

opportunity to perform a post-occupancy evaluation in the future to investigate the validity of chosen theories as

well as to discover the effects on children, particularly young boys, after being welcomed to take accommodation

with their mothers.

LAST REMARKS

Together with literature investigations and relevant precedent studies, this practicum project concludes with a

design proposal of Hana’s Place, a transitional housing facility that not only assists residents in healing and finding

direction to independency, but also helps survivors connect with others and reinforce the relationship between

mother and child. Most importantly, this project was conducted with the hope of making a change to the serious

issue of domestic violence; to design a space that survivors of this violence can truly call home.

217

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224

APPENDICES

Building Code Analysis

User Profiles + Room Descriptions

Lighting Plans

Material Selections

APPENDIX A: BUILDING CODE ANALYSIS

National Building Code of Canada 2010 was used to ensure that designs presented in Chapter 6 would meet the

building bylaws of Canada and to provide safety to all users of Hana’s Place.

PART 3: Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

Section 3.1. General

3.1.2.1. Classification of Buildings

Hana’s Place is a transitional housing facility that includes residences for users as well as kiosks and kitchen areas

that accommodate small business and personal services. Thus, according to the table 3.1.2.1., the housing facility

has been classified as the following:

Group A (Division 2): Assembly occupancies not elsewhere classified in Group A

Group C (Division -): Residential occupancies

Group D (Division -): Business and personal services occupancies

3.1.3. Multiple Occupancy requirements

According to Table 3.1.3.1., the minimum fire-resistance rating of fire separations between the adjoining major

occupancies in Hana’s Place are all 1 hour.

3.1.17. Occupant Load

Based on Table 3.1.17.1., the occupant loads per floor are as follows:

1st floor

Assembly uses (classroom): 12

Assembly uses (reading or writing rooms or lounges): 30

Assembly uses (dining, beverage and cafeteria space): 30

Business and personal services uses (personal services shops): 10

Business and personal services uses (office): 10

Total: 92

226

2nd floor

Assembly uses (space with fixed seats): 6

Assembly uses (space with non-fixed seats and tables): 25

Residential uses (dwelling units): 10

Residential uses (dormitories): 6

Total: 47

3rd floor

Assembly uses (space with fixed seats): 6

Assembly uses (space with non-fixed seats and tables): 11

Residential uses (dwelling units): 13

Total: 30

Section 3.2. Building Fire Safety

3.2.1. General

Hana’s Place consists of 3 storeys and faces 1 street

3.2.2.6. Multiple Major Occupancies

“… in a building containing more than one major occupancy, the requirements of this Subsection for the most

restricted major occupancy contained shall apply to the whole building” (NBC 2010, 3-35 Division B).

3.2.2.10. Streets

East side of Hana’s Place faces Discovery Street and therefore the building is considered to face one street.

3.2.2.49. Group C, up to 3 Storeys, Noncombustible Construction

Based on Sentences 3.2.2.49(1), 3.2.2.49(2), and 3.2.2.49(3) Hana’s Place is summarized as follows:

Construction: Non-combustible

Floor Assemblies: Fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 hour

Load bearing beams and columns: Fire-resistance rating of 1 hour

Dwelling units with more than one storey: Fire-resistance rating of 1 hour but need not be constructed as fire

separations

Sprinklered: Yes

227

3.2.3.19. Walkway between Buildings

The main building and the individual study rooms (Counselling rooms) are separated from the walkway with a fire-

resistance rating of 1 hour.

Walkway Construction: Non-combustible

Heavy timber construction is allowed based on Sentence 3.2.3.19(3)

3.2.4. Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

3.2.4.1. Determination of Requirement for a Fire Alarm System

Hana’s Place requires a fire alarm system since it is installed with an automatic sprinkler system.

