Homeless Need Hugs Too!

Homeless and the Design

Have you ever wondered how the homeless elderly, these frail people, can survive in severe weather like we have in Chicago? Yet, we see them everywhere. Today, I'm discussing what I learned while researching elderly and homeless in an effort to resolve some issues they face. I really enjoy my mother's company and have learned much about how she feels in the world around her as she tries to exercise on cracked sidewalks and make dinner for one. I know that she feels like she is the same person she was 30 years ago, 50 years ago! Designing a refuge for homeless elderly was important to me because of my desire to bring dignity and family back to the elderly, whether homeless or not. We need to take care of those who provided for us for so many years.

There are some centers that teach people how to cook and to participate in their food-making. There are exercise health initiatives as well. My idea is to create a day haven for seniors to come to take cooking classes and partake in healthy exercise. Don't you feel great when you take charge of something in your life and make it better? Additionally, this center would provide GED classes, computers for connecting with the world, job search and socialization in a safe environment. Shuttles would provide rides to and from the shelters or other spots to the center. Maybe we could get community involvement by requesting help from neighborhood seniors who know what seniors go through as they age.

The Design Issues

Seniors see some colors better than others. Yellow, reds and oranges are best. When designing a space for elderly, you should know that many elderly are timid at first when approaching a new place. Socializing in small groups is most common until they get to know others. Timidity is prevalent in elderly who have become frail and are afraid of falling, of getting knocked over by a larger person or someone trying to take their money or hurt them. Spaces need to provide enough space for wheelchairs and walkers. Three feet wide walking spaces are minimum. Turning at a corner in a wheelchair takes more space. Bathrooms must provide enough space for a wheelchair to turn in angles so they can back up to the toilet. Foot space around counters must be high enough in the bathrooms and at reception and desk areas to allow for wheelchairs to roll under and not hit their knees or toes on edges. Counter tops should be around 29-30 inches for wheelchair access. In Illinois, it is law that at least one public bathroom must provide access for wheelchairs.

HUG
The space I designed is called HUG, Human Urban Group Homeless Resource Center. I designed the ground floor of a 2-storey building dedicated to the homeless. I created spaces that curve toward the individual as he/she enters the center, much like outstretched arms. The concept is to create a space where elderly feel at home to relax and feel welcomed and hugged.

I use warm colors that elderly can see well. Wall and furniture shapes are curved and soft.

The glass wall behind the reception desk contains the image from a vintage wallpaper design. This design shows the palette of orange, gold and reddish brown used throughout the center.

A resin arch hanging above the reception desk refers to the home of yesterday where the arch was used between living areas as a welcoming door. Glass and resin are used everywhere to create a lightness and airiness and to provide ability to monitor activities in all areas. Additionally, the homeless like to see everything that is going on around them and not feel trapped and closed in.

The floors throughout the center is a terrazzo found in many high schools and government buildings. Terrazzo is a flooring that is poured. It is made of chips of marble or other aggregates and concrete or resin. It is very resistent to wear and tear yet has the ability to create useful and interesting designs.

Other areas of interest are computer areas, a classroom, Staff offices, Assessment stations in the reception area and a break room.

An informational wall that is useful for the staff and the clientele to share information on community, news, classes and other items. The ledges encircling the column provides a place to take notes on activities as well as another area to gather and discuss. The lower ledge is the correct height for wheelchair access.

I'd like to design the second floor into an area for cooking classes, exercise and other challenges to be solved for the elderly homeless.

I hope you learned something from me today!!