AURORA
6th Year | B.F.A., Senior Thesis Studio
AURORA | A new dawn... escaping domestic violence
Task
Select a building and acquire the construction documents and research the surrounding context and history of the building. The selection of the building should allow for the manifestation of the proposed topic and ultimate design solution.
Location
The Walker Building in Long Beach, CA
Project SQ FT
About 34,000 sq ft
THESIS
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is an issue that occurs everyday all around the world. The victims are not only affected physically but also mentally and emotionally. Their state of mind becomes obscure and lost. They no longer have control over their lives. They are under the control of their abuser and on many occasions, the victims are unable to escape their situation, leading to worse scenarios of abuse or even death. Raising awareness about domestic violence will help the victims by encouraging them to seek help. This issue affects us all and as a society we must work together to end this phenomenon of violence.
Domestic Violence Facts
1 in 4 women experience domestic violence every day and most of these incidents are never reported. Approximately 40% of California women experience physical or mental abuse everyday by their intimate partner. Children are also affected by this. Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes and 30% - 60% of these children also suffer abuse. Without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse as teens and adults. Boys who witness domestic violence are far more likely to become abusers of their partners and/or children as adults, thus continuing the cycle of violence in the next generation. Survivors of domestic violence face high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, flashbacks, and other emotional distress.
The Problem
The roots of domestic violence and other types of violent relationships are linked to power and control. However, women are too afraid, feel shame, or are in denial when experiencing domestic violence. This is why they are unable to leave their abusers. Fear that their abuser would come after them and put their lives at risk prevents many women from walking away. The embarrassment of being abused physically and mentally is also something they don’t want most people to know, especially because their abuser has brainwashed them into believing that they are at fault. Denial is also a big problem. Many believe that they can change their partner or that their partner will change because they apologize and promise they will never do it again. These women are so blindly in love or are afraid to be alone that they believe their abuser and think that it will not happen again.
The Solution
In order to correct and resolve the issue of domestic violence, we as a society must first understand the gravity of the problem. We must educate ourselves so we can help those in need. The victims must be made aware that there are places and people who can help them. They need to understand that being afraid will only make things worse and that staying and continuing to risk their lives could lead to a worse situation from which they may never recover or end up dead. Once they take the first step of relinquishing the fear and shame and accepting that they are in denial, they can seek help and allow society to help them be re-born into a new life. By listening and understanding them we can educate them and assist with their recovery. This is not their problem alone, it is OUR problem. Their situation affects us all as a society and community.
Thesis Statement
No human being should ever have to endure or accept any sort of abuse. Domestic violence is more common than most of us would like to believe. Physical abuse can heal faster than mental and spiritual damage. However, the scars that these incidents leave in all victims can lead to worse situations or to a point of no return. These victims need a place to heal and to learn how to appreciate themselves, their lives, and those around them. They need a place to feel safe in which they can relax, meditate, and heal.
Project Description
Aurora is a center designed to help women and child victims of domestic violence. Located on the 4th floor and roof top of the historic Walker Building in Downtown Long Beach, this center offers a safe and temporary home where they receive essential aid as well as find comfort and peace. It is a one-stop destination to get comforted and educated. The experience of this home empowers these women to find confidence, independence, and success. Aurora enables victims of domestic violence to reclaim their hidden beauty, transforming their broken lives through spiritual rebirth.
Research Outcome and Proposal
During my research on domestic violence centers I realized that most have similar and well established programs that address the most essential needs for the victims. These services range from legal advice and counseling, to educational programs and life management. Because these centers are government funded, most lack services that can help better improve the mind and soul of the victims. I believe that by providing services like a day at a spa or a space to sit back and relax can be very beneficial to the rehabilitation of the victims. Having counseling and legal advice is very important. But in my opinion, I also feel having time to be pampered and knowing you are in a safe and relaxing environment can make the process of recovery much more pleasant. Providing a clean, warm, and open space for these victims to temporarily live could help make the process of healing easier and more relaxed. Most shelters lack inspiration and beauty. They all look like a school or office space. The look and feel is very depressing and rushed. Everything and everyone is moving too fast. Kids are running around, women are going from office to office, sitting in lobbies waiting to be called to discuss the next step of their stay. It all feels so scheduled and hurried that it gives no time for the victims to breathe and enjoy a moment to themselves without having to worry about the next move. Most shelters only allow for these victims to stay 30-45 days. In my opinion, that is not enough time for them to heal properly in a relaxed environment. The experience they have gone through is incomprehensible and they should be allowed to have more time to focus on themselves and their children so that their mind and soul are more at ease and in a better state before making the big move of going to a new beginning.
