[Design for Dignity]

A Supportive Housing Community for Families and Youth

Jordan C. Inman

A thesis
submitted in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree of

Master of Architecture

University of Washington

2014

Thesis Committee:
Rick Mohler
AnnMarie Borys
Gundula Proksch

Program Authorized to Offer Degree:

Architecture
 design
for
dignity
a supportive housing community
for families and youth

© Copyright 2014
Jordan C. Inman
 University of Washington

Abstract

Design for Dignity: A Supportive Housing Community for Families and Youth

Jordan C.Inman

Thesis Committee:
Associate Professor, Rick Mohler
Associate Professor, AnnMarie Borys
Assistant Professor, Gundula Proksch

Homelessness is not a recent social and cultural phenomenon in the United States, and chances
are it will not disappear anytime soon. Although chronic homelessness in middle-aged males is on the
decline, families and independent youth now represent the fastest growing demographic of homeless
persons in the nation, constituting more than 40 percent of the total homeless population. Although it
may never be possible to end homelessness completely, this thesis posits that architects, planners, and
designers can - and must - play a significant role in improving the lives of those who lack the most basic
of human needs: housing.
This proposal seeks to create a new supportive housing alternative, a transformation of the
existing typologies of housing for the homeless aimed at guiding struggling youth and parents along a
path to a sustainable, stable lifestyle. Inspired by acts of placemaking and community activism often
implemented by disadvantaged populations to adapt to their difficult life circumstances, this thesis
focuses on the architects ability to positively influence a resident’s experience of place.
By integrating educational programs with supportive housing that caters to the specific needs
of families and youth, connecting the facility to the existing community, and improving the public spaces
adjacent to the site, this project provides residents a dignified and positive experience that prepares
them for housing independence.
 [Thank You]

It’s been a long journey, with seemingly countless friends, family members, and professors lending
a helping hand along the way.

I could not have achieved this without the unwavering support of my parents. They were there with
me from the very beginning when I attended architecture camp at Ball State University almost ten years
ago, and supported me when I decided to move across the country to attend the University of Washington
for graduate school. Your continued interest in my career is a blessing, and I thank you for everything you
have done to make my life wonderful.

No one understands what this process has involved better than my wife, Morgan. Without her to
lean on through the frustrating times, I would not have made it to the joyous times which we so love to share
together. Thank you for always caring for me, even when I was too caught up in school to return the favor!

Thanks to Bob Swain, a boss who always understands that school comes first regardless of the
stresses involved at the office.

To Janice Shimizu: I will always remember my third year of undergraduate studies at Ball State. Your
material studies curriculum is still the best studio I have ever taken, and has surely influenced the designer
I have become. Thank you.

To Tim Gray: thanks for giving me my first professional architecture experience at your firm in the
summer of 2012, and teaching me how to put together a construction set!

Finally, a large thanks to my thesis advisors: Sharon Sutton, Rick Mohler, AnnMarie Borys, and
Gundula Proksch. Without your help, feedback, and support these past few months, this journey would have
been rougher, and the view at the end would not have been nearly as grand!
[Table of Contents]

1. Introduction 1
Homelessness Throughout History 2
Homelessness Today 5
The Thesis 5

2. Theoretical Framework 7
The Changing Faces of Homelessness 8
Homeless Shelter as a Building Type 12

Order out of Chaos: Community Activism and Placemaking 16
The Power of Learning, Making, and Doing 19

3. Methods 23
Goals and Objectives 24
Neighborhood Selection 26
Site Selection 28
Program of Spaces 28
Design Methods 33
Delimits and Limits 34
Summary 34

4. Site Analysis and Preliminary Findings 35

5. Conceptual Design Response 42

6. Final Design Response 47

Program 49
Structure 53
Plans and Experiantial Views 55

7. Conclusion 72

Appendix
Figures and Figure Sources
Endnotes
1 [Introduction]

figure 1
 the community. Rather than trying to help the disadvantaged revitalize and
stabilize their lives, decisions are typically made from the perspective of
the upper and middle classes, leaving entire underprivileged populations
“isolated from wealth, mainstream institutions, and social networks that
provide mobility and status attainment opportunities.”2
This introduction frames the issue of homelessness in the United
States. It provides an historical overview of social and economic factors
that have influenced societies current understanding of homelessness,
prior to outlining the intentions of this thesis.

Homelessness Throughout History

The apathy, unconcern, and disgust many Americans feel towards
those living on the street causes homeless populations to not only suffer

H
from the lack of housing, but also from the stigmas and stereotypes that
omelessness is not a recent social and cultural phenomenon in have evolved since the Colonial Ages.
the United States, and chances are it will not disappear anytime
soon. The shortage of affordable housing, an eroding of work Undesirable, Vagrant, Hobo
opportunities, the widening gap between minimum wage and living wage, Homelessness is rooted in the
continued gentrification of urban areas, and the weakening of family ties, nation’s colonial history. By envisioning
are just a few of the major factors contributing to homelessness in the land ownership as the legal mechanism
United States.1 that could free them from the constraints
The political, social, cultural, and economic issues surrounding of their feudal European heritage,
homelessness are complex, deeply rooted in stereotypes and prejudices, many early settlers “sought to establish
so that even the most caring of citizens can overlook a homeless individual property relations as the legal and moral
altogether. At times when undesirable populations have reached unusually underpinning of the new colonies.”3 As a
high numbers, the resulting social and government responses to the issue means to protect their freedom and wealth
vary little throughout history, with efforts primarily focused on getting the in the New World, colonies often invoked Figure 2: Homelessness is not a
recent issue, with little changing
homeless away from public spaces and separating them from the rest of strict settlement laws in which future throughout the nation’s history.

2
 colonists must ask permission to settle opinion of the post-Civil War hobos and their lifestyle was severe, often
in an existing community. As colony regarded by localities as “an undesirable character and a drain upon local
leaders saw certain individuals or resources.”6 As a response to the rapid increase of homeless people, many
families unworthy for their community cities passed strict anti-vagrancy laws, predecessors of more recent laws
for any variety of reasons, they were that criminalize activities of the homeless.7
forced to move along to the next With the Great Depression of the 1930s came a huge increase in
settlement in the hopes of finding a homelessness levels across the country, provoking the nation’s first
home. These wandering undesirables federal response to the issue. In 1933, the Federal Emergency Relief Act
created a “large underclass of (FERA) was inaugurated, accepting “as elementary that all needy persons
poor…the country’s first homeless and their dependents should receive sufficient relief to prevent physical
population.”4 suffering and to maintain a minimum standard of living.”8
Despite a rising homeless As the post-World War II economy quickly pushed the United States into
population as the early nineteenth the position of world superpower, homeless populations receded slightly
century economy changed the urban and tended to congregate around undesirable urban areas, known as skid

Figure 3: The Bowery Mission is a landscapes of America, it was not until rows. These marginalized neighborhoods provided unskilled laborers,
homeless shelter that has existed in after the Civil War that homelessness troubled veterans, and other unsheltered persons easy access to basic
New York City since the 19th century.
became a social issue recognizable at services and charitable missions. The underprivileged areas remained
the national scale. The troops returning home from battle faced many of the status quo well into the 1960s when urban planning policies began
the same mental issues as modern day veterans, yet the lack in medical drastically re-shaping the form and function of cities and, consequently, the
advancement meant that one out of thirteen Civil War veterans returned perception of the homeless.9
home missing one or more limbs.5 These mental and physical changes of
the soldiers, as well as shifts in post-war culture and society, forced many Urban Renewal and Globalization:
into homelessness. It was this new generation of veterans that would form Post World War II United States
the first public face for homelessness: the hobo. The growing populations of low-income and homeless people
The train-hopping transient, often called a hobo or tramp, became an centralizing around skid row neighborhoods during the mid-twentieth
archetype for the homeless population of this time, an identity that is still century contributed to the undesirable atmosphere of these urban
commonly referenced in modern-day culture. Although often portrayed in areas, most of which had deteriorated prior to the increase in homeless
recent media as free-spirited protagonists living life on the road, public populations. As housing and neighborhoods became more substandard,

3
 Figure 4: A mid-20th century graphic communicating the damage urban renewal policies were having on American cities.

working-class and middle-class residents often opted to move out, leaving “white flight” to the suburbs, but it also completely destroyed historic
only the poorest behind. In 1947, the Federal Housing Administration neighborhoods throughout the country, drastically impacting the patterns
recognized this to be an issue, writing that the “urban slums and blighted of urban homelessness and poverty. Often times, new construction during
areas have been spreading, becoming more intensified, and breaking out urban renewal did not replace existing living units with new ones, but
in new spots. Collectively they have reached startling proportions.”10 instead created business towers and parking lots catering to the suburban
The decline of urban centers across the United States leading up commuter. Although the new buildings and car parks may have seemed
to the 1950s ultimately led to a federal response: urban renewal. As an an improvement to the policy-makers, planners, and commuters, the high
attempt to rid the cities of the urban blight that had brought “grave financial cost of rent associated with the new development in these areas often
and economic difficulties,”11 the federal government began systematically displaced large numbers of underprivileged and homeless populations that
clearing out entire neighborhoods to be replaced by business districts and had lived in skid row.
highways. Politicians, urban planners, and architects convinced themselves In the 1970s, twenty years after urban renewal programs had begun
that new large-scale development projects would revitalize urban areas their systematic “revitalization” of urban centers, developments in the
and even slow the middle-class exodus to the suburbs. They were wrong. global economy put further strain on poor communities. With advances
Urban renewal not only failed at decreasing post-World War II in communications and transportation, the world was becoming more

4
 nowhere to go except into the city amongst the middle and upper class,
adding to tensions between the varying social groups. This undoubtedly
contributed to the crackdown on quality-of-life crimes throughout the end
of the twentieth century, in which the simple act of surviving as a homeless
person on the streets could be considered illegal.

Homelessness Today
On any given night, over 600,000 people lack permanent housing in the
United States, with more than 200,000 spending their nights in cars, under
bridges, or in any makeshift shelter they can claim as their own.15 A King
County-based coalition called One Night Count, consisting of over 800
volunteers and 125 team leaders, surveyed the extent of homelessness

Figure 5: Surviving on the streets isn’t easy, but most cities lack the facilities to on a single night in January 2013 and counted a total of 8,830 homeless
house the numbers of people experiencing homelessness.
persons.16 With about 1,000 of these persons under the age of twenty-
connected in a process called globalization. This marked a shift in the four,17 a surprising amount of youth in King County have no place to call
United States from a manufacturing economy to a service and knowledge home. This is a problem which will help to define this thesis.
economy. “Although the benefits of globalization in terms of increased Although 6,236 individuals were fortunate enough to be in a shelter
international interconnectivity are indisputable, such benefits can have that night, over 2,500 people were counted outside from 2:00-5:00 A.M.
profound costs for poor people.” 12
in King County, cold, wet, and forgotten.18 The counts from 2014 showed
By concentrating wealth and taking away job opportunities for a fourteen percent increase in those outside without shelter, proof of the
unskilled laborers, the radical increase in the mobility of capital and the immediate issue homelessness is for thousands of Seattle residents every
internationalization of production processes led to “an urban society night.
that is increasingly socially and spatially disconnected, fragmented, and
polarized.”13 Whereas poor urban communities used to provide essential The Thesis
sources of cheap labor for localized, production-based economies, they Although it may never be possible to end homelessness completely,
became “areas of abandonment and homelessness within an international this thesis posits that architects, planners, and designers can - and
marketplace.”14 must - play a significant role in improving the lives of the stigmatized and
People that previously gathered around established skid rows now had underprivileged who live without the most basic of human needs: housing.

5
 To help people regain control of their lives and move into permanent
independent housing, a variety of shelter types and services are needed
to cater to the specific needs of their unique occupants. In order to bring
about positive change, architects must look beyond the historical status
quo of housing the homeless. Instead, they must explore how the design
and programming of a housing facility for the homeless can help build a
supportive community for its residents.
This thesis is an architectural exploration of a supportive housing
community for homeless families and youth in Seattle, Washington. Inspired
by acts of placemaking and community activism often implemented by
disadvantaged populations to adapt to their difficult life circumstances, this
project focuses on the architects ability to positively influence a resident’s “The design of a shelter matters: to
experience of place. It seeks to restore a sense of dignity and hope for the the homeless, to those who work with
residents. By overlapping supportive housing with spaces for educational
them, to the neighboring community,
programs and employment training in “hands-on” fields of work, residents
and to society at large.”19
learn valuable transferable skills, work towards GEDs or professional
certificates, and gain experience in positive working environments. These
Sam Davis, architect
program participants will benefit from the support of the tight-knit community
formed throughout shared housing spaces.
How can incorporating a sense of place and community within a
newly envisioned homeless assistance facility restore dignity to those who
have just undergone extremely stressful and often degrading life events,
while successfully preparing them for independent living? As homeless
populations continue to evolve, how can thoughtful design and provision of
community-based services and employment training facilitate a shelter’s
ability to cater to families and youth struggling through different phases of
homelessness?

