PHASE I INDS 470 | SCAD | Fall 2021 PHASE I: Project Proposa ✓ Solved

PHASE I INDS 470 | SCAD | FALL 2021 PHASE I: PROJECT PROPOSAL

Task: develop a comprehensive design proposal with a preliminary program, target users, client/sponsor and the “big ideas” or theories behind the need for such a project. This assignment may be completed in 8.5x11 format in either Word or InDesign. Using your preliminary research and ideation exercises, begin a proposal for your capstone project: What is the project? Give it a name! Examples: “International Academy Day School: International Education for a Sustainable Future”, “Expressive Arts Grief Center: Healing and Caring for the Families of Fallen Soldiers”, “Behavioral health + Job placement Center for the Homeless”. What is your challenge? Why do we need this particular space? What makes the facility innovative? Who is the client? What are the primary programmatic considerations? Who will use it (not just people, define specific user groups)? What are the main issues that could affect the interior experience? What are the possibilities for research? What is building & specifics desired/required? Urban, rural, suburban? Square footage? Number of stories?

Paper For Above Instructions

### Introduction

The process of architectural design is not just about aesthetics; it involves understanding the functional needs of a space, emphasizing user experience, and applying innovative solutions to contemporary problems. This phase of the project proposal will delve into a comprehensive design proposal for a Behavioral Health and Job Placement Center for the Homeless. The project aims to address two significant societal challenges: the need for mental health services in homeless communities and the necessity of job placement assistance to foster independence and recovery.

The proposal will outline the essence of the project, targeting homeless individuals who are seeking rehabilitation while reintegrating into society. The expected outcomes will illuminate how this facility innovatively intertwines mental health support with practical job preparation, thereby facilitating holistic growth. The proposal will hence encompass target users, the client organization, and the compelling theories that underscore the necessity of such a facility.

### Project Overview

The proposed project, titled “Pathways to Possibility: A Behavioral Health and Job Placement Center for the Homeless,” aims to be a beacon of hope for individuals facing the dual challenges of homelessness and unemployment. The center will combine therapeutic services with training programs designed to empower users with the skills necessary for sustainable employment. Through this dual approach, the center seeks to address mental health issues while enhancing job readiness.

### Challenges and Needs

The pressing challenge this center addresses is the lack of integrated services for homeless individuals, who often face severe mental health challenges exacerbated by their living conditions. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2020), a high percentage of homeless individuals are affected by common mental illnesses. Hence, the proposed space is vital for creating an environment where comprehensive support can reside, allowing users to focus on recovery and growth.

### Innovation in Facility Design

This facility will employ several innovative design strategies to foster an inviting and healing environment. A remarkable aspect will be biophilic design, which integrates natural elements to improve wellbeing, as supported by the research from Kakhki et al. (2019). Such strategies will include indoor gardens, natural light maximization, and soothing color palettes, which will all contribute to a calming atmosphere conducive to healing.

Additionally, the design will incorporate multifaceted spaces that allow for private counseling, group therapy sessions, and job training workshops. The intention is to provide flexible spaces that adapt to diverse programming needs while promoting social interaction and community building among users.

### Target Clients and User Groups

The primary client for this project will be The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which provides funding for affordable housing initiatives and supportive services for the homeless. However, stakeholders may also include local nonprofits focused on job training and mental health services, such as “Good Shepherd Services,” which provides critical support to America's vulnerable populations.

Primary user groups will include homeless individuals seeking rehabilitation, job seekers, mental health professionals, and community volunteers. Specifically, this project will cater to adults aged 18 and above and families experiencing homelessness. Each group has unique needs, which will be addressed through specialized programming and services tailored to their situational contexts.

### Main Issues Affecting Interior Experience

Several design considerations will affect the interior experience of users. Safety and accessibility are paramount, ensuring easy navigation for individuals with mobility challenges or mental health issues. Additionally, providing a welcoming and non-institutional atmosphere is essential in alleviating potential anxieties and fostering trust among users.

Moreover, mental health research indicates the relevance of sensory inputs (Ulrich, 1984). Therefore, strategies to minimize noise pollution, enhance privacy, and create comfortable temperature control will all play a role in securing a conducive therapeutic environment vital for psychological intervention.

### Research Possibilities

The design and operation of the proposed center will open opportunities for extensive research, particularly in areas such as the effectiveness of integrated services on recovery rates and long-term employment outcomes among homeless individuals. Collaborations with academic institutions can be established to develop studies examining variance in mental health status pre- and post-intervention, and the role of professional development and job acquisition in mental wellness.

### Building Specifications

In terms of location, the facility should ideally be situated in an urban setting to ensure easy accessibility for the target demographic. The proposed square footage will be approximately 20,000 square feet, encompassing multiple stories (ideally three) to maximize capacity while allowing for distinct and dedicated spaces for therapy and training.

### Conclusion

This comprehensive design proposal sets the foundation for a groundbreaking Behavioral Health and Job Placement Center aimed at addressing the endemic issues of homelessness and mental health. By providing a holistic support structure, it intends not only to rehabilitate individuals but also to empower them towards sustainable futures. The focus on innovative design elements coupled with targeted services will create an inviting environment that promotes healing and productivity.

References

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Behavioral Health Barometer: United States, Volume 5.
  • Kakhki, A. M., et al. (2019). A study on biophilic design in mental health rehabilitation centers. Journal of Building Environmental.
  • Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science.
  • Buchanan, G. (2021). The synergy of mental health and employment support services. Journal of Community Mental Health.
  • Good Shepherd Services. (2023). Annual Report.
  • The National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2020). The State of Homelessness in America 2020.
  • HUD (2021). The Homelessness Assistance Programs.
  • Friedrich, A. (2018). Integrating mental health care into drug addiction treatment. Substance Use & Misuse.
  • Murray, J., & Roberts, P. (2019). Job placement amid crisis situations: Strategies and outcomes. International Journal of Social Welfare.
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response.

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