3.2.7. Lighting and Emergency Power Systems

3.2.7.1. Minimum Lighting Requirements

Based on the sentence 3.2.7.1.(1), minimum value of illumination shall be not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level

and at angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps in the following places:

1) Exits

2) Public corridors

3) Corridors providing access to exit

3.2.7.3. Emergency Lighting

“Emergency lighting shall be provided to an average level of illumination not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level in

a) exits,

b) principle routes providing access to exit in open floor areas and in service rooms,

c) corridors used by the public,

f) corridors serving classrooms,

j) floor areas or parts thereof of daycare centres where person are cared for, and

k) food preparation areas in commercial kitchens” (NBC, 2010, 3-92 Division B).

3.2.8. Mezzanines and Openings through Floor Assemblies

3.2.8.1. Application

All floor areas of Hana’s Place terminates at an exterior wall, a firewall, or a vertical shaft except for vertical

circulation space in the living space, therefore the only item that applies is:

The penetration of a floor assembly by an exit or a vertical service space shall conform to the requirements of

Sections 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6.

228

3.2.8.3. Construction Requirements

The building must be of noncombustible construction

3.2.8.4. Sprinklers

Hana’s Place contains an interconnected floor space therefore must be sprinklered throughout

3.2.8.5. Vestibules

The staircase adjacent to the interconnected floor space should be protected by vestibules. Consideration of this

should be made in the final design of Hana’s Place.

3.2.8.6. Protected Floor Space

Hana’s Place consists of a number of exits that do not make using the staircase by the interconnected floor space

necessary. Therefore, a protected floor space is not required.

3.2.8.7. Draft Stops

“A draft stop must be provided at each floor level within an interconnected floor space, immediately adjacent to

and surrounding the opening, and shall be not less than 500mm deep measured from ceiling level down to the

underside of the draft stop” (NBC, 2010, 3-97 Division B).

3.2.8.8. Mechanical Exhaust System

“A mechanical exhaust system shall be provided to remove air from an interconnected floor space at a rate of 4 air

changes per hour” (NBC, 2010, 3-97 Division B).

Section 3.3. Safety within Floor Areas

3.3.1. All Floor Areas

3.3.1.1. Separation of Suites

Each suite shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

1 hour.

3.3.1.4. Public Corridor Separations

No fire-resistance rating is required for a fire separation between a public corridor and the remainder of the storey

since each storey is sprinklered throughout

229

3.3.1.5. Egress Doorways

Hana’s Place has minimum of 2 egress doorways in all rooms and suites with the exception given for dwelling

units.

3.3.1.9. Corridors

1) Minimum width of a public corridor is 1100mm wide. Most of the corridors in Hana’s Place are 5ft wide

(1524mm).

7) Except for a dead end corridor that is entirely within a suite, Hana’s Place does not have any dead end corridors

that is more than 6m long.

3.3.1.19 Transparent Doors and Panels

Glass panels and doors must be readily apparent by attaching non-transparent hardware, bars or other permanent

fixtures to it.

3.3.1.22. Common Laundry Rooms

3) The fire separation is not required to have a fire-resistance rating since floor area in which the laundry room is

located is sprinklered throughout.

3.3.4. Residential Occupancy

3.3.4.2. Fire Separations

1) “… suites of residential occupancy must be separated from each other and the remainder of the building by a

fire separation having a fire-resisting rating not less than 1 hour” (NBC, 2010, 3-113 Division B).

3) Conforming to the Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3)(a & b), floor assemblies within a dwelling unit need not be constructed

as fire separations.

3.3.4.3. Storage Rooms

Sprinklers must be installed in a storage room along with a separation from the remainder of the building by a fire

separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 hour.

3.3.4.4. Egress from Dwelling Units

Direct access to a public corridor must be provided in each dwelling unit.

230

Section 3.4. Exits

3.4.2. Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas

3.4.2.1. Minimum Number of Exits

Every floor area intended for occupancy shall be served by at least 2 exits. Hana’s Place consists of at least 6 exits

per floor.

3.4.4. Fire Separation of Exits

Every exit must be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having fire-resistance rating

of 1 hour.