6
2 [Theoretical Framework]

7 figure 6
 The Changing Faces of Homelessness
While homelessness levels across the United States have remained
fairly consistent over the past decade, homeless family and youth
populations are on the rise, representing the fastest-growing group of
homeless persons in the nation.20 According to the 2010 Annual Homeless
Assessment Report released by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD), homeless families increased 20 percent from
2007-2010, now representing about 35 percent of the national homeless
population, the highest in American history.21 Of the 6,236 King County
homeless persons counted in shelters or transitional programs during the
One Night Count of 2013, over 50 percent (3,000 people) were members of
families with children and about 1 percent (60 people) were unaccompanied
youth. This puts Seattle’s homeless family population significantly higher

T
than the national average.22
his thesis explores issues involving various elements that will Although issues such as substance abuse and addiction, poverty,
impact the design of a successful housing facility for homeless and natural disasters will ensure there are homeless people in the United
families and youth. First, it assesses the recent shifts in homeless States in the future, recent shifts in the economy and society have led to
demographics across the United States, examining possible causes of the drastic increase in homeless families and youth that were once so
the dramatic increase in family and youth homelessness. Next, it offers uncommon.
observations on recent building designs transforming the way society
and local governments provide housing for homeless populations. This Loss of Housing
is followed by an exploration into the ways community activism and The economic downturn of 2007 and the related mortgage-lending

placemaking can help disadvantaged populations develop a sense of crisis, which caused more than seven million home foreclosures from

order and belonging in their chaotic lives. Finally, this thesis employs the 2007-2012, is perhaps the most significant factor in the increase of family

power of learning and doing in the belief that educational and employment homelessness.23 Despite many considering this strictly a homeowners

training can positively impact an individual’s journey to obtaining financial issue, families who rent their homes were also affected by the housing

independence. market crash. As landlords chose to sell their rental properties rather

8
 collar workers in the United States, where renting a one or two-bedroom
apartment in any of the 50 states at fair market rent requires more outlay
than their income allows. Nationally, the average renter is earning about
$13.50 per hour, just 73 percent of the $18.46 per hour they would need to
safely pay rent for an average priced two-bedroom apartment.26 According
to the 2009 American Community Survey, 52 percent of all renters paid
greater than 30 percent of their income on housing, putting them at high
risk of becoming homeless. Even more startling is the 26 percent of renters
that lost more than 50 percent of their income on rent, with seven million
households across the United States at severe risk of losing their home.27
While incomes decline, rents continue to rise at disheartening levels,
with the fair market rate for a two-bedroom unit increasing 41 percent from

Figure 7: More and more families are struggling with Homelessness as the gap
2000 to 2009.28 As the gap between minimum wage and living wage grows
between minimum wage and living wage continues to increase. wider, the shortage of affordable housing is a major socioeconomic trend
than risking foreclosure, tenants would lose their housing with little or no contributing to the struggles of homeless families and independent youth.
warning, putting many individuals and families at risk of homelessness. In The federal government was once the primary provider of support
fact, a 2009 study by the National Coalition for the Homeless found that systems for poor individuals and families, providing funding to build
renters of foreclosed units outnumbered the owner-occupiers of foreclosed low-income housing units as needs arose. By the 1970s, however, the
homes in shelters across the United States.24 government began to decrease its financial support, and by the end of
The crumbling economy of the late 2000s led to massive employment the 1980s federal housing funding had dropped over 70 percent.29 Not
cuts for nearly every industry, business sector, and organization across the only is the amount of new affordable housing inadequate for the growing
country, pushing many low-income families who had always lived near the numbers of low-income populations, there is also an unfortunate tendency
poverty line, as well as many middle class families, into homelessness. to demolish affordable housing units in urban centers across the United
Even with a full-time job it is not guaranteed an individual can escape States, vestiges of mid twentieth century urban renewal policies so
poverty and homelessness, let alone support a family. Despite minimum destructive to the fabric of American cities.
wage being raised 41 percent from 2006 to 2009 ($5.15 to $7.25), the Despite funding cuts for programs most beneficial for the poor, the
national minimum wage is still worth over 12 percent less than it was in federal government spent almost twice as much in tax expenditures and
1967.25 direct housing assistance on families in the top income levels than in
The decline of wages has put housing out of reach for many blue- the lowest income levels.30 So while the needs of struggling families are
9
ignored and their issues compounded, the wealthiest households continue
to reap the benefits of a society where the rich get richer, and the poor get
poorer.
The drastic cuts in federal assistance for housing has led to a market in
which the demand clearly exceeds the supply, leading to overcrowded and
underfunded shelters, especially after the economic crisis of the late 2000s.
Consequently, families and individuals seeking housing often face long
waiting lists for both public housing and federal housing assistance options.
Although wait times vary by state and local resources, the average wait
time is 19-24 months for receiving Section 8 housing vouchers (accepted
by any landlord participating in the program) and 13-18 months for public
housing (specific properties managed by local housing authorities) in
Figure 8: Although the effects of homelessness impacts the health of all
Washington State. These wait times, which lie somewhere in the middle of individuals, it has devastating effects on the development of children and youth.

the national average, are nowhere near acceptable when considering the
emotional and physical strain the situation puts on individuals and families; children being forced to move at least once on an annual basis, and 40
they are proof that significant action is needed to invoke positive change. percent attending at least two schools in the same school year.32
Although it is difficult to quantify, as many instances of abuse are never
Effects of Homelessness on Children and Youth reported, many young children experience violence either first hand or as a
The multi-faceted issues and problems brought about by homelessness witness during their struggles for shelter. These encounters not only leave
are sure to negatively impact the life of any individual, but the harmful effects a child afraid, confused, and hopeless, but they also instill a sense of anger
on children who experience this process can often be more damaging in and aggression that can lead to behavioral issues later in life. The constant
both the short-term and the long-term. traumatic stresses experienced by homeless children result in “three times
In 2009, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development the rate of emotional issues like anxiety, depression, sleep problems,
(HUD) conducted a study of homeless families and children, examining the withdrawal, and aggression” when compared to children with homes.33
negative effects of homelessness on the health and mental development Given these circumstances, it is not surprising that homeless children
of children. Inadequate nutrition is a major problem, with hunger being are 16 percent less proficient in both reading and math, with one-third
detrimental to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of having to repeat a grade at some point in their educational careers.34 The
children.31 The lack of stability associated with the homeless lifestyle adds homeless lifestyle has profound impacts on a student’s ability to learn and
further stress and strain on their lives, with over 95 percent of homeless decreases their ability to form meaningful and supportive relationships
10
with adults. This lack of trust ultimately impairs their likelihood to achieve
success in life.
The stresses of homeless lifestyles affect not only young children,
but also their adolescent and teen siblings dealing with added social and
economic expectations not present in grade school. As kids in financially
burdened families grow older, they begin to feel the stigmatization of
homelessness and poverty imposed upon them by mainstream culture.
Add this to the emotional strain guaranteed to escalate throughout puberty
and adolescence, and the constant moves between schools and social
circles become even more challenging, leading to feelings of isolation and
poor self-image.

Independent Homeless Youth Figure 9: Although the effects of homelessness impacts the overall health of all
individuals, it has devastating effects on the development of children and youth.
In addition to noticeable increases in homeless families across the
nation, there is also a dramatic rise in the number of independent youth foster care system with “no job or income, few educational prospects, and
experiencing homelessness. In fact, according to research published in the little emotional support or community connections.”36 Whereas an intact
American Journal of Public Health, youth aged 12-17 are at a higher risk family often provides continued emotional and financial support as teens
of homelessness than adults.35 Although the reasons for this are complex, develop into young adults, foster youth often feel they have nowhere to
flaws in the foster care system and a significant increase in lesbian, gay, turn. This lack of support has dire consequences, with research suggesting
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals experiencing discrimination that about 20 percent of the 20,000 youth leaving foster care each year will
at home are two of the leading causes. become homeless in the United States.37
When children enter foster care, they become the responsibility of the Family conflict is the primary cause of homelessness for independent
state; the state becomes a parent in which they must provide adequate youth, with an estimated 1.6 to 2.8 million runaways each year in the
food, clothing, housing, and education. Often, foster children receive United States.38 A major cause of these conflicts can be related in some
the bare minimum of such requirements, and have a better life than if way to a youth’s sexual orientation or gender identity.39 Research suggests
they were left to fend for themselves. What the foster care system fails between 20 and 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as LGBT,
to provide, however, is the support and personal attention necessary for disproportionately higher than the 3 to 5 percent of the total U.S. population.40
these children to mature into independent adults. It is clear that LGBT youth are more susceptible to homelessness than
Upon turning eighteen, these youth are often emancipated from the their less stigmatized peers. These youth live in a society that inherently
11
 Typical Shelter Approach: Warehousing the Poor

discriminates against them, with stays in typical homeless shelters often

leading to further harassment and violence.
The rise in youth and family homelessness is caused by many
complicated factors not related to architecture, but the resulting problem
is one that should be explored by architects, designers, and developers in
an attempt to positively influence a homeless individuals path to financial employee
area

stability. Although there is a shortage of shelters and transitional housing

for all homeless persons, the need for residency options catering to
independent youth and families with children has never been greater.

The Homeless Shelter as a Building Type:

