EMPWR — oficina design

Redesign of Domestic Violence Shelters
New York City, USA . 2020-ongoing
In collaboration with Urban X Studio Architecture . In partnership between NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Human Resources Administration and NYC Administration for Children’s Services, supported through a Collaborative Innovation award by NYC Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity . All paint generously donated by Benjamin Moore

This project - Environments Promoting Wellness and Resilience (EmPWR) - focuses on how the built environment of domestic violence shelters can contribute to the wellbeing of survivors and their children. We are redesigning and improving communal spaces in 9 shelters throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City.

With the guidance of survivors and shelter staff, we have completed the renovation of one communal dining room, one childcare and one outdoor area. We are currently working on spaces that include one communal kitchen, multi-purpose rooms, one after-school space and a resident lounge. Our aim is to create spaces that are not only efficient, but that are also welcoming, safe, comfortable and accessible environments that help to empower survivors and their children.

We engage survivors and staff in a true participatory design process to identify needs and opportunities that promote healing, resilience and dignity through design changes. Survivors and staff are actively involved in the design and selection of space through an array of activities such as group interviews and games, design presentations, brainstorming sessions, individual and anonymous surveys, vision boards and many other activities.