3.4.5. Exit Signs

Every exit door that conform to section 3.4.5.1.(1), must have an exit sign placed over or adjacent to each exit.

3.4.6. Types of Exit Facilities

3.4.6.1. Slip Resistance of Ramps and Stairs

All surfaces of ramps, and landings and treads must have a finish that is slip resistant and a colour contrast or

a distinctive pattern to demarcate the leading edge of the tread and the leading edge of the landing in the final

design of Hana’s Place.

Section 3.7. Health Requirements

3.7.2.2. Water Closets

Hana’s Place provides unisex water closets in accordance to the Table 3.7.2.2.A. and Table 3.7.2.2.B.

The number of water closets required for daycare centre conform to Sentence 3.7.2.2.(7).

Section 3.8. Barrier-Free Design

3.8.1.3. Barrier-Free Path of Travel

All Hana’s Place’s interior and exterior walking surfaces are designed to be barrier-free.

3.8.2.3. Washrooms Required to be Barrier-Free

Each floor consists of a minimum of 1 barrier-free washroom.

231

3.8.3.3. Doorways and Doors

1) Every door way that is located in a barrier-free path of travel has a clear width not less than 800mm when the

door is in the open position.

5) All swing doors and sliding doors in Hana’s Place are equipped with power door operator that allows person to

activate the opening of the door from either side.

3.8.3.17. Bathtubs

Hana’s Place has been designed with barrier-free bathtubs on second floor.

232

APPENDIX B: USER PROFILES + ROOM DESCRIPTIONS

PRIMARY USERS: WOMEN and CHILDREN

VALUES

INGREDIENTS FOR

THEIR WELLBEING

PSYCHOLOGY

- Family

- Friends

- Self-Esteem

- Respect

- Social Acceptance

- Jobs/Career (Women)

- Motherhood (Women)

- Honesty

- Justice

- Privacy

- Healthy eating

- Adequate rest

- Healthy relationship with family and friends

- Realization of self-worth

- Acceptance

- Involvement with community and others

- Respect

- Opportunities and options

- Education

- Freedom

- Time allotted for hobbies and playtime

Table 1

Psychological

values of primary

users

233

PRIMARY USERS: WOMEN and CHILDREN

SPATIAL

VISUAL

COGNITIVE

MOBILITY ACCESS

Table 2

Spatial

requirements of

primary users

SENSORY

234

SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS

- Privacy

- Comfortable living space

- Open

- View to outside

- Ambient lighting

- Controllable lighting

- Sense of safety

- Care

- Acceptance

- Sense of self-value

- Respect from others

- Self-reflecting

- Accessible design

- Clear passage

- Comfortable

- Movable furniture

- Thermal comfort

- Sound control

TYPES OF ROOMS FOR PRIMARY USERS

DORMITORY

- Single bed spaces

- Multiple occupant

- Shared bathroom

FAMILY SUITE

- Family- oriented

- 2LDK suites

- Shared bathroom

(and kitchen)

ACTIVITIES

ATMOSPHERE +

DESIGN GOALS

FURNITURE, FIXTURE POSITIVE

+ EQUIPMENT

CHARACTERISTICS

- Sleep

- Read

- Study

- Play

- Contemplate

- Dress

- Connect with others

- Open

- View to outside

- Ambient

- Semi-private

- Acoustic control through

choice of materials

- Secure

- Comfortable

- Beds (+ Cribs)

- Chairs

- Desks

- Task light

- Drawers

- Mirrors

- Lockable storage

- Bookshelves

- Ambient lights

- Bedside lamps

- Clock

- Intercom

- Helps build

connection with

other residents

and sense of

community

- Provides sense

of comfort and

security through

presence of others

- Sleep

- Read

- Work

- Play

- Study

- Contemplate

- Cook/Eat

- Dress

- Personal hygiene

- Open

- View to outside

- Ambient

- Private

- Acoustically controlled

- Sense of independence

- Ownership of space

through personalization

- Secure

- Comfortable

- Beds (+ Cribs)