Case Studies
The negative stereotypes commonly associated with living conditions at
homeless shelters are based on historical precedent in which undesirable
homeless populations were kept in converted basements, garages, or
stairways of public buildings: warehouses for the poor.41 Although it seems
logical that providing any type of housing is better than none at all, these Figure 10: A typical shelter in 1930s Seattle [left] and a modern day shelter [right].
Little has changed over the centuries, where people are stuffed into large, empty
shelters often did little to impact the lives of homeless persons in the long rooms with no privacy: warehouses for the poor.
term. Often, the residents would have such unpleasant experiences that
many preferred life on the streets to a bed in an institutionalized shelter. The of the place. Harmful diseases, even ones that may not be as serious to
blank, monotonous spaces “of unrelenting sameness and regimentation,”42 someone with access to health services, can easily be transmitted when
in which even something as simple as privacy screens between beds are beds are packed together in close proximity.
considered expendable by management, strips the occupant of any dignity Fortunately, a noticeable shift has taken place in the development,
they have left after being forced to seek residence in a shelter. design, and construction of homeless shelters and transitional housing
Not only are institutionalized shelters a horribly unpleasant place to over the last ten to twenty years, with residents being treated like people
be, but they can also pose significant health risks to residents. Although rather than cattle. While it is impossible to convince some of the “shelter-
undermanaged shelters have issues with human waste and rodents resistant” homeless who have had traumatizing experiences, there is
within the buildings, invisible airborne diseases, such as pneumonia and significant support claiming that these new shelters have the potential
tuberculosis, are the more serious issue regardless of the apparent upkeep to decrease the scope of homelessness within the United States. These
12
 claimed homelessness as his major agenda during his 1985-1992 term of
service, the principal at Holst Architecture explains that the BCC seeks to
“veer away from treating [the shelter] as just another place to warehouse
people.”
The Bud Clark Commons combines 130 transitional studio apartments,
a men’s shelter with 90 beds, in-house social services and counseling, and
various gathering spaces into one facility described as “the centerpiece
of Portland’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.”43 Managed by the
Housing Authority of Portland, the BCC boasts many environmentally
efficient design features not typically included in public housing projects.
These promote financial sustainability and environmental stewardship
while distinguishing the facility within the community.
Figure 11: A street-view of the Bud Clark Commons. It’s lower levels consist of Perhaps the most noteworthy of the efficient solutions implemented
significant services, while the more private housing units are above.
are the variety of passive house design strategies incorporated in the
facilities provide the residents with skills and resources that can lead to 352-square-foot transitional housing units. Internal heat gain from
financial independence living in permanent housing. occupants and appliances provide the majority of warmth needed, while
The following case studies are recent projects based on the belief that small heaters and a heat recovery unit making up the difference.44
higher quality housing for homeless populations not only improves the Other energy efficient solutions effect the lighting and water usage of
experience of the residents, but also saves government resources over the building. One of the largest solar hot water heating systems in the
time. Northwest provides over 80 percent of the buildings needs. Substantial
Bud Clark Commons daylighting allows electric lighting to be used less than 50 percent of total
Designed by Holst Architecture and completed in June 2011, the Bud daylight hours. Rainwater harvesting through green roofs and bioswales
Clark Commons (BCC) is a 106,000 square foot facility located on an old and a customized graywater-recycling system reduce water usage by over
brownfield site along the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon’s Old Town 50 percent.45 Overall, it is estimated that the system of energy-efficient
district. This LEED Platinum project, honored in the AIAs Committee on strategies result in an annual energy savings of about $60,000.46
the Environment 2014 Top Ten Green List and a recipient of the 2012 Funded through a combination of low-income tax credits, HUD stimulus
AIA/HUD Secretary’s Award in the Creating Community Award, marks a packages, and urban renewal funding, the Bud Clark Commons completed
significant shift in attitudes about what a homeless shelter can offer it’s cost (excluding land) was $28.75 million.47 The BCC is an example of the
residents. Named after Portland’s former Mayor Bud Clark, who proudly Housing First policy, the model adopted in 2010 by the U.S. Department
13
 be necessary as the building ages, which can be accomplished with no
damage to the brick facade.49 Furthering the sense of adaptability and
durability, the program was laid out with the possibility of being repurposed
into other uses in the future. With the public spaces and social services
logically located on the first two levels of the facility and the transitional
housing units stacked above, it could easily be renovated into senior
or long-stay housing if the needs for homeless services are drastically
decreased in the future.
After only a few years of operation, the BCC is proving to have a
significant impact on the lives of thousands of homeless men and women in
Portland. In the first year alone, the facility served more than 7,000 persons
at the day center and kitchen, connected more than 3,600 persons to social
Figure 12: The Bud Clark Commons is built using durable, high-quality materials. This services, and placed over 350 in permanent housing.50 Much more than an
ensures building longevity while also providing a sense of pride for the residents.
institution, Portland officials such as Commissioner Nick Fish believes the
of Housing and Urban Development arguing that providing housing and BCC is a “functional…beautiful” building giving homeless “people a sense
relevant services to the homeless populations saves money in the long that this community really cares about them and their progress.”51
run. By considering the various needs of the underserved residents,
Along similar lines is the priority of durability, in which deliberate supplying spaces where users can congregate and experience nature
decisions were made to invest in long-lasting solutions rather than within the city, and designing with social and environmental sustainability,
accepting immediate cost-savings. By using mostly locally sourced high- Holst Architects created an environment of hope, dignity, and respect for
quality finishes and appliances, such as solid core counters and doors, Portland’s homeless citizens.
higher-performing windows, and a post-tensioned concrete structure, the
designers ensured that the residents feel socially significant and proud of The Carver Apartments
their new found home, while also increasing the longevity and durability of Winning an AIA Los Angeles Design Award and the AIA/HUD
the building.48 Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing Design in 2011,
Intended as a 100-year building, Holst Architects designed the facade just one year before the Bud Clark Commons, the New Carver Apartments
system so that specific elements can be easily replaced as technologies “explore how architecture can create both new possibilities for its highly
and needs change over time. Although the windows currently installed underserved residents as well as for the city at large.”52 Designed by
are high-performing by today’s standards, it is likely that upgrades will Michael Maltzan Architecture and completed in 2009 for a cost of $18.4
14
 minimize the buildings facade area that is parallel to the freeway, reducing
sound transmission into the living units and creating subtle patterns of light
and shadow for both the residents and the drivers on the freeway.53
The unusual architecture of the Carver represents a significant
contrast in beliefs about the appropriateness of design decisions when
compared to the Bud Clark Commons. Whereas the BCC blends into it’s
spatial context and resembles a typical housing building, the Carver is
intentionally unique. Theresa Hwang, president of the Skid Row Housing
Trust, believes “having a building that stands proud on the street has a
huge impact on the residents where they can proudly point to the building”
they live in, a building that looks nothing like the stereotypes associated
with most shelters.54 Molly Rysman, the Skid Row Housing Trust’s director
Figure 13: The New Carver Apartments are a response to the car-dominated of special projects and affairs, explains that high-quality “affordable housing
site, an abstract form that helps deflect noise that would disrupt the quality of life
within. improves the neighborhood and creates an anchor in the community,” and
that “it’s not about blending in, but about having an impact.”55
million for the Skid Row Housing Trust, the project is funded by housing At 53,000 square feet, about half the area of the Bud Clark Commons,
tax credits, government money (from the city, county, and state), federal the Carver provides similar programmatic elements. The ground floor is
subsidies, and private financing. a series of communal spaces and tenant support services connected by
The New Carver Apartments are located on a noisy site directly circulation paths that frame views into the building and across the block.
adjacent to the Santa Monica Freeway in the rapidly developing South Park Imagined as a series of lines cut out of the building plinth, these paths form
neighborhood of Los Angeles, with easy access to transit, grocery stores, an array of interior streets and connect the living units above with the city
and commercial uses. Although the program and intended user is similar as a whole. Much of the structural concrete is left exposed on this level,
to the Bud Clark Commons, the noise and views associated with the LA an aesthetic response to the elevated freeway structure that dominates
site lead to a very different design solution than in Portland. The six-story the site.
cylindrical volume defines a private outdoor courtyard within the buildings As occupants reach the middle of the ground floor and enter the lobby,
center. The exterior of this circular form is accentuated with repeating a dramatic stairway with an integrated gathering space leads residents
sawtooth-like vertical facets that, when combined with the narrow windows into the open-air courtyard. Considered the centerpiece of the design both
designed to minimize exhaust infiltration, exudes a defensive relationship aesthetically and programmatically, the circular space is defined by a series
to its surroundings, a response appropriate for this site. The facets also of polished sheet metal fins that exaggerate the verticality of the courtyard
15
 themselves to create some feeling of safety, Maltzan believes the homeless
shelter must “provide those walls before you can start to open things back
up”58 within the residents lives. To keep the idea from becoming too stifling
and enclosed, there are a series of bold cuts through various unexpected
spaces like the community and laundry rooms on the third floor. These
apertures create visual connections to the surrounding neighborhood and
freeway.59
The New Carver Apartments “strike a tricky balance between two
fundamental and often conflicting needs of the chronically homeless,”
providing a sense of protection while also enabling valuable human
interaction.60 Its unusual form, overall approach to the housing problem,
and response to the challenging site creates optimism for public housing
Figure 14: The building is inward-focused, with a central atrium and gathering in Los Angeles, acting as a visible architectural symbol for an otherwise
space defining the character of the living area. Sheet metal fins add visual
interest while hiding services and providing structural support. ignored population.
The Bud Clark Commons and the New Carver Apartments, although
and draw the users eyes to the skies above. This vertical space acts as an different in their architectural response, are valuable examples of modern
open, 5-story hall in which the 97 modest living units are accessed. housing for people struggling with homelessness. These case studies
As this project had a limited budget, not all spaces could be luxurious. provided insight into what can make social housing play a more active role
The designers at Maltzan decided to provide simple, yet functional, living in returning it’s residents to permanent living situations.
units so that more money could be spent on creating exceptional gathering
spaces meant to encourage interaction and community building. Rather Order out of Chaos:
than providing only an aesthetic enhancement, however, the interior Community Activism and Placemaking
courtyard also functions as a ventilation system for the building and allows For reasons rooted deep within the American cultural and social
for substantial daylight to penetrate the gathering spaces and living units construct, underprivileged populations are consistently treated as
within. The metal fins create atmospheric rhythm of light and shadow, while second-class citizens at best. More often, however, these people virtually
also acting as structural supports and concealing drainpipes.56 disappear, invisible to the commercialized and capitalist society that
Designed as “an inner sanctuary meant to nurture a sense of security,”57 seems to ignore their basic needs. Whether a chronically homeless adult
the introverted courtyard was inspired by common spatial responses to or a young child brought up in a poor neighborhood, both are robbed of
life on the street. Just as homeless people tend to put up walls around their self-confidence, stigmatized as lazy and incompetent people unfit for
16
the modern workplace, and alienated from community decision-making communities of people.”66 The process of making a place, of changing
processes.61 Both the homeless and those living in very poor communities and maintaining the physical world around you, can help establish a
are often perceived not as victims of social and environmental injustice, connection with one’s surroundings. Even the simplest of interventions can
but as criminals posing a direct threat to society. This leaves the homeless help someone better understand their environment, and by affecting some
stranded from many communities and social interactions, leading to aspect of this space through a deliberate act of placemaking, a person
increased feelings of isolation, sadness, and insignificance. implants part of his or her identity into the place itself.
As a response to the lack of community and overall injustice experienced As groups of people collaborate, working together towards a common
through mainstream society, some marginalized individuals and groups goal, placemaking becomes a valuable means of building relationships and
have taken it upon themselves to be the change they seek in the world forming a sense of a community. In groups of people who are homeless or
through localized acts of “resistance and hope.” 62
poverty-stricken, often lacking a support network, this feeling of belonging
to a community becomes significant. While the homeless typically have no
From Space to Place influence over decisions in mainstream society, placemaking generates a
By “intentionally occupying [a space], changing it, caring for it, marking sense of empowerment that can motivate real change within a person’s
it, or representing it in words or images,” 63
groups or individuals take life.
responsibility for some of the changes they need in their environments When people other than professional planners and architects “decide
through an act called appropriating space. “Appropriation of space not on how to make the world around them…by building and tearing buildings
only provides a material resource necessary to meet needs for everyday down, cultivating land and planting gardens…mowing lawns, taking
life - a place people can call their own - but also is a potential source over buildings, understanding and restoring cities,”67 they are taking
of both individual and collective empowerment.”64 Since homeless and responsibility for their homes and community. Placemaking is significant
underprivileged individuals typically have little to no personal property not only because of the relationships people have with places, but also
to occupy, this act can include claiming and adapting spaces without because it strengthens relationships among people in those places.
permission. This is illegal, yet often tolerated when the situation involves
devalued and underutilized land. Appropriation becomes a process of Puerto Rican Casitas
mutual adaption between the space and the inhabitant, in which individuals Typical to most lower class populations, a Puerto Rican community
assess their needs and subsequently transforms their environment, in 1970s New York found themselves occupying landscapes of pollution,
resulting in a space more suitable for their lifestyle. 65
disrepair, and violence. Basically invisible to the rest of society, particularly
Through a process of on-going work called placemaking, an idea those who make significant decisions that impact urban dwellers, a
closely related to appropriating space, people “transform the places we collective of these Puerto Rican immigrants took it upon themselves to
find ourselves into places in which we can truly dwell as individuals and
17
 community can articulate their national and personal identity, foster a
sense of belonging, and create a safe haven within the harsh realities
of inner-city life. By “tak[ing] an active role in reshaping landscapes of
despair into landscapes of hope,”69 the Puerto Rican casitas transform
fragmented urban landscapes into places rich with cultural significance
and identity, creating a better place for residents to thrive as individuals
and communities.

Community Gardens
Although community gardens are not a new idea, an awareness of the
negative effects associated with long-distance food distribution has led to
an increasing number of urban gardens and farms across the nation. This

Figure 15: The casitas created a significant cultural identity for the underserved desire for locally produced food has led to an estimated 18,000 community
Puerto Rican community in New York, with this form of placemaking thriving in the
gardens in the United States as of 2013.70 These gardens not only provide
Bronx neighborhoods throughout the 1970s.
their surrounding communities with fresh produce, but also draw people
restore their sense of identity in the South Bronx neighborhood of New from various backgrounds to work towards common goals, offering “unique
York. They achieved this by building impromptu encampments of casitas, opportunities to establish relationships within and across physical and
or little houses, in vacant lots throughout the urban landscape. These little social barriers.”71
houses, often made from up-cycled or scrap materials, provide a family Community gardens provide shared space that can be used as
and it’s surrounding community with a safe place for social interaction, a an outdoor classroom, where youth can learn valuable skills in areas
play area for children, and a familiar space for religious and social events. like practical math, earth sciences, communication, and accepting
Typical to this culture’s vernacular residences where people lacked the responsibilities. These gardens also promote healthy lifestyles and eating
resources to own farms, the casitas often have small fenced-in yards that habits, ensuring individuals and families are healthy and well fed for
promote the raising of chickens or pigs and the growing of fresh food. generations to come.
“The corrugated metal gable roof, veranda, shuttered windows, and Community gardens for disadvantaged populations have multiple
vibrant colors evoke the Puerto Rican countryside of another era, and benefits in addition to those already mentioned, as the food produced
assert a Puerto Rican presence in cities where they have been alternately helps to alleviate part of the financial stress of feeding families. The surplus
displaced by urban renewal”68 and gentrification. of food can be sold at a profit, adding a means of income for financially
The casita becomes the means through which this marginalized burdened families. These gardens also provide employment for students
18
 The Power of Learning, Making, and Doing
A person’s education is one of the most significant aspects determining
an individuals “place” within modern, capitalistic society. Whether it is a
traditional kindergarten through high school path meant to prepare a teen
for higher education and a future career, or a more hands-on employment
training program geared towards specific occupations, an individuals ability
to provide for themselves often depends on their educational background
and performance in these situations. Although many homeless individuals
would be capable of succeeding in educational or employment training
programs under typical conditions, the traumatic stresses and lifestyles
associated with homelessness put these individuals at an extreme
disadvantage when it comes to academic performance. How can anyone
expect someone to study for a test or write a research paper when they
Figure 16: Community gardens help foster a sense of interconnectedness and
self-achievement beneficial to disadvantaged populations that lack systems of don’t even have a place to shower, sleep, or eat?
support.
In order to provide support for the 1.5 million American homeless
or homeless individuals struggling for income. children and youth struggling to succeed in their education,72 there are
Whereas vacant lots often go unused, or promote activities that do a number of established programs across the country and beyond ran
nothing to benefit the community at large, shared grow spaces are often by various non-profit organizations. With the help of these organizations,
well maintained by the gardeners and require no maintenance or expense individuals are better equipped to overcome the barriers imposed upon
from the local government. These attractive lots do much more to promote them by homelessness. Two established programs, in particular, have had
a positive image in these marginalized communities than a vacant lot of a direct impact on the development of this thesis.
equivalent dimensions.
The inherent beauty and aesthetic quality of gardens can help foster a YouthCare
feeling of improved self-worth for individuals and communities neglected by YouthCare is a Seattle-based organization providing services to local
mainstream society. These feelings of improved self-image, complimented homeless youth for the past 40 years. Through a continuum of care that
with a boosted confidence brought by successfully growing food, can includes outreach, emergency and transitional housing, counselors and
create a domino effect in which individuals and communities transform case managers, personalized education assistance, and employment
their surroundings to better reflect their potential and value. training programs, YouthCare serves children as young as 12 to youth

19
 YouthCare believes that the chances of success for a youth struggling
through homelessness increase dramatically when education is paired with
employment training. As most of the program participants have little work
experience, possess few of the skills employers seek, and lack confidence
and communication skills necessary in the workplace, YouthCare provides
employment training programs aimed at making them more employable.
They offer four distinct programs, each with unique areas of focus:75
The Tile Project is an art-based learning program where
students earn minimum wage creating art, learn to follow
instructions, and gain confidence working under superiors.
The Barista training program trains individuals how to
make a good cup of coffee, a very marketable skill in the

