Thresholds in the Urban Environment: Women and Children's Shelter

Abstract

The premise of this thesis is to explore the transition of spaces through thresholds. This exploration begins with the urban environment and how one transitions through spaces into private spaces. In particular, this thesis addresses battered women and children and how their transition in life relates to transitional spaces. The journey began with research of precedence. However, the existence of shelters for battered women and children is relatively new. Therefore, I began at the roots of housing, community housing, monasteries, orphanages and dormitories. I also drew from my own experiences with roommates, dorm life and group situations.

This design reflects the transition of spaces and how that relates to the life of battered women and children. The site is located in Washington, DC.