- Chairs

- Sofa-bed

- Desk

- Task light

- Drawers

- Mirror

- Lockable storage

- Refrigerator

- Basic kitchen

equipment

- Bookshelf

- Ambient light

- Bedside lamps

- Clock

- Dining table

- Coffee table

- Intercom

- Provided with

privacy with the

convenience of

having a neighbour

- Establishes

a sense of

community

- Helps to build

independence Table 3

- Comfortable

Room variations

for primary

space for women users-1

with children

235

ACTIVITIES

INDEPENDENT SUITE

- Single woman

(and an infant)

- Shared kitchen

- Private bathroom

- Sleep

- Read

- Work

- Play

- Study

- Contemplate

- Cook/Eat

- Dress

- Personal hygiene

ATMOSPHERE +

DESIGN GOALS

FURNITURE, FIXTURE POSITIVE

+ EQUIPMENT

CHARACTERISTICS

- Open

- View to outside

- Ambient

- Private

- Acoustically controlled

- Sense of independence

- Ownership of space

through personalization

- Secure

- Comfortable

- Beds

- Chairs

- Lounge chairs

- Sofa

- Desk

- Task light

- Drawers

- Mirror

- Lockable storage

- Bookshelf

- Ambient light

- Bedside lamps

- Clock

- Refrigerator

- Basic kitchen

equipment

- Dining table

- Coffee table

- Intercom

- Provides privacy

- Strengthens

the idea of

independence

- Reinforces

responsibilities

- Allows resident

to control her

immediate

surroundings

to suit her

preferences

Table 4

Room variations

for primary

users-2

236

SECONDARY USERS: STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, and SECURITY GUARDS

STAFF

Age: 21+

Gender: Female

VOLUNTEERS

Age: 21+

Gender: Female

SECURITY

Age: 21+

Gender: Female

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Assisting residents with their everyday needs (mentoring)

- Childcare

- Housing management (accounting)

- Business management

- Building maintenance (minor interior and exterior repairs)

- Booking appointments and answering calls on behalf of the residents

- Assisting staff

- Aiding residents (mentoring)

- Childcare

- Maintaining the building condition

- Booking appointments and answering calls

- Patrolling around the building and site (day and night)

- Intervening during any conflicts among residents

- Keeping records of daily status

Table 5

Responsibilities

of secondary

users

237

SECONDARY USERS: STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, and SECURITY GUARDS

SPATIAL

VISUAL

COGNITIVE

MOBILITY ACCESS

SENSORY

Table 6

Spatial

requirements of

secondary users

238

SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS

- Comfortable workable space

- Clean

- Little privacy

- Ease of navigation

- Open

- Clear view of inside and outside of the building

- Ambient lighting

- Controllable lighting

- Sense of safety

- Respect from others

- Accessible design

- Clear passageways

- Comfortable

- Movable furniture

- Thermal comfort

- Sound control

TYPES OF ROOMS FOR SECONDARY USERS

STAFF CLOSET

(COMMUNITY ZONE)

OFFICE

(COMMUNITY ZONE)

ACTIVITIES

ATMOSPHERE +

DESIGN GOALS

- Storing staff’s

personal belongings

- Lockable

- Accessed by staff and

volunteers only

- Private

- Limited access

- Secure

- Storing private

documents of residents

and staff

- Lockable

- Accessed by staff only

- Private

- Limited access

- View to outside

- Secure

- Comfortable

RECEPTION – MAIN

ENTRANCE

(COMMUNITY +

NEIGHBOURHOOD

ZONE)