Figure 17: YouthCare’s YouthBuild program employs the help of troubled city of Seattle. On top of gaining experience behind the
homeless teens to build affordable housing units in their local community.
espresso machine, participants learn how to appropriately
as old as 24. The mission of this organization is to build confidence and deal with customers in a service and sales industry requiring
self-sufficiency for these young people, getting them off the streets and good communication skills and an outgoing personality.
preparing them for a successful life. “For a homeless youth, outreach and The YouthTech program is a 14-week college-level
basic services and emergency shelter mean survival. For YouthCare, they course focusing on exploring the inner-workings of
mean an opportunity to engage.”73 personal computers. Participants disassemble a desktop
Although there is much to praise regarding their outreach program computer in their first few days, spend the following weeks
and housing options catering to youth with various needs, what makes refurbishing machines for local organizations, and in the
YouthCare most significant in regards to this thesis is their educational and final week reassemble the computer they started with that
employment training programs. becomes theirs to own. Upon completion of this program,
Their educational programs combine flexible diploma and GED-track the youth gain Cisco certification and have a basic set
resources with individualized case management and housing services, of skills needed to start a career path in the information
helping nearly 100 students earn their high school diploma and another 100 technology (IT) field.
enroll in college over the last two years.74 They use personalized education YouthCare’s YouthBuild is a program linked to a
plans along with certified teachers and volunteers to help youth succeed at nation-wide organization (YouthBuild) that has constructed
a pace appropriate to their specific situation and learning needs. over 20,000 units of affordable housing and trained over
20
 100,000 young people in the construction industry. The
YouthCare YouthBuild model is one of the few unique
programs that specifically recruit homeless youth for this
rigorous and rewarding experience. After six months,
participants have enough experience to earn industry
certifications, enabling them to apply for high-wage
positions and earn college credits.
As part of each training program listed above, YouthCare provide
assistance in developing resumes, learning valuable interviewing skills,
and conducting job searches. With this level of support, the residents are
more likely to succeed in obtaining their GED or high school diploma.
This employment training model has a high completion rate of 88 percent, Figure 18: Out of the Dark restores a sense of purpose into the lives of troubled
suggesting that the combination of education and employment training can teens in the UK by teaching them the process of repurposing discarded furniture.

help homeless youth make steps towards a more stable future. experience where the students volunteer their time to learn specific and
advanced skills in furniture restoration and craftsmanship. At the end of
Out of the Dark this program, the students showing the best work ethic and skills are taken
Out of the Dark is a social enterprise that restores and up-cycles on as employees.78
highly crafted furniture discarded by others. Based in High Wycombe, Out of the Dark confirms the profound psychological effect related
England, an area once considered a mecca of British furniture making, this to the process of working with your hands and creating. The process of
organization uses a “workforce made up of troubled teenagers from the creation, particularly involving something physically tangible, “affords an
local community, who find direction and self-discipline, learn a trade and opportunity to identify the uniqueness of personal characteristics, skills, and
restore a sense of balance in their lives.”76 intuitive ideas. It is a means for discovering limits and potentials through
Through a referral scheme involving middle and high schools, the the manipulation of external events”79 and resources. This creation serves
police, social services, peers, and parents suggesting troubled youth for as a reflection of one’s capabilities, positively raising the creator’s sense
the program, Out of the Dark works with about 90 young people a year at of self-worth and confidence and, ultimately, increasing their chances of a
varying levels of engagement.77 While most students are recommended for stable and successful life.
a program treated similar to an after school project, there is a more intense The success of both Out of the Dark and the YouthCare employment
program for some of the students hand picked by the founder of Out of the training programs have provided inspiration for the homeless assistance
Dark, Jay Blades. This “trainee scheme” is a three-month apprentice-style facility proposed in this thesis.
21
 Conclusions
This research has shown the need for expanded resources designed
to assist families and youth struggling with homelessness. In order to
create permanent positive effects in the lives of the increasing numbers
In order to create permanent
of homeless families and youth, however, society must provide these
people with more than a basic homeless shelter and a bowl of soup. positive effects in the lives of the
These struggling families and youth need community support and access increasing numbers of homeless
to programs that will help them achieve financial and emotional stability.
families and youth, society must
While transitioning from homelessness to independence, this population
provide these people with more
deserves housing options they are proud to call home, places where they
feel they belong. In order to foster a sense of community and support for than a basic homeless shelter
residents, new typologies should be explored combining assisted housing and a bowl of soup.
with educational and employment training programs. A mixed-use building
such as this will prepare residents with the skills they need to achieve
housing independence, while encouraging interaction and networking
between residents undergoing similar life events and hurdles.

22
 boatHouse

techHouse

makersHouse
3 [Methods]

growHouse

chefHouse

coffeeHouse figure 19
 level of security and safety appropriate to such a facility.
There should be a transitional housing component
operating separately, yet related to, the supportive
housing components. This provides a logical next step for
adolescents and families graduating out of the supportive
housing and moving closer to regaining independent living
and financial stability. Although aspects of the residential
components should be located on the site to be accessible
and welcoming at street-level, the actual apartments and
living quarters must be a place of comfort, privacy, and
safety.

2. Provide educational programs and services in-house to

T
assist in the process of returning to independent living.
he following is an overview of the methodologies, assumptions, The success of the YouthCare and Out of the Dark
and overall goals associated with this design proposal. The educational and employment training models serve
methods adopted represent how the research is synthesized into as precedent for the types of programs that should be
the final design response. included at this facility. In order to prepare the residents for
a life free from the burdens of homelessness, there will be
Goals and Objectives several programs in “hands-on” areas of study that youth
and parents at the facility must be enrolled in to maintain
1. Provide a variety of residency options catering to families their residency.
and youth at different stages of homelessness. Although the residential components and training
This housing facility should provide unique assisted programs will be intended for families and youth, there
housing units specifically for the demographic of families should be general services such as counseling, housing
with children and independent youth. The layout and searches, and personal hygiene stations located
function of these units are dependent on the residents’ somewhere within the facility to assist homeless individuals
current life situation and needs, yet it is clear the two in need, regardless of their eligibility for the assisted
distinct demographics should be separated to maintain a housing or training programs. The services included in
24
 transitional
transitional
housing
transitional
housinghousing mediamedia
labs labs
media labs cafe cafe cafe
counseling
counseling
counseling small group
small group
spaces
small spaces
group spacesmaterials
materials
donation
materials
donation
donation
employee
employee
BOH employee
BOH BOH meetingmeeting
rooms meeting
rooms rooms communal
communal
gathering
communal
gathering
gathering
the Bud Clark Commons and the New Carver Apartments
private storage storage storage
private officesoffices offices market market market
community com
act as starting points when determining useful services for employment training employment training
gallery gallery
supportive housing supportive housing
dining hall dining hall
grow space grow space
homeless individuals or families. transitional housing transitional housing
media labs media labs cafe cafe
counseling counseling
small group spaces small group
materials
spacesdonation materials donation
employee BOH employeemeeting
BOH rooms meeting
communal
rooms gathering communal gathering
storage storage offices offices market market
3. Create a housing community that contributes to the existing
neighborhood.
Locating the facility near an existing neighborhood Figure 20: A variety of spaces with different levels of enclosure help residents feel
empowered as they determine their own levels of privacy, a decision they don’t
center or commercial district will help connect the residents usually get to make while living on the streets.

to the fabric of social relationships and job opportunities

already in place, helping them to feel socially significant. durable materials. Despite a higher initial cost, cities such
Similar to a feeling of self-worth discovered through the as Portland have found it worthwhile to use high-quality
process of making and creating, this sense of belonging will materials like solid-core doors, high-performing windows,
be beneficial during the residents’ journey to independence. and solid surface countertops. This contributes to the
The educational and employment training programs overall goal of creating an environmentally conscious living
discussed previously not only provide the residents with space for the underserved residents that will improve their
skills to improve their lives, but also encourage interaction feelings of self-worth and value. A well-designed building
between those living in the neighboring Fremont/Wallingford means seeking sustainability that includes financial, social,
community with residents of the assisted housing facility. and environmental performance measures.80
This engagement will help build a sense of community and Taking advantage of resource conservation and
support for the residents that is centered around learning, environmentally conscious building design techniques
making, and doing. These training programs and their can help provide a unique identity for the residents of the
placement on the site should improve upon current urban assisted housing community, standing as a symbol within
conditions and lead to an improved public realm that is the neighborhood that marks its significance and purpose.
beneficial to the community at large. As architect Sam Davis explains in his book, Designing
for the Homeless, “choice and self-determination are
4. Restore a sense of hope and dignity for the underserved cornerstones of dignity, and a homeless person has few
homeless populations. options.”81 With this in mind, there should be a diversity of
This housing facility should be a thoughtfully designed spaces with varying levels of privacy and enclosure at this
building executed in quality construction detailing with facility [figure 20], helping to create a sense of empowerment
25
 and individual control for the residents as they decide The research included in this thesis yielded a database of services,
where they spend their time throughout the day. These shelters, and the many resources available to Seattle residents seeking
varying levels of enclosure should be logically related to relief from homelessness. This information was overlaid on a map of
who is using specific spaces, with a clear sense of what Seattle that, when compared with the apparent homeless demographics
is public and accessible to anyone passing through the of certain areas, helped guide the process of determining where to locate
building, and what is private, only to be used by residents. the facility.
Although homelessness may seem most severe around Pioneer
Regardless of architectural expression or form, this housing facility Square and Denny Way, a fairly strong network of services already exists in
should be a place that struggling families and independent youth will this neighborhood catering to the high concentration of middle-aged males
be proud to call their home for however long they require the support that tend to congregate there. To successfully reach homeless families
provided to them. Well-designed, beautiful spaces can restore dignity to and young people, the facility should be located further north. This places
their residents and encourage the “shelter-resistant” to seek services and the homeless assistance center closer to residential neighborhoods, an
assistance by “reassuring them that they are not entering a depressing appropriate area for families, and to the rising numbers of transient youth
warehouse for the discarded.”82 gathering around the University District.
The services map [figure 21] shows that the central neighborhoods of
Fremont and Wallingford have fewer services and residence options for
Neighborhood Selection disadvantaged populations than the adjacent neighborhoods of Ballard
By narrowing this project’s scope to central Seattle neighborhoods, in and the University District. Situated just north of Lake Union, Fremont is
which the concentration of homeless is significantly higher than other areas a centrally located neighborhood proclaiming itself as the “center of the
of King County, the facility will be well placed to serve a large population. universe.”83 It is known to be full of creative and eccentric individuals, a
Many factors determined the optimal neighborhood for the proposed type of open-mindedness that should be helpful when incorporating a
supportive housing community. In order to best serve the target homeless families and youth facility into their community. Although a non-
demographic, perhaps the most important aspect of siting the facility is its profit operates a small low-income housing project along 45th Avenue, on
relationship to families and youth in need. Also significant is how it will fit the fringes of where Fremont ends and Wallingford begins to the east, no
within the network of services already existing for the desired demographic. services or housing exist catering to homeless families and youth.
In addition, the facilities location within a given neighborhood is important in This areas shortage of services and low-income housing options, its
determining the residents’ ability to feel accepted by the existing community, reputation for open-mindedness, and its central location within the city
and for the broader community to reap the benefits sure to permeate from of Seattle are all characteristics that make the Fremont and Wallingford
the educational and employment training programs included in this facility. neighborhoods an optimal location for this project.
26
Figure 21: A map compiling relevant homeless services
accessible in Seattle. Most are located near downtown and
cater to middle-aged individuals, not places suitable for
families or independent youth.
27
 typical location of acceptable site for typical location of
homeless shelters proposed shelter homeless shelters

34th St

Woodlawn Ave

Densmore Ave
Northlake Way
20-min. 10-min. vibrant
walking walking neighborhood
distance distance center

Figure 22: The project site must be able to integrate into an existing community, Figure 23: Aerial view of the site located just north of Gas Works Park in the
while not causing tensions by being directly in the neighborhood center. Fremont/Wallingford neighborhoods of Seattle.

