A Gender-Mixed Domestic Violence Shelter

As the world changes and boxes no longer neatly fit a specific gender, which is being evidenced and recognized very clearly as fluid, gendered architecture becomes questioned.

Whilst there are specific manifestations of how domestic violence presents itself with genders, domestic violence at its core is directed by the perpetrator to any victim, regardless of gender.

This research portfolio investigates how the gender identity revolution and new understanding of sexual orientation has challenged architecture and its shift from gendered to gender inclusive. Evidence-based research is used to identify key architectural flaws existing in current shelter models, limiting personal growth and support for a victims mental and emotional wellbeing. Evidence-based research is used to inform creative design-led explorations to address safety concerns, independence, freedom as well as invisibility and visibility. Specifically, the design-led research gathers explorations that allow victims of various stages of healing to be given a choice in how they heal with various atmospheric hierarchies offered in an architectural solution. The design confronts New Zealand’s suppressed issue of Domestic Violence as the Domestic Violence Facility is situated in the New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.