- Welcoming space for

residents and visitors

- Answering calls for

residents & other

housing inquiries

- Accessed by staff and

residents

- Open

- View to outside

- Secure

- Comfortable

FURNITURE, FIXTURE

+ EQUIPMENT

- Lockable storage

- Lockable individual cabinets

- Shelving

- Lockable storage

- Lockable file cabinets

- Shelving

- Desks

- Task lights

- Chairs

- Soft seating

- Coffee table

- Phones

- Computers

- Garbage + recycling bins

- Lockable storage

- Shelving

- Desk

- Chair

- Phone

- Computers

- Garbage + recycling bins

Table 7

Rooms allocated

for secondary

users

239

TERTIARY USERS: PSYCHIATRISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, LAWYERS, SOCIAL

WORKERS, NURSES, PLAYGROUP LEADERS, INSTRUCTORS, and

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Table 8

Responsibilities

of tertiary users

240

PSYCHIATRISTS

PSYCHOLOGISTS

LAWYERS

SOCIAL WORKERS

Age: 21+

Gender: Female

NURSES

Age: 21+

Gender: Female

PLAYGROUP LEADERS

and INSTRUCTORS

Age: 21+

Gender: Female and

Male (with limited

access)

UNIVERSITY

STUDENTS

Age: 21+

Gender: Female

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Assisting residents find their next steps in their lives

- Assisting residents over come social obstacles

- Managing residents’ and staff health and well-being

- Taking care of children

- Assisting mothers

- Instructing on childcare

- Organizing and instructing educational classes

- Conducting research

- Volunteering

TERTIARY USERS: PSYCHIATRISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, LAWYERS, SOCIAL

WORKERS, NURSES, PLAYGROUP LEADERS, INSTRUCTORS, and

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

SPATIAL

VISUAL

COGNITIVE

MOBILITY ACCESS

SENSORY

SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS

- Comfortable workable space

- Clean

- Ease of navigation

- Open

- Clear view of inside and outside of the building

- Ambient lighting

- Controllable lighting

- Sense of safety

- Respect from others

- Accessible design

- Clear passageways

- Comfortable

- Movable furniture

- Thermal comfort

- Sound control

Table 9

Spatial

requirements of

tertiary users

241

SHARED SPACES

ACTIVITIES

BULLETIN

(INFORMATION) HALL

COMMUNAL

BATHROOM/

WASHROOM

- Postings of current

events, jobs,

announcements, and

other information

- Personal hygiene

COMPUTER STATION

- Research and project

- Entertainment

Table 10

Descriptions and

requirements of

shared spaces - 1

COUNSELLING ROOM

(SMALL MEETING

ROOM)

- Counselling

- Studying

- Mentoring

- Meeting

ATMOSPHERE +

DESIGN GOALS

- Ambient lighting

- Organized

- Clean

- Safe

- Ambient lighting

- Private

- Clean

- Organized

- Safe

- Ambient lighting

- Private

- Comfortable

- View to outside

- Clean

- Quiet

FURNITURE, FIXTURE

+ EQUIPMENT

- Cork board

- Whiteboard

- Sinks

- Toilets

- Shower stalls

- Bathtubs

- Lockable individual cabinet

- Storage

- Mirrors

- Hair dryer

- Working surface

- Computers

- Task light

- Printer

- Garbage + Recycling bins

- Desk

- Task light

- Sofa

- Coffee table

- Intercom

242

ACTIVITIES

ATMOSPHERE +

DESIGN GOALS

COURTYARD

- Relaxing

- Conversing

- Reading

- Contemplating

- View to outside

- Clean

- Open

- Safe

DELIVERY / LOADING

DINING AREA

- Receiving donations

- Eating

- Gathering

- Meeting

- Studying

INDOOR GARDEN

- Gathering

- Nursing

- Playing

- Relaxing

- Conversing

- Reading

KIOSK

- Stocks everyday

essentials

- Trying on clothes

- Shopping

KITCHEN (COMMUNAL)

- Cooking (for residents)

- Cooking (business)