Site Selection consistently high levels of use, the northwest portion of the park, a green
Several factors were considered prior to designating a specific site space adjacent to the project site, is noticeably underutilized and will be
within the Fremont and Wallingford area for the proposed homeless appropriated in this thesis.
assistance center. The site must be close to an existing neighborhood
center or commercial area, easily connecting residents to a community Program of Spaces
and a network of job opportunities [figure 22]. It must be accessible by The proposed homeless assistance center can be broken up into
public transportation and alternative means of transit such as biking, as it is four basic programmatic elements: the LearningHouse educational and
unlikely the residents can rely on personal automobiles for transportation. employment training programs and some associated commercial uses,
As this is a facility aimed at helping families and youth, there must also be supported housing for homeless families and youth, transitional housing,
relatively easy access to schools for various ages of children. and a homeless services day center.
The chosen site is a block on the southeast edge of Fremont defined 1. The LearningHouse: Educational and Employment Training
by 34 Street to the north, Densmore Avenue to the east, Northlake Way to
th
Programs
the South, and Woodlawn Avenue to the west [figure 23]. Perhaps the most The general name given to the collective group of
intriguing aspect of this site is its relationship to Gas Works Park. Although educational and employment training programs offered
considered a very significant park in Seattle for both historical reasons and at this facility is called the LearningHouse. Inspired by
28
 makersHouse
YouthCare and Out of the Dark, the programs offered at d. GrowHouse: the underutilized green space
this facility are designed to assist residents in reaching just south of the site will be appropriated as a
educational goals, such as obtaining a high school diploma means of improving public space around the
growHouse
or GED, while also providing them with experience and skills homeless assistance center for residents and the
in hands on fields of work. Included in the LearningHouse adjacent community. This area becomes the main
are six distinct programs: grow space for the GrowHouse, which is an urban
boatHouse chefHouse agriculture program that teaches participants the
boatHouse

a. TechHouse: participants learn how to processes and techniques required to grow organic
assemble and maintain personal computers and fruits and vegetables. In addition to the large grow

techHouse
other common technological devices. techHouse space to the south there are greenhouses and
coffeeHouse
planters on the roof of the supportive housing units.
boatHouse
b BoatHouse: participants work in conjunction The GrowHouse is also responsible for maintaining
with the nearby Center for Wooden Boats to hand the bioswale that runs through the site, providing
makersHouse makersHouse
craft beautiful vessels to be sold at a profit. They participants the opportunity to gain understanding
boatHouse
boatHouse
also can gain apprenticeships at the industrial techHouse into state-of-the-art water collection systems like

marinas located just southwest of the site to learn living machines.

growHouse marine welding and shipbuilding. growHouse
techHouse
techHouse makersHouse e. ChefHouse: participants in the ChefHouse
c. MakersHouse: residents in this program program learn the basics of working in a commercial
have various paths available to them. They can kitchen, gaining valuable skills that will encourage
chefHouse chefHouse
makersHouse participate in YouthBuild to help build affordable success at a culinary school. Experience is gained
makersHouse growHouse
housing units around King County, learn about by preparing daily meals for the 150 or more
restoring old furniture, or how to craft custom pieces residents living in the LearningHouse assisted
coffeeHouse of furniture and industrial art. They learn how to coffeeHouse housing facilities.
growHouse
growHouse
safely work in a wood and metal shop. Included in chefHouse
this program will be a materials donation lab where f. CoffeeHouse: located near the Burke-Gilman
unwanted furniture and building materials can be trail on the southern part of the site is a café catering
chefHouse
chefHouse dropped off, later to be recycled and reimagined by to the bustling bike community along the trail and
coffeeHouse
the MakersHouse program participants. the masses of visitors to the adjacent Gas Works
29
 LearningHouse that can be used as flexible gathering and teaching spaces.
residents
volunteers donated food Part of the LearningHouse operation will be a fresh
+ materials
market supplied with produce grown on site, providing
a healthy food option for the community and jobs for
residents.

2. The LearningHouse Supported Housing
This housing is for families or independent youth
struggling with homelessness, and is free to the residents
as they maintain enrollment in one of the LearningHouse
community job + income improved
engagement opportunities sense of self programs discussed above.
The independent youth housing, accepting individuals
$
ages 16-24, are organized in dormitory-style quarters as
Figure 24: The LearningHouse programs help create job
opportunities for the residents, while establishing relationships to a function of cost, safety, and security. They will occupy
the surrounding community.
small, partially enclosed, custom-built units grouped
together in fours to create clusters of residents that share
Park. While enrolled at the CoffeeHouse, residents common spaces. Genders will be separated by floor, with
learn how to succeed as a barista, a marketable LGBT individuals able to determine where they would feel
skill in the caffeine-addicted city of Seattle. most comfortable within this organization.
Significant effort must be made to avoid this space
Upon completing one or more of these programs, which becoming an unpleasant and stereotypical “warehouse for
last anywhere from six months to two years depending on the poor”, a characteristic too often associated with such
the area of focus and an individual’s eagerness to advance living arrangements due to the lack of privacy and safety
within the specific field, a resident earns certification common in under-designed facilities. As such, the design
proving their experience and ability to perform as an entry- should seek to provide the right balance of privacy and
level employee in the designated field of study. supervision.
In addition to the unique spaces required by The families will be housed in apartment style units
programs like the MakersHouse and the GrowHouse, the of varying size, designed with ample daylighting and
LearningHouse programs will require general classrooms natural ventilation in mind. These units will include modest
30
 Youth Shelter Spaces: Controlled Semi-Privacy in Small Groups

independent male
employee area

supported
housing Figure 26: Independent youth [age16-24] will be housed in semi-private, partially
(req’d to be actively enclosed units clustered together in groups of four. These groups share common
enrolled in a spaces.
LearningHouse Family Shelter Spaces: Privacy and less Control
program) independent female

families

employee area

Figure 25: The supportive housing can accomodate over 100 independent youth, Figure 27: Families [young married couples or parents with children] living in
and has 40 units for families of varying size. Residents must be involved in a supportive housing will occupy apartment style units, with small kitchenettes and
training program to maintain residency at the LearningHouse. bathrooms for increased privacy.

31
 furnishings, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms to provide individuals regardless of age or housing situation. A
privacy for the families living at the LearningHouse. Each personal hygiene center provides basic health care needs
unit will also have a porch with fantastic south-facing views and prepares residents with resources for job interviews
to Gas Works Park, Lake Union, and downtown Seattle, or other social events where appearance is important,
adding to the perceived sense of self-worth for the residents such as a clothing donation center and a salon or
while also helping to make the units feel larger than their barbershop. A counseling office will provide on-site case-
actual area of about 550-600 square feet. management advisors that can assist with legal matters,
Related to the LearningHouse assisted housing is a as well as specialists meant to help residents cope with
dining hall intended to feed the residents, as well as remaining issues that arise when a person loses their property, job,
open to the public for any struggling families or individuals and personal dignity. Many of these services could be
unfortunate enough to lack resources to feed themselves. provided through local university practicums or work/study
The GrowHouses community garden should provide much situations, lowering the cost of supplying such services
of the produce used in the kitchens, encouraging the idea and encouraging engagement between the surrounding
of eating locally as a means of boosting the health of both community and the homeless assistance center.
the residents and the neighborhood economy. Accepting that a certain amount of homeless people
Also connected to the assisted housing are a variety are shelter-resistant and may never voluntarily live in the
of shared living spaces. As many of the individual private options available in the proposed facility, there will be a
spaces are intentionally small, these shared spaces become social service included in the day center that works with city
very important meeting points and should be located officials and property owners around Seattle to designate
within the facility to take advantage of the positive aspects pieces of land where encampments and personal shelters
associated with the site. It is in these shared spaces where may be erected. Combined with the wood shop and
residents’ most clearly benefit from the strong communal materials donation lab, which homeless individuals would
support system created through continued interaction and be allowed to use at designated times, these services
communication. provide support for people who elect to live on the street
for any number of complicated reasons.
3. Services
Operating as a separate entity from the LearningHouse, 4. Transitional Housing
a social services day center will include various entities and Traditional housing units are provided on site as an
organizations meant to assist and encourage homeless option for residents graduating from the LearningHouse
32
 living costs. People living in this building can be graduates
of the LearningHouse, but can also be any lower-income
individual eligible for subsidy programs like HUD’s Housing

transitional Choice vouchers.84

housing As a means of producing income into the property

(residents pay 30% while encouraging interaction and networking between
of income on rent;
different socio-economic classes, there will also be market-
difference made up with
Section 8 vouchers) 1 BR-2BR Apt rate housing interspersed within this transitional housing
complex.
All residents of this housing complex will have access
to the resources available at the LearningHouse, making
them attractive units for those interested in using the wood
and metal shop, having a personal plot at a p-patch, or a
garage to work on boats or bikes.

$
market rate Design Methods

housing The design methodology for this thesis is based upon functional
(located on top analysis through a critique of existing precedents and an examination
floor with best views) of placemaking, community activism, and the transformative power of
1 BR-2BR Apt
learning and creating. This proposal seeks to create a new supportive

Figure 28: The 49 transitional housing units are interspersed with 17 market rate
housing alternative, a transformation of the existing typologies of housing
units, encouraging socio-economic interaction. These units bring a source of the homeless, aimed at guiding independent youth and struggling parents
income to the site.
along a path to a sustainable, stable lifestyle. It will focus mainly on cultural,
supportive housing and educational training programs. social, and spatial aspects surrounding this issue, rather than a scientific
Although located on the same site, this privately managed approach. The thesis will be program focused, realistic within the context
apartment complex will be run separately from the discussed in the theoretical framework.
LearningHouse. Residents in the transitional housing will The outcomes of the design phase will be evaluated by comparing
pay 30 percent of their income for rent, a generally agreed the final results against the objectives and goals laid out in earlier in this
upon portion of one’s earnings that can safely go towards section.
33
 Delimits and Limits efforts to be focused on creative problem solving and design issues
This project is not an attempt to solve the complex issue of considered more relevant to architecture. The hopes are that the design
homelessness. It is an architectural exploration into how thoughtful design outcome can be a catalyst for change; an example of a new housing model
and the programming of creative activities and services can encourage that will greatly benefit under-represented populations across the nation.
community building within a housing facility for the homeless, improving
the daily experience of the residents. So that efforts remain focused on Summary
architecture-related issues, some assumptions must be made about This thesis contends that providing dignified housing to the homeless
complexities that would influence a project if it were to be constructed. population is the best way to positively contribute to the issue of
As with any project at the scale of construction, financial backing is homelessness in the United States. As homeless populations evolve
a significant issue in the process of building a homeless residential and throughout the nation and in King County, housing must cater to the rapidly
services center. This project does not attempt to provide solutions for raising rising demographic of youth and families, varying in organization and form
funds. Rather, it assumes financial support through the U.S. Department of depending on the persons residency needs and life situation.
Housing and Urban Development, Seattle Housing Authority, and various Inspired by acts of placemaking, community activism, and multiple
donations gathered through local organizations. Similarly, the long process existing educational programs that have proven successful, this homeless
of building a working relationship between the various organizations that assistance center will allow for a variety of residency options that operate
help to provide services for the residents and the shelter is not considered in conjunction with the various LearningHouse training programs. The
in this architectural research. support surrounding this community of residents helps prepare them for
Rather than going through the process of getting neighborhood independent life after the LearningHouse.
approval or holding public meetings about how this land might be used, The aesthetic qualities of the homeless assistance center should not
this academic exercise allows the author/designer to have final authority be overbearing. Given the mix of residential and industrial-commercial
on program and design decisions; an activist attitude relating this project buildings in the area, this facility should appear as a mixed-use residential
to the themes of appropriating space and placemaking found in the Puerto housing block, standing as a respected symbol of the community it hopes to
Rican casita communities of New York. This freedom should produce a create within. The well-crafted homeless assistance center should embody
more cohesive project by allowing programmatic and spatial ideas to be a place welcoming and comfortable for the residents, able to restore a
implemented that may typically be rejected due to bureaucratic, political, sense of dignity and hope to marginalized families and young individuals
or financial reasons. of King County.
These assumptions have been made to decrease the scope of complex
issues inherent to the problem of homelessness and housing, allowing

34
4 [Site Analysis and Preliminary
Findings]

Figure 29: a view from 34th street looking South. Note the boarded up openings and
general disrepair of the exisiting building on site.
 Figure 30: demolition of the existing building began summer 2014.

W
Site Logistics
hen the site was selected for this project, an unused Metro Currently, the site is zoned as IC-45. Given the intent of this thesis,
facilities building took up most of the 72,800 square foot block however, it is proposed that the zoning be switched to NC2-65 to maximize
of buildable area. What makes this site captivating is not building potential and to relate to the mixed-use building east of the site,
only it’s connection to Gas Works Park and a stunning view to downtown also zoned NC2-65. Seattle has guidelines regarding the NC2-65 zoning
Seattle, but also the fact that the existing building was not living up to code, defining it as “a moderately sized pedestrian-oriented shopping area
the sites potential. With boarded up windows and solid walls along all that provides a full range of retail sales and services to the surrounding
four street edges, the vacant building did nothing to contribute to the life neighborhood.”85 The site has a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 4.75,
and vitality of this neighborhood. Since this project takes inspiration from determined by its mix of residential and commercial uses within the 65 foot
communities appropriating urban spaces, improving this site’s connection height limit.
to the surrounding neighborhood became a driving force for this project. There is a 30 foot grade change between 34th Street and Northlake
In August of 2014, demolition of the Metro Facilities building began to Way, with the high point of the site at the northeast corner at the intersection
make way for a commercial office building, with construction to start in the of 34th Street and Densmore Avenue. This topographic change will come
spring of 2015. to have a significant impact on the design of this housing community.
Along Northlake Avenue there is a 7 to 8 foot tall concrete wall that

36
 Figure 31: Existing building uses for the surrounding area. Light industrial uses dominate the area
southwest of the site, while the Wallingford residential neighborhood is located to the north.

residential

mixed-use

commercial / office

industrial / industrial commercial

park

project site
Figure 32: Current construction and development near the site. Most notable is the new transfer
station and recycling center northeast of the site.
Figure 33: A view from Densmore Avenue looking west towards the newly cleared site. Here you can see the site’s proximity to Lake Union and the industrial uses along it’s shores.

defines the green space within. This design plans to use this wall to provide a detailed investigation into the current development impacting this site
partial enclosure to the GrowHouse community garden. The wall will act as and the surrounding neighborhood [figure 32].
an artifact in which a light-frame garden shed will be attached. This shed There are a few projects in development worth noting. The first is a
holds various tools and equipment necessary for the garden, and acts as transfer station located just northwest of the site, with a new recycling
a public pavilion for community activities in the garden. center working in conjunction with the materials donation lab at the
LearningHouse. As useful building materials and discarded furniture come
Adjacencies and Development into the recycling center, they can forward it to the MakersHouse to be
The building uses adjacent to the site are fairly distinct in each up-cycled and reborn as useful new objects. Also of significance are a few
direction, with light marine industry to the southwest, a strong commercial residential and mixed-use buildings to the northeast, estimated to add over
core along Stone Way to the west, Wallingford residential neighborhood 175 living units to the area over the next few years. This rise in residents
to the north, and Gas Works Park to the south [figure 31]. These various will surely have an impact on the continuing development of the Fremont
building uses provide the designer of this facility the opportunity to relate and Wallingford neighborhoods.
to existing conditions that are unique on each side of the site, a factor that Since the proposed supported housing community is for youth and
will influence the layout of the building. families with children, the sites relationship to existing schools is significant.
It is clear to most anyone who frequents this area that it is going To determine if this site provides a variety of educational opportunities for
through major transformation as the Fremont commercial district expands its residents and their children, a proximity map was developed [figure 34].
east towards Stone Way and Gas Works Park. This thesis benefitted from This study found there to be a preschool less than four blocks away, and

38
Figure 34: a proximity map with 5-minute, 10-minute,
and 20-minute walking circumferences illustrated.
 these lines, residents have a direct connection to all of King County Metro
service areas.
As this is a housing facility catering mainly to young individuals, biking
also becomes a viable means of personal transportation. The Burke-Gilman
Trail, a well-established bike path connecting all of the neighborhoods north
of Lake Union, runs directly south of the building site, providing a major
circulation path that easily and safely connects the residents with Ballard,
Fremont center, the University District, and Lake Washington. With the
extensive series of bike paths merging with the Burke-Gilman Trail, biking
will be an essential method of transit for the residents of the proposed
housing facility, promoting healthy and environmentally-friendly lifestyles.

