OCAD University Open Research Repository

A Participatory Process for Designing Emotionally Supportive Spaces in Shelters for Homeless LGBTQ Youth

Willow, Jacob (2016) A Participatory Process for Designing Emotionally Supportive Spaces in Shelters for Homeless LGBTQ Youth. [MRP]

Item Type: MRP
Creators: Willow, Jacob
Abstract:

Acceptance of gender and sexual diversity remains challenging within families, resulting in emotionally traumatized homeless LGBTQ youth seeking emergency and transitional shelters. The objective of this study was to discover space design elements for LGBTQ youth shelters that would emotionally support them. Using a critical ethnographic approach and a participatory research process, emotions associated by these youths with spaces they used were examined through a visual jury activity, self-observation diaries and one-on-one interviews with homeless LGBTQ youth, architects, advocates and shelter staff. Space designs that violated their dignity by evoking fear, anxiety, isolation, distrust, stress, and demotivation as well as designs that promoted their dignity by evoking trust, serenity, joy, pride, control, agency and security were identified. With the findings and insights that emerged, a design aid outlining shelter space elements that would be emotionally supportive to homeless LGBTQ youth was produced to assist architects engaging in social projects involving shelters. These elements, although aimed at promoting the dignity of LGBTQ youth, could be beneficial to all shelter residents.

Date: 21 April 2016
Uncontrolled Keywords: Affective Design, Inclusive Design, Critical Ethnography, Participatory Process, Homeless LGBTQ Youth, Shelters for Homeless, Dignity Violation, Dignity Promotion.
Divisions: Graduate Studies > Inclusive Design
Date Deposited: 11 May 2016 19:07
Last Modified: 20 Dec 2021 23:30
URI: https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/796

Actions (login required)

Edit View Edit View