- Learning

- Sharing ideas

- Gathering

- Secure

- Open

- Intimate

- Comfortable

- View to outside

- Ambient lighting

- Comfortable

- Ambient lighting

- View to outside

- Safe

- Secure

- Ambient lighting

- View to outside

- Organized

- Clean

- Ambient lighting

- Organized

- Safe

- View to outside

FURNITURE, FIXTURE

+ EQUIPMENT

- Outdoor bench

- Intercom

- Large dining tables

- Chairs

- Ambient lighting

- Soft seating

- Coffee table

- Bench seating

- Shelving

- Counter

- Lockable storage

- Intercom

- Sink

- Freezer

- Oven

- Dishes

- Stove range

- Island table

- Intercom

- Refrigerator

- Microwave

- Electric kettle

- Utensils

- Large counter

- Stools

Table 11

Descriptions and

requirements of

shared spaces - 2

243

ACTIVITIES

ATMOSPHERE +

DESIGN GOALS

FURNITURE, FIXTURE

+ EQUIPMENT

Table 12

Descriptions and

requirements of

shared spaces - 3

LARGE STORAGE

ROOM

- Storing residents’

belongings

- Storing unused

furniture and other large

property

- Organized

- Safe

- Secure

- Ambient lighting

- Lockable storage

- Shelving

- Intercom

LAUNDRY ROOM

- Washing and drying

clothes

- Visual connection to

children’s play area

- Clean

- Open

- Ambient lighting

- View to outside

- Sink

- Washing machines

- Dryers

- Large Tables

- Iron

- Ironing table

- Intercom

LIVING AREA

- Relaxation

- Informal meetings

- Playing

- Nursing

- Reading

- Studying

- Comfortable

- Safe

- Ambient lighting

- View to outside

- Coffee tables

- Soft seating/Cushions

- Sofa

- Projector

- Projector screen

- Intercom

MEDITATION SPOT

- Relaxing

(VIEW LOOKOUT SPACE) - Meditating

- Nursing

- Comfortable

---

- Clean

- Safe

- Serene + calm

- View to outside

244

ACTIVITIES

MULTIPURPOSE SPACE

MUSIC ROOM

- Large special events

- Exercising activities

- Meetings

- Playing

- Playing and listening

to music

NURSE STATION

(Part of Office)

- Aiding residents and

staff with medical

issues

- Nursing infants

OUTDOOR GARDEN

OPEN PATIO

- Relaxing

- Gardening

- Studying

- Playing

- Relaxing

- Eating

- Studying

- Conversing

- Meeting

ATMOSPHERE +

DESIGN GOALS

- Open

- Versatile

- Ambient lighting

- View to outside

- Soundproof

- Comfortable

- Ambient lighting

- View to outside

- Comfortable

- Private

- Quiet

- Clean

- Soundproof

- Ambient lighting

- View to outside

- Clean

- Comfortable

- Safe

- Clean

- Comfortable

FURNITURE, FIXTURE

+ EQUIPMENT

- Kitchenette with utensils

- Intercom

- Synthesizer

- Computer

- Music stands

- Sofa

- Soft seating

- Coffee table

- Bed

- Chair

- Desk

- Shelving

- Lockable storage

- Intercom

- Gardening tools

- Outdoor benches

- Weatherproof tables

- Weatherproof chairs

Table 13

Descriptions and

requirements of

shared spaces - 4

245

ACTIVITIES

PLAY AREA / DAYCARE

- Nursing infants

- Play area for children

- Learning

STUDY AREA

(LECTURE + LIBRARY)