Figure 35: The site is located directly adjacent to the Burke-Gilman Trail and
an underutilized green space on the north edge of Gas Works Park. This image
illustrates one homeless individuals use of this space.

various middle and high schools about 15 to 20 minutes walking distance

to the north. In addition to the obvious proximity to Gas Works Park, there
are also a few p-patches and community parks to the north of the site. An
obvious resource lacking in this area is a variety of markets and groceries
that provide convenient access to fresh food, a resource that this proposal
will help to provide.

Transit Connections
As discussed in chapter three, the facilities relationship to the existing
King County Metro bus service is important, as it determines the residents
ability to travel within the city of Seattle and beyond. There are bus stops
for lines 26 and 32 just two blocks north of the site, where residents can
easily connect to the two major transportation hubs north of Seattle’s
downtown: central Fremont and the University District [figure 36]. With

40
Figure 36: Transportation connections at the site and
beyond. The site is located between two bus stops and
the well-established Burke-Gilman bike path.
5 [Conceptual Design Response]

figure 37
 relationship is especially beneficial for the BoatHouse and MakersHouse,
as the light industrial uses along the Lake Union waterfront can provide
opportunities for learning, working, and the sharing of resources. This
location also allows for convenient access to the Wallingford transfer
station currently under development, which can forward materials to the
MakersHouse to be used for various building and industrial art projects.
The large growing space on the northern edge of Gas Works Park will
reinvigorate the public realm along the south edge of the site. Near this
space will be the CoffeeHouse and the GrowHouse learning classrooms.
The CoffeeHouse offers a new lunch or drink option for visitors of Gas
Works or for daily commuters along the Burke-Gilman trail, providing
participants in the educational program with a steady supply of customers
to hone their barista skills. Locating the GrowHouse at the Northlake Way

E
street level allows for close access to the community garden, while also
arly on in the design process, while organizing the various programmatic
relating to a landscapw design feature to be discussed later.
functions of the proposed supportive housing community, building uses
These relationships led to a design that holds the street edges along the
were located to best connect the facility to the surrounding context.
east, north, and west edges of the site where it seemed urban conditions
were already fairly well-defined.
Site Connections
Learning from the building use studies discussed in chapter four [figure Site Responses
31], the main entrances to the LearningHouse and transitional housing are By holding the street edge on three sides, the design was able to open
placed at the northern edge of the site, connecting to the existing residential up to the south, strengthening it’s connection to the community garden
fabric of the Wallingford neighborhood. These relationships were synthesized and taking advantage of the view to Lake Union and downtown Seattle
from the diagram on the following page [figure 38]. [figure 39]. Inspired by the interior courtyard created at the New Carver

The main spaces for the educational and employment training programs of Apartments, the building is to be centered around communal gathering
the LearningHouse are to be closest to the industrial and commercial centers spaces where residents and visitors witness the life of the everyday
to the west and southwest, hoping to foster relationships that will benefit building. These communal spaces flow, both visually and physically, south
residents and connect the facility to the existing community. This type of to a protected courtyard. This outdoor space is defined by housing wings to

43
Figure 38: The building is organized to take advantage
of existing conditions around the site, a response to
distinct uses and zoning to the south, west, and north.

44
 Figure 39: A series diagram showing how the building responds to the site. Centered around communal gathering spaces, the building opens up to the south to
take in views of Gas Works Park and Downtown Seattle. A bioswale differentiates building users and runs adjacent to the major circulation path through the site.

the east and west, a fantastic view to Lake Union and Seattle to the south This path responds to the topography of the site, establishing a datum
in the background, and a water-filtration bioswale in the foreground. in which communal gathering spaces are organized. This circulation path,
This bioswale is a significant aspect of the design. As it cuts through the which starts at 34th Street, will remain open to the public during normal
building and site, it marks a symbolic break between the LearningHouse business hours. By inviting the community into the LearningHouse, their
supportive housing and the more independent transitional housing. This understanding of the educational and employment training programs
allows the two separate buildings to be architecturally similar to achieve is strengthened, leading to an increased awareness about the issues
a cohesive aesthetic, while maintaining a level of separation between the surrounding family and youth homelessness. Along this path will also be
two different housing cultures. various opportunities for commercial activity, such as a gallery for the
As the swale is designed to collect and filter water for use within the display and sale of residents work at the MakersHouse, BoatHouse, and
building and as irrigation for the GrowHouse garden spaces, it starts at the TechHouse, as well as the CoffeeHouse at the south edge of the building.
high point of the site and runs south, adjacent to what is defined as the Moving along this path, visitors experience most of the LearningHouse
main circulation path for both visitors and residents moving north to south educational training spaces and have direct interaction with the linear
(or vice versa) through the building and site. bioswale. After continuing down a series of stepped terraces, the path

45
 and bioswale crosses Northlake Way and leads directly to the GrowHouse
community garden at the north edge of Gas Works Park. This marks
the end of the path and completes the architectural experience of the
LearningHouse community that started along 34th Street and continued
through the public spaces of the building.

Figure 40: A diagram showing the swale [in blue] and the related growing spaces
[green]. The swale runs north to south along most of the site, connecting the
building and it’s occupants to the proposed community garden.

shared
wallingford
housing housing
space

welcome
gather
outdoor gather gas works park
park
mech. donate makershouse shop yard grow

Figure 41: A sectional diagram looking east through the central circulation path that connects residents and visitors to the activities within the building and to the
surrounding site.

46
6 [Final Design Response]

figure 42

47
Figure 43: The site plan illustrates the newly established relationship to Gas Works
Park and the GrowHouse community garden. Also shown are the various grow
spaces on the roof, some of which are covered greenhouses to extend yield into the
winter. Note the swale extending between the atrium and the transitional housing
units. The parking entry is visible along Densmore Avenue.
 private

supportive housing
transitional housing
counseling
employee BOH
storage

T
he final design of the supportive housing community is a synthesis
of the site response diagrams discussed in chapter five. The result employment training
is a 280,000 square foot supportive housing community hoping to dining hall
media labs
instill new urban life into this developing neighborhood. small group spaces
As the design developed, the challenge of integrating so many meeting rooms
unique and demanding building programs began to present itself. For
offices

design direction, the distinct programmatic elements were aligned with

the idea of creating a range of spaces with various levels of privacy and
enclosure, as discussed in chapter 3. The resulting diagram [figure 44] gallery
helps to clarify the relationships between the LearningHouse supportive grow space
cafe
housing, the LearningHouse educational programs, the transitional
materials donation
housing, and the homeless services day center. communal gathering
market

Program
The building has 4 distinct parts, as discussed in chapter three. The
communal
LearningHouse educational and employment training programs take up
most of the lower two levels, except for a centrally located mechanical room
Figure 44: Diagram showing the spatial character of each major part of the building
and a parking garage at the north end of the site catering to guests and program, with more private spaces being enclosed and public spaces being open.

49
LearningHouse
transitional housing - 30% of income
supportive housing - enrolled in training program
homelessness services day center
communal shared spaces

Figure 45: Diagram illustrating the four main uses of the housing community, with the
educational programs dominating the lower two floors and housing units making up
most of the upper floors.

50
residents of the transitional and market rate housing units. This parking
area doubles as a delivery zone, where large shipments can be dropped
off and picked up.
There are two main entrances to the LearningHouse along 34th Street,
that lead to a welcoming desk and gallery space displaying various work
underway at the educational programs. Visitors are directed towards a large
atrium, designed to break up the mass of the building and allow daylight to
LearningHouse
penetrate the gathering and living spaces within. From this atrium, visitors entry main atrium
and residents can access the LearningHouse educational programs. As
they continue south, they pass through an operable curtain wall to the
exterior courtyard, where they can descend a series of steps to end at the
GrowHouse community garden.
From the main atrium, residents of the LearningHouse can access their
living quarters by ascending the central staircase to the supportive housing
that defines most of upper levels along the west and north sides of the site,
clearly differentiated from the more publicly accessible spaces below. Also
at these levels are shared housing spaces, located adjacent to the large
LearningHouse supported family
atrium and directly above the public spaces at street level, offering the educational programs housing
residents with some of the best views to downtown available on the site. It
is in these spaces that residents can study, work in small groups, or relax
and enjoy a special place in which they feel welcome.
The east side of the site mainly consists of the transitional housing
building, which has it’s own private entrance along Densmore Avenue that
relates to the adjacent mixed-use residential building. Although it is intended
that many of the residents who graduate out of the LearningHouse could
move into the transitional housing units as they work towards housing
independence, it is important that there remains a distinction between supported youth shared housing
the two. This separation reminds the LearningHouse residents that they housing space
are aiming to move out of the supportive housing, while also ensuring the Figure 46: A series diagram showing major programmatic elements.

51
market-rate occupants that they are not living at a homeless shelter.
The child care center is located on the south edge of the site
underneath the transitional housing, offering LearningHouse residents and
any other parent a safe, convenient daycare option. Not having to bring
their children to errands, tasks, or job interviews helps adults struggling
with homelessness to become more employable. This ultimately helps
them achieve a more stable lifestyle in which they can better provide for
transitional
their families. fresh market
housing
On the northeast corner of the site is a fresh foods market. This
commercial venture, which sells produce grown by participants of the
GrowHouse, along with other small grocery items, provides residents of
the LearningHouse, transitional housing, and the Wallingford / Fremont
community a convenient grocery option which the area currently lacks.
Above the market is the homeless services day-center, aimed at
providing helpful services to all homeless individuals in need, with a detailed
description of services available in chapter 3. It has it’s own entrance along
34th Street, separated from the market and transitional housing entries
homeless services parking and
along Densmore Avenue. Although LearningHouse residents can find day-center delivery
many useful services here, it operates independently from the supportive
Figure 47: A series diagram showing major programmatic elements.
housing and educational programs.

52
 Structure
The building is a concrete frame with light wood frame construction
above.
The durable concrete base accommodates heavily-used program
elements like the MakersHouse, the GrowHouse, and the BoatHouse, in
which there will be a fair amount of heavy and destructive activity that
could damage more delicate building materials.
The youth supportive housing along 34th Street and the main atrium,
two spaces for which the required span required was too great to accomplish
with wood, are also constructed of concrete. One benefit of this decision
is that the whole northern bar is easily adaptable for future use, should the
need arise. As it is a simple concrete frame system with columns spaced
at a distance of 20’ on center, it could one day be turned into an office or
other commercial occupancy building.
The balance of the building is light wood frame construction. This
method reduces the overall cost of the building and the time it takes to
complete.
This construction system, a hybrid ‘5 over 2’, is typical throughout the
city of Seattle, as the concrete provides a robust and fire-resistant base
Figure 48: A diagram showing the structural organization of the building.
upon which the rest of the building sits.