I propose a single destination for the victims to go to and call home during their stay. It is open 24 hours and the stay is 60-75 days, long enough for them to take their time at healing without the rush of organizing their lives. It houses 10 families or individuals at a time. My center proposal has all the necessary amenities and services in order to get these women back on their feet. Moreover, it provides a place for them to pamper themselves whenever they want, a place to sit on their own and meditate. A daycare at the same location near the mothers is provided. This helps with the personal time the mothers need to focus on themselves. Because both mother and children have gone through great trauma, they do not want to be separated, they are paranoid and afraid. Having them all in one secure space helps them in their own personal recovery. The kids are in a fun and child friendly environment where they play with others and also learn skills to help with their future education. Counseling is provided to help these children who have witnessed or experienced abuse. The idea is for everyone to receive help in the same place but in appropriate, customized, tailored environments for each. The personal living quarters provide more private and secluded spaces, not far removed from communal areas. No one is forced to participate in the activities that are provided until they are ready to do so. The idea is to ease the move and process of recovery at the pace each family or woman feels most comfortable.
All who come here are able to learn from one another and help each other throughout the process of their recovery. They are encouraged to unite and coexist together. By supporting one another they can reclaim their freedom, empower themselves, and be re-born.
GROUP EMPOWERMENT
In this gathering space women will be able to sit back, relax and socialize with each other. The juxtaposition of natural elements like foliage, water and fire gives women a sense of comfort, peace and beauty.
4th FLOOR | FLOOR PLAN
The 4th floor will only be accessed by the employees of AURORA and the victims that will be staying for the duration of their recovery. In order to have access to the 4th floor all employees and victims will have a code to enter at the elevator and or staircases. Law enforcement and fire department will also have access in case of an emergency.
4th FLOOR | RECEDING CEILING PLAN
EMBRACING HOPE
First step in helping the victims of domestic violence. They are welcomed by warm, clean, yet very subtle surroundings.
FRAGMENTED JOURNEY
A reflection of the path that the victims have gone through. It is a reminder that just because something is broken does not mean it can’t be beautiful.
PROTECTED SPACE
At the support circle women are able to discuss and share their stories among each other in an embracing and comfortable space. With the help of counselors and each other, the support circle helps them regain confidence and trust in themselves and their life. It is a place of unity and group empowerment. Together we fight, together we live.
MIND STRENGTHENING
During their stay at AURORA women are able to attend courses where they learn new skills that help them become independent and self sufficient, such as GED courses and job skills including opportunities for vocational training.
FAMILY GATHERING
The cafeteria offers victims three meals a day. It is a space where families can come together to talk and laugh while eating freshly prepared, healthy meals. It is a relaxed and very open space for everyone.
STRUCTURING THE FUTURE
Children are the future. They are able to gather in a playful and child friendly space in which they can play together and learn while their moms are focusing on healing themselves. By helping these children regain their confidence and innocence, they are able to also heal from witnessing or experiencing abuse. This place focuses on them and helps them overcome their horrific experience. With the help of professional and cheerful teachers, these newly empowered, educated, and enabled children have a better shot at being successful and happy later in life.
SANCTUARY
Women and their children will be able to enjoy and live in a safe, clean and functional space during their stay at AURORA. The spaces are all private for each family and provide them with the most essential needs. It is a comfortable and enjoyable place that will help them with their recovery.
5TH & 6TH FLOOR | FLOOR PLANS
The 5th and 6th floor are located in the roof top of the building. This structure is designed to be a small retreat for the women staying at AURORA. They will all have access and will be able to take advantage of the different treatments offered to help them relax while recovering from their abusive life.
FINDING BEAUTY
The retreat is a place for women to appreciate their bodies, inner souls and their mind. It provides them with pampering services they have been deprived of or have never experienced. It is a place that gets them closer to heaven and a higher self.
REGAINING STRENGTH
Here women are able to take self defense courses, yoga, dance, and exercise classes. It is a place in which they are able to see their reflection while strengthening their bodies and minds. It helps them see that they are strong, beautiful, and that with a bit of guidance and determination they can do anything they put their minds to. It also encourages them to become healthy and active.
SELF DISCOVERY
Meditation can be the most beneficial to the recovery of these women. The meditation room is a quiet space that brings in rays of light through the space as a reminder that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
SUBMERGING
Bath treatments can help with tension and stress. It is a form of letting the body become weightless and letting the water massage every muscle. This room gives the victims a place to relax under water and lets their bodies rest so they can emerge anew.