- Studying

- Reading

SWING ROOM

TELEPHONE ROOM

- Playing

- Relaxing

- Telephone calling

Table 14

Descriptions and

requirements of

shared spaces - 5

WORKOUT ROOM

246

- Exercising

- Dancing

- Yoga

- Wen-do

- Playing

ATMOSPHERE +

DESIGN GOALS

- Safe

- Clean

- Fun

- Soft

- Ambient lighting

- View to outside

- Ambient lighting

- Controllable

lighting

- Quiet

- View to outside

- Ambient lighting

- Safe

- View to outside

- Private

- Ambient lighting

- Soundproof

- View to outside

- Ambient lighting

- Soundproof

- Safe

FURNITURE, FIXTURE

+ EQUIPMENT

- Cribs

- Toys

- Cushions - Games

- Soft seating - Sofa

- Books

- Shelving

- Lockable storage

- Drawing wall

- Intercom

- Chairs

- Large table

- Task lighting

- Computers

- Printer

- Whiteboard

- Intercom

- Porch swing

- Soft seating

- Coffee table

- Payphone

- Mirror

- Bicycle

- Treadmill

- Yoga mats

- Weights

APPENDIX C: LIGHTING PLANS

LEGEND

Recessed downlight

Small round

pendant light

Round pendant light

Small square

pendant light

Large square

pendant light

Fluorescent troffer

Custom fluorescent

light

Decorative

suspended light

Wood slats ceiling

Wood slats

suspended ceiling

Wide wood slats

suspended ceiling

Acoustic tiles

Petal shaped

acoustic panels

Leaf shaped

acoustic panels

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

FIRST FLOOR LIGHTING PLAN

Figure 116

First floor lighting

plan

247

LEGEND

Recessed downlight

Small round

pendant light

Round pendant light

Small square

pendant light

Fluorescent troffer

Decorative

suspended light

Wood slats ceiling

Acoustic tiles

Petal shaped

acoustic panels

Figure 117

Second floor

lighting plan

248

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

SECOND FLOOR LIGHTING PLAN

LEGEND

Recessed downlight

Small round

pendant light

Round pendant light

Small square

pendant light

Fluorescent troffer

Decorative

suspended light

Wood slats ceiling

Acoustic tiles

Petal shaped

acoustic panels

0’ 10’ 20’

40’

THIRD FLOOR LIGHTING PLAN

Figure 118

Third floor

lighting plan

249

FM1

Figure 119

Collage of

material

selections

250

APPENDIX D: MATERIAL SELECTIONS

FLOOR

W1: Bamboo wood – Interior flooring

W2: Dark wood – Flooring + Furniture

W3: Light wood – Column, Flooring, + Furniture

C1: Green carpet – Office + Multipurpose area

C2: Red carpet – Multipurpose + Daycare

Flor – Rake Me Over, Red, P00126

FM1: Tatami mat – Counselling room

S6: Gray stone – Hallway

TEXTILES

T1: Brown patterned fabric – Seating

Maharam – Overlap 465924, 004 Lift

T2: Ochre fabric – Seating + Wall surface

Maharam – Acre 466106, 009 Beak

T3: Orange patterned fabric – Seating

Maharam – Snap 465360, 004 Accent

T4: Floral patterned vinyl – Seating in Daycare

Maharam - Petal 465310, 001 Carnelian

T5: Dark red patterned textile – Seating

Maharam – Floret 464070, 004 Cardinal

ACCENTS

T6: Sand colour vinyl – Wall surface

Maharam – Tatami 398360,

M1: Satin finish silver metal – Door frames

005 Coconut

DecoMetal Collection from Formica

Corporation – 4200 Soft Abrasion

M2: Satin finish gold metal – Hana’s Place Sign

HARD SURFACES

Chemetal – #904 Brushed Light Brass Aluminum

S2: Translucent panel with pressed flower – Door panels

S1: Stone – Countertop

Corian – Rosemary

S3: Frosted panel with wood – Entrance wall

3form – Timber Longitude Mocha, Sandstone

S4: Dark brown linoleum – Base board

Johnsonite – 76 Cinnamon

P1: Dark green paint – Walls + Furniture

S5: Indigo colour stone – Countertops

Benjamin Moore – Bonsai – CC666

Paper Stone – Indigo

P2: Light green paint – Walls + Furniture

Benjamin Moore – Misted Fern

– CC668

S7: Frosted translucent panel

– Door panels + Wall

3form – Vapor, Sandstone