53
Figure 49: A section-perspective cut through the main path of the building, illustrating the response to the site’s topography. This central path acts as the datum in which the
LearningHouse shared spaces are organized. Above the main entry is the youth assisted housing with the clusters of living units. The atrium flows through the operable south-
facing curtain wall into the exterior courtyard after passing underneath the shared housing spaces.
 parking

a a

mechanical

LearningHouse
transitional housing - 30% of income
supportive housing - enrolled in training program
homelessness services day center
communal shared spaces

b water b
mechanical

Plans and Experiential Views

The lowest level is on Northlake Way, with the most public program
facing the south side of the site. The CoffeeHouse cafe and MakersHouse
shop yard have a direct connection to the Burke-Gilman Trail and a new
public space created between the two housing bars on the east and west
sides of the site. This space is defined by the terracing bioswale, a feature
that adds textural interest to the central spaces between the housing bars.
GrowHouse class spaces, which are entered by crossing over the swale
on metal grating, are also found on this level. This extends the swale to the
south end of the site, while also adding a symbolic point of interest for the northlake way plan
0 10 30 60
GrowHouse. elevation: -18’
figure 50
55
Figure 51: The public space between the two housing bars, with the CoffeeHouse
outdoor seating area to the right, and the MakersHouse shop yard to the left. Also
important is the bike lockers located centrally in the image, just in front of the
terraced swale. This bike share allows residents to conveniently move throughout
Seattle without paying for bus fare.
Figure 52: View from 34th Street looking south illustrating the main approach to the building. The two main entrances are shown, with the left being more public, and the one in
the center of the image being a 24-hour resident access. The repetitive expression of the wood louvers breaks down as they approach the northern facade. Here, where solar
protection isn’t necessary, the louvers move to the interior, acting as operable privacy screens for the assisted housing.
 gallery
market

offices

cafeteria
a kitchen a

transitional
housing lobby

LearningHouse
transitional housing - 30% of income
supportive housing - enrolled in training program
homelessness services day center
communal shared spaces

class

class

b b
The 34th Street plan is the ‘main floor’ of the building, despite being
class
at two different elevations. The offices for the LearningHouse are located
at the northwest corner of the building just inside the two main entrances event

along 34th Street [figure 52], and a central desk between the entries acts
as an information point. The main entry for the day center is located east
of the gallery, with an exterior waiting area strategically placed within
child care
the planted bioswale. This provides a beautiful place for those seeking
services to wait without creating a large gathering along 34th Street that
might cause unwanted tensions amongst local residents.
After descending a staircase into the dining hall, visitors and residents
can explore the various spaces holding the LearningHouse educational
34th street plan
programs, or would continue through the south facing curtain wall into the
0 10 30 60
exterior courtyard. elevation: 0’, 12’
figure 53
58
Figure 54: After passing through the main entrance from 34th Street, visitors and residents pass through a gallery space displaying exciting work going on at the LearningHouse,
before being drawn to the atrium space. This is the life of the building, where the daily activities associated with the LearningHouse programs and housing are centered. In the left
of this image is the bioswale cutting through the perceived form of the atrium, adding textural interest and providing a seperation between the supportive and transitional housing.
section a
0 10 30 60

Figure 55: A section cut through the atrium and dining space. To the right is the bioswale stepping down with the topography, helping to define the exterior space for the homeless
services day-center, and piercing through the perceived form of the gathering space. In the center of the image, behind the central staircase, is the wooden screen that has
broken through the facade to the interior of the atrium. This allows natural light to come into the youth housing spaces through the skylight in the atrium, while protecting the privacy
of the residents within.

60
 LearningHouse
transitional housing - 30% of income
supportive housing - enrolled in training program
homelessness services day center
communal shared spaces

Just six feet above the 34th Street level, the first floor is unique within
the building. As the gallery and entry spaces are one and a half floor
heights (18 feet floor to floor), this housing level has no youth supportive
living units. The LearningHouse educational spaces are twelve feet lower
than the entry. This allows space for the first level of supportive family
housing located at the west side of the site, and the transitional housing
units to the east.
The supportive family housing and transitional housing have shared
spaces such as lounges and large kitchens at the south edge of each wing.
This ensures that all residents are able to experience the views and sunlight
inherent to the southern part of the site. Each wing also has various unit
layouts, accommodating families of different sizes at the LearningHouse
1st floor plan
and allowing for unique rent options at the transitional and market-rate
0 10 30 60
housing. elevation: 18’ figure 56

61
section b
0 10 30 60

Figure 57: This section is cut about one hundred feet south of section A, illustrating the south facing curtain wall with exterior porches that help to provide solar protection against
the summer sun. The facade is opaque directly above the bioswale that cuts through the atrium, accentuating the symbolic seperation between the supportive housing to the west
and the transtional/market-rate housing to the east. In this seciton, the swale has continued it’s descent and is now level with the courtyard ground level.

62
 LearningHouse
transitional housing - 30% of income
supportive housing - enrolled in training program
homelessness services day center
communal shared spaces

All assisted family housing and transitional housing units have outdoor
porches, offering views and providing the sense of a larger personal space
in the modest size units. The ‘sawtooth’ form along the inner facade of the
transitional housing block is designed to maximize unit views to the south,
while also allowing the interior courtyard to draw visitors through the site.
The dominant feature on the facade is a system of vertical wood louvers
that define the various housing units within the building. These louvers not
only provide solar protection along harsh east and west facades, but also
2nd floor plan
act as privacy screens for the residents whose patios are organized for
0 10 30 60
views to the south. elevation: 29’ figure 58

63
 Figure 59: The wood louvers block intense east and west sunlight from
overheating the housing units, while creating an architectural language helping to
define the housing within.

The wood louvers were imagined specifically for the transitional housing
porches during the early design process. As each porch was adjacent to
it’s neighboring unit, privacy needed to be considered. This design allows
light to penetrate the interiors through the windows underneath the screen,
while blocking neighbors’ views inside [figure 60]. As the design developed, Figure 60: Views to the exterior courtyard are maintained, while neighbors’
the wood louvers became a defining element for all of the housing on site, views into the transitional housing units are impeded. Without this screen,
privacy would be a serious issue along the west facade of the transitional
marking the programmatic function within. housing units.

64
Figure 61: A view from a private porch in the transitional housing block, looking west
towards the supportive housing for families.

65
Figure 62: A view from a transitional housing porch, looking south towards
downtown. Note how the screen blocks views into neighbors living units.

66
 LearningHouse
transitional housing - 30% of income
supportive housing - enrolled in training program
homelessness services day center
communal shared spaces

There is an apartment for the live-in LearningHouse staff on each floor,

located at the fulcrum between the youth and family housing. The staff
desk is directly outside their living unit, ensuring security and safety while
minimizing the number of required staff members.
Throughout the research for this thesis, it seemed the typical approach
to housing the homeless, resembles a warehouse with little or no privacy
for residents. This environment does little to contribute to the residents
path to housing independence. Many, particularly younger people or those
who have recently become homeless, would rather stay outside than in
these shelters.
In contrast to these poor conditions, independent youth at the
LearningHouse will occupy small, custom units grouped together in fours
to create clusters of residents that share common spaces. These common
3rd and 4th floor plan
spaces have access to natural light and ventilation, mimicking the porches
0 10 30 60
at the family and transitional housing units in both form and function. elevation: 40’ at third floor, 51’ at fourth floor figure 63

67
Figure 64: These partially enclosed plywood units, designed in 4 foot dimensions to conserve materials and cut costs, provide some degree of privacy while allowing many residents
to be supervised by few members of staff. Sliding wooden screens allow for customization of the living space, fostering a sense of personal ownership despite not being completely
enclosed. These vertical wood screens also establish an architectural relationship with the rest of the living units on site.
 LearningHouse
transitional housing - 30% of income
supportive housing - enrolled in training program
homelessness services day center
communal shared spaces

The independent youth housing is organized by gender, with males

occupying the second and third floors and females on the fourth and fifth.
Despite this separation, residents feel connected as a community thanks to
the cut floor plates designed to bring natural light deep into the dormitory-
style youth housing. Units have been organized to avoid direct views into
private spaces from the floors above.
All LearningHouse residents will have access to the roof decks
where greenhouses and planters are located, integrating elements of
the educational programs into the living spaces. Due to the weight of soil
and plants, these were placed only on the roof of the concrete structural
system, limiting their locations towards the north part of the site.
Transitional housing residents have a separate roof deck towards the
5th floor plan
0 10 30 60
south edge of the site. elevation: 62’ figure 65

69
Figure 66: A skylight brings daylight deep into the supportive youth housing. Located on the first floor, in the lower left of this view, is a shared space organized as stepped
stadium seating. This is one such area where small or large groups of LearningHouse youth can gather, learn, and relax.
Each group of four units is set up to have it’s own entrance that has operable sliding screens, allowing residents to interact with their built environment to best reflect their desires
and needs. The repetitive concrete frame allows for easy adaptability, should this building be turned into commercial or office space in the future.
Figure 67: A view from the community garden located south of the supportive and transitional housing. This garden provides a place for residents and members of the community
to engage and interact while producing organic produce to be used and sold at the LearningHouse.
7 [Conclusion]

figure 68
 Although it may never be possible to end homelessness completely,
architects, planners, and designers can - and must - play a significant role
in improving the lives of this stigmatized and underprivileged population.
With the vast number of respected design firms in Seattle, new housing
typologies should be explored to help alleviate this problem that won’t fix
itself.
This thesis acts as a catalyst for change regarding housing for the
homeless. Inspired by acts of placemaking and community activism often
implemented by disadvantaged populations to adapt to their difficult life
circumstances, this project focuses on the architects ability to positively

influence a resident’s experience of place. By incorporating educational

programs with supportive housing for homeless families and youth, connecting

H
the facility to the existing community, and improving the public spaces around
undreds of thousands of individuals lack permanent housing on
Gas Works Park, this project provides residents a dignified and positive
any given night in the United States, with more than 200,000
experience in the hopes that it will lead to housing independence.
sleeping in cars, under bridges, or in any makeshift shelter
As members of society, we have an obligation to protect and care for one
they can claim as their own.87 Although homelessness levels have
remained fairly constant over the past decade, homeless family and another regardless of socio-economic class, race, or sexual orientation. Given

youth populations are on the rise. This group represents the fastest- the specific knowledge and skill set of architects, we can positively impact this
growing demographic of homeless persons in the nation: the new faces complex situation, helping to build a sustainable future for struggling families
homelessness. and youth by encouraging new forms of supportive housing.
Although issues such as substance abuse and addiction, poverty,
and natural disasters will ensure there are homeless people in the United
States in the future, recent shifts in the economy and society have led to
the drastic increase in homeless families and youth that were once so
uncommon. With the widening gap between minimum wage and living
wage and a lack of affordable housing, the city of Seattle is experiencing a
rise in family homelessness at a rate significantly higher than the national
average.88
73
[Appendix]
Chapter 2 -Theoretical Framework

Bud Clark Commons -

Images Source: www.aiatopten.org/node/402
 Bud Clark Commons -
Images Source: www.aiatopten.org/node/402
 New Carver Apts -
Images Source: www.iwan.com
 Puerto Rican Casitas -
Images Source: www.12ozprophet.com/martha_
cooper/entry/las_casitas_-_an_urban_cultural_alternative
Chapter 3 - Methodologies

Sun Study Wind Study

Regional Map
Chapter 4 - Additional Site Photos
 Chapter 5 - Conceptual Design Response

Youth Housing Precedent and Concept Family Housing Precedent and Concept

Designing For the Homeless, Sam Davis http://architizer.com/projects/the-hegeman-supportive-housing/

24’-0”

24’-0”
Early Concept Sketches
Early Concept Sketches
Early Concept Sketches
Concept Section Development
 Program Concept

supported
supported
youth
youth

supported
youth

supported
supported assisted
assisted
families
families + market
+ market
rate
rate

supported assisted
families + market
rate

Ground
GroundLevel
Level Private
PrivateUpper
UpperLevels
Levels

Ground Level Private Upper Levels

housing
housing

welcome
welcome
and
and
lobby
lobby
housing

eateat
+ gather
+ gather
welcome and lobby

eat + gather
LearningHouse
LearningHouse
programs
programs
LearningHouse programs
services
services
services
Building Program Use Relationships

employee
WC BOH
young shared
females kitchens
WC
lockers +
storage studio
young
living units
males
1-2 bedroom
families supportive family units
housing

transitional
meeting housing
media lab space shared event
+ gathering
space media
lab

large gathering
and dining hall

chef
house offices
pet health +
mail care wellness
center
coffee materials
counseling
house donation
job
Learning center
cafe
House day center offices
maker
house
services
health +
grow shop wellness
house space
market boat
house
tech employment
house center
Chapter 6 - Site model
[Figures and Figure Sources] 12. Bud Clark Commons interior
http://www.aiatopten.org/node/402

13. The New Carver Apartments aerial view

1. New faces of homelessness http://iwan.com/photo_Carver_Apartments_Michael_Maltzan.
www.facinghomelessness.org php?plaat=2Carver-Apt-MMA-1851.jpg

2. Colonial homelessness 14. The New Carver Apartments interior courtyard

http://dhss.alaska.gov/gcdse/Pages/history/html_content_main. http://iwan.com/photo_Carver_Apartments_Michael_Maltzan.
aspx php?plaat=Carver-Apt-MMA-2138.jpg&hsize=&vsize=

3. The Bowery Mission 15. Puerto Rican casita

http://www.bowery.org/reference/images/history2.jpg/ http://www.12ozprophet.com/martha_cooper/entry/las_casitas_-_
an_urban_cultural_alternative
4. Urban renewal
https://www.flickr.com/photos/78175613@N00/5694287441/ 16. A group of youth at a community garden
http://dug.org/starting-a-school-garden/
5. Life on the streets
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5332/7050959515_86a8bcfb15.jpg 17. YouthBuild construction site
http://helenair.com/news/local/education/groundbreaking-
6.Theoretical framework held-for-nd-youth-build-house/article_16d8d7e0-1eec-11e2-
a. facinghomelessness.org/mohamed1 bae8-0019bb2963f4.html
b. http://www.dwell.com/house-tours/article/commons-grounds
c. http://www.12ozprophet.com//martha_cooper/entry/las_ 18. Out of the Dark furniture restoration
casitas_-_an_urban_cultural_alternative outofthedark.org.uk
d. outofthedark.org.uk
19. LearningHouse educational training programs
7. Family on the street
http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2012/jun/16/andy-hall- 20. Diagram of spatial enclosure
greece
21. Map of homelessness services in Seattle
8. Children effected by homelessness
http://strangelyprogressive.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/ 22. Site selection diagram
homeless1.jpg
23. Aerial view of site
9. Independent youth on the streets bing.com/maps
http://blog.endhomelessness.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/
homeless-youth.jpg 24. LearningHouse training program benefits

