Visibility in the Liminality; an architectural investigation of spatial care in women´s shelters

Abstract

Socially vulnerable groups have not been included in urban planning, instead exclusionary measures have been applied to regulate their use of public spaces, as well as having their shelters placed in industrial areas. Recently, however, a shift in approach has begun to emerge in some contexts, with developments of spaces specifically designed for this target group. However, there is a lack of empirical knowledge and appropriate tools to understand and make visible the needs of this group, especially in relation to their shelters and their surrounding environments. The purpose of this Master´s Thesis is to investigate this relationship in the context of one specific type of accommodation: shelters for women experiencing homelessness. It aims to facilitate a better understanding of the considerations, requirements and uses these shelters have in relation to their surroundings, and how this relationship can be strengthened. Through this, it seeks to contribute to the discussion regarding the urban placement of shelters for women experiencing homelessness as well as the women´s access to public space. The research is situated in Gothenburg, Sweden, and draws on a theoretical framework grounded in feminist principles of spatial design. It is based on two case studies of municipal shelters, and adopts a qualitative, participatory approach. The key methods include interviews, participatory mapping, thematic analysis and development of design strategies through sketching. The outcome of the thesis is a set of small-scale design strategies for the semi-public and public spaces surrounding shelters for women experiencing homelessness in Gothenburg, with the purpose to enhance connections between the shelters and their residents and staff with the surrounding neighbourhoods. Overall, this thesis demonstrates one way in which architecture can function as a tool in addressing questions of spatial justice and equity. It proposes a series of design strategies that may support the spatial agency of a marginalized group, while also illustrating how qualitative, phenomenological methods can inform and contribute to architectural design processes.