10. Warehousing the poor 25. LearningHouse occupancy

a. UW digital archive
b. expatguidebook.com 26. Diagram of supportive housing for independent youth

11. Bud Clark Commons street view 27. Diagram of supportive housing for families
http://www.aiatopten.org/node/402
28. Transitional housing occupancy 51. Building view from Northlake Way

29. A photo of the site from 34th Street looking south 52. Building approach from 34th Street at night

30. Demolition of the existing building on site 53. 34th street floor plan

31. Diagram of the building uses for surrounding context 54. Interior view of the main atrium

32. Diagram of current development in the area 55. Section A through the atrium

33. Photo of the site from Densmore Avenue 56. First level floor plan

34. Proximity map of site adjacencies 57. Section B through the bioswale and housing units

35. Photo of underutilized green space south of the site 58. Second level floor plan

36. Map of the transit connections and relationship to bike paths 59. Diagram of vertical wood louvers

37. Conceptual sketch of the buildings facade 60. Diagram illustrating privacy benefits related to wood louvers

38. Making connections to the surrounding building uses 61. Exterior view from transitional housing looking west

39. Series diagram showing the building’s response to the site 62. Exterior view from transitional housing looking south

40. Diagram illustrating the bioswale and growspaces on site. 63. Third and fourth level floor plan

41. Conceptual section diagram of the building organization 64. Interior view of supportive housing for independent youth

42. Rendering from the community garden 65. Fifth level floor plan

43. Site plan 66. Interior view of supportive housing for independent youth

44. Diagram exploring spatial character of varying building elements 67. Exterior view from the community garden

45. Diagram of building program 68. Photo of the site from south

46. Series diagram of building program

47. Series diagram of building program

48. Structural diagram illustrating concrete vs. wood frame construction

49. Section perspective through the main path of the building

50. Northlake Way floor plan

[Endnotes] 14. Sutton, Sharon E., and Susan P. Kemp. The Paradox of Urban
Space: Inequality and Transformation in Marginalized
Communities. New York: PalgraveMacmillan, 2011. 18. Print.
1. “Why Are People Homeless?” National Coalition for the Homeless.
July 2009. Web. 21 May 2014. 15. United States. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. Office of Community Planning and
2. Sutton, Sharon E., and Susan P. Kemp. The Paradox of Urban Development. 2012 Point-in-Time Annual Homeless
Space: Inequality and Transformation in Marginalized Assessment Report. By Alvaro Cortes, Meghan Henry, RJ
Communities. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 14. Print. De La Cruz, and Scott Brown. The U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development, n.d. Web. 12 May 2014.
3. Ibid.
16. “2014 Results.” One Night Count. The Seattle/King County
4. Thompson, Tamara. Homelessness. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2012. Coalition on Homelessness, 24 Jan. 2014. Web. 12 May 2014.
Print. 14. <http://www.homelessinfo.org/what_we_do/one_night_
count/2014_results.php>.
5. Civil War Casualties. Civil War Trust, 2013. Web. 28 Apr. 2014.
http://www.civilwar.org/. 17. “Our Approach.” YouthCare. N.p., 2013. Web. 05 Nov. 2014.

6. Williams, Edward Ainsworth. Federal Aid for Relief. New York: 18. “2014 Results.” One Night Count. The Seattle/King County
Columbia UP, 1939. 147. Print. Coalition on Homelessness, 24 Jan. 2014. Web. 12 May 2014.
<http://www.homelessinfo.org/what_we_do/one_night_
7. Thompson, Tamara. Homelessness. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2012. 15. count/2014_results.php>.
Print.
19. Ibid.
8. Williams, Edward Ainsworth. Federal Aid for Relief. New York:
Columbia UP, 1939. 96. Print. 20. Thompson, Tamara. Homelessness. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2012.
15. Print.
9. Thompson, Tamara. Homelessness. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2012. 15.
Print. 21. United States. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Office of Community Planning and Development. By HUD.
10. “A Handbook on Urban Redevelopment for Cities in the United N.p., 2010. Web. 18 May 2014.
States.” 1941. Washington, DC: Federal Housing
Administration. 22. “Scope of Homelessness in King County- King County.” Scope
of Homelessness in King County- King County. Committee to
11. Ibid. End Homelessness in King County, Oct. 2012. Web. 1 May
2014.
12. Sutton, Sharon E., and Susan P. Kemp. The Paradox of Urban
Space: Inequality and Transformation in Marginalized 23. Thompson, Tamara. Homelessness. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2012.
Communities. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 17. Print. 15. Print.

13. Marcuse, Peter, and Ronald Van. Kempen. Introduction. 24. “Why Are People Homeless?” National Coalition for the Homeless.
Globalizing Cities: A New Spatial Order? Oxford: Blackwell, July 2009. Web. 21 May 2014.
2000. 7. Print.
25. Mishel, Lawrence. “Declining Value of the Federal Minimum Wage 38. Hammer, H., Finkelhor, D., & Sedlak, A. Runaway / Thrownaway
Is a Major Factor Driving Inequality.” Economic Policy Institute. Children: National Estimates and Characteristics. National
N.p., 21 Feb. 2013. Web. 06 June 2014. Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and
Thrownaway Children. Office of Juvenile Justice and
26. Bassuk, Ellen L., MD. America’s Youngest Outcasts 2010. Rep. Delinquency Prevention. 2002.
The National Center on Family Homelessness, Dec. 2011.
Web. 6 June 2014. 39. Thompson, Tamara. Homelessness. Detroit: Greenhaven. 2012.
52. Print.
27. Ibid.
40. Ibid.
28. “Why Are People Homeless?” National Coalition for the Homeless.
July 2009. Web. 21 May 2014. 41. Davis, Sam. Designing for the Homeless: Architecture That
Works. Berkeley: U of California, 2004. 25. Print.
29. Wright, James, and Rubin, Beth. “Is Homelessness a Housing
Problem?” Housing Policy Debate 2. P. 949. 1991. 42. Ibid.

30. National Low Income Housing Coalition. “The Crisis in America’s 43. Hickman, Matt. “Supportive Housing Community in Portland
Housing.” 2005. Recognized on AIA Top Green List.” Supportive Housing
Community in Portland Recognized on AIA Top Green List.
31. “Effects of Poverty, Hunger, and Homelessness on Children and Mother Nature Network, 22 Apr. 2014. Web. 11 May 2014.
Youth.” www.apa.org. American Psychological
Association, n.d. Web. 01 June 2014. 44. Fields, KJ, and Katie Weeks. “2014 AIA COTE Top Ten Winner:
Bud Clark Commons.” EcoBuildingPulse. N.p., 23 May 2014.
32. The National Center on Family Homelessness. America’s Web. 07 June 2014.
youngest outcasts: State report card on child homelessness.
Newton, MA: The National Center on Family Homelessness. 45. “Bud Clark Commons.” Top Ten Green Projects of 2014. American
2009. Institute of Architects, n.d. Web. 07 June 2014. <http://www.
aiatopten.org/node/402>.
33. Ibid.
46. Hickman, Matt. “Supportive Housing Community in Portland
34. Ibid. Recognized on AIA Top Green List.” Supportive Housing
Community in Portland Recognized on AIA Top Green List.
35. Ringwalt, C., Greene, J., Robertson, M., & McPheeters, M. The Mother Nature Network, 22 Apr. 2014. Web. 11 May 2014.
Prevalence of Homelessness Among Adolescents in the
United States. American Journal of Public Health. 1998. Vol. 47. “Bud Clark Commons.” Top Ten Green Projects of 2014. American
88, Issue 9. Print. Institute of Architects, n.d. Web. 07 June 2014. <http://www.
aiatopten.org/node/402>.
36. Thompson, Tamara. Homelessness. Detroit: Greenhaven. 2012.
42. Print. 48. Ibid.

37. Ibid. 49. Ibid.

50. Ibid.
51. Hickman, Matt. “Supportive Housing Community in Portland 64. Feldman, Roberta, and Stall, Susan. The Dignity of Resistance:
Recognized on AIA Top Green List.” MNN. Mother Nature Womm Residents’ Activism in Chicago Public Housing. New
Network, 22 Apr. 2014. Web. 08 May 2014. York: Cambridge University Press. 2004. 185.

52. New Carver Apartments. Michael Maltzan Architecture, n.d. Web. 65 LLopart, Blanca Sala. “Anthropology and Architecture.
07 June 2014. <http://www.mmaltzan.com/projects/new- Appropriation of Living Space.” ELISAVA TdD. LISAVA Escola
carver-apartments/>. Superior De Disseny, 2010. Web. 2 June 2014.

53. “New Carver Apartments.” Michael Maltzan Architecture, n.d. Web. 66. Schneekloth, Lynda H., and Robert G. Shibley. “Placemaking:
15 Apr. 2014. A Democratic Project.” Reconstruction 5.3 (Summer 2005).
N.p., Summer 2005. Web. 09 June 2014.
54. “How High Design Can Help the Homeless.” CityLab. N.p.,
18 June 2012. Web. 21 May 2014. <http://www.citylab.c 67. Ibid.
om/cityfixer/2012/06/how-high-design-can-help-
homeless/2295/>. 68. Sutton, Sharon E., and Susan P. Kemp. The Paradox of Urban
Space: Inequality and Transformation in Marginalized
55. Zeiger, Mimi. “New Carver Apartments.” Architect Magazine. Communities. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 116. Print.
American Institute of Architects, 27 Apr. 2010. Web. 08 June
2014. 69. Aponte-Pares, Luis. “Casitas, Place, and Culture: Appropriating
Place in Puerto Rican Barrios,” Places, a Forum of
56. New Carver Apartments. Michael Maltzan Architecture, n.d. Web. Environmental Design 11. 54. Winter 1997.
07 June 2014. <http://www.mmaltzan.com/projects/new-
carver-apartments/>. 70. Sarich, Christina Christina. “Hidden Benefits of Community
Gardens.” Popular Resistance. N.p., 17 June 2013. Web. 06
57. Ouroussoff, Nicolai. “Designed to Help Uplift the Poor.” The New Dec. 2014.
York Times. The New York Times, 20 Feb. 2010. Web. 08 June
2014. 71. Bremer, A., Jenkins, K. & Kanter, D. Community Gardens in
Milwaukee: Procedures for their longterm stability & their
58. Ibid. import to the city. Milwaukee: University of Wisconsin,
Department of Urban Planning. 2003.
59. Ibid.
72. “Mission.” National Association for the Education of Homeless
60. Ibid. Children and Youth. n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2014.

61. Sutton, Sharon E., and Susan P. Kemp. The Paradox of Urban 73. “Engage.” Our Approach. YouthCare, 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2014
Space: Inequality and Transformation in Marginalized
Communities. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. Print. 74. “Education.” Our Programs. YouthCare, 2013. Web. 06 Dec. 2014

62. Schneekloth, Lynda H., and Robert G. Shibley. “Placemaking: 75. “Employment Training.” Our Programs. YouthCare, 2013. Web. 06
A Democratic Project.” Reconstruction 5.3 (Summer 2005). Dec. 2014
N.p., Summer 2005. Web. 09 June 2014.
76. Matthews, Joseph, Bibi Van Der Zee, and Michael Tait. “Out of the
63. Sutton, Sharon E., and Susan P. Kemp. The Paradox of Urban Dark.” The Guardian News and Media, 27 May 2014. Web. 30
Space: Inequality and Transformation in Marginalized May 2014.
Communities. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 115. Print.
77. “Referral Schemes.” The Young People. Out of the Dark, 2014.
Web. 07 Dec. 2014.

78. Ibid.

79. Lowenfeld, Viktor, and W. Lambert Brittain. Creative and Mental

Growth. New York: Macmillan, 1975. Print.

80. “Bud Clark Commons.” AIA Top Ten. American Institute of

Architects, 2011. Web. 7 May 2014.

81. Davis, Sam. Designing for the Homeless: Architecture That Works.

Berkeley: U of California, 2004. 21. Print.

82. Davis, Sam. Designing for the Homeless: Architecture That Works.

Berkeley: U of California, 2004. 13. Print.

83. “Fremont, Seattle.” Fremont Seattle. Fremont Chamber of
Commerce, n.d. Web. 18 May 2014. <http://fremont.com/>.

84. “Housing Choice Voucher Program Section 8.” HUD.gov. U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development, n.d. Web. 08
Dec. 2014.

85. Seattle’s Commercial Zones. Seattle: n.p., 2012. Seattle.gov. City

of Seattle Department of Planning and Development. Web. 12
Sept. 2014.

86. “What Is Family Homelessness?” The National Center on Family

Homelessness, 2014. Web. 6 Dec. 2014.

87. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Office

of Community Planning and Development. 2012 Point-in-Time
Annual HomelessAssessment Report. By Alvaro Cortes, Meghan
Henry, RJ De La Cruz, and Scott Brown. The U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development, n.d. Web. 12 May 2014.

88. “Scope of Homelessness in King County- King County.” Scope

of Homelessness in King County. Committee to End
Homelessness in King County, Oct. 2012. Web. 1 May 2014.