The topic of Aboriginal homelessness –and poverty in general- is …rccit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DIDS402_A3_Final... · 2015-11-11 · Emanuel Bazinet, Weegiwahm Haven, 2015

“ The topic of Aboriginal homelessness –and poverty in general- is inherently political and this should be

acknowledged as an integral part to any productive discussion.”

– Caryl Patrick

(https://inequalitygaps.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/canada-land-of-the-homeless.jpg)

Emanuel Bazinet, Weegiwahm Haven, 2015

Concept Earth has for long connected with the

aboriginal community as a “Mother”. (First Nations Pedagogy, 2013)

Inukshuk is defined by the Inuit culture to be “in the likeness of a human”

(Inukshuk Gallery, 2006)

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The Weegiwahm Haven Homeless Shelter shall provide space for all indigenous citizens in need of housing, safety, and guidance to specific requirements. Assistance may be acquired throughout the various programs and services accessible within this establishment. With a nurturing approach fashioned by the aboriginal culture this organization shall deliver support to mother earths children.

CONCEPT


DESIGN BRIEF

With the overall reconfiguration of an historical structure in the Sudbury community, the design of the Weegiwahm Haven Homeless Shelter provides a space to call home temporarily and serves as a support to the aboriginal homeless population of this northern community. With specific focus on private versus public areas the overall organization provides multiple benefits with its resources and services for temporary shelter of residents while also providing the support necessary for those residents to attain the independence they desire.

By incorporating elements of aboriginal culture we are able to not only showcase artifacts and references to that culture, by incorporating it in the features of the many spaces. With the well-being of all occupiers at its forefront, this shelter demonstrates care for a vast spectrum of citizens that may suffer perpetual or transient homelessness.

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GROUND LEVEL

Meeting rooms will accommodate as 2 separate rooms or one large space. Glass sliding partitions will ensure an easy change.

A key card access will be utilized to have secure entry on all BOH, as well as private/semi-private suites.

Small tables are specified in dining area for ease of re-configuration in the space.

By utilizing glass partitions on the ground level, natural light can be spread throughout the space.

With the installation of a Solar Light Shelf we can ensure a space with ample of natural daylight spread.

Each level has a lounge for an informal meeting area/ as well as a relaxing space for each occupant.

Main stairwell was enlarged for ease of foot traffic going up and down at the same time.

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FIRST LEVEL

A space is dedicated for counseling and any assistance the occupants may require.

With large sleeping areas, the shelter can provide secure open space for daily/occasional occupants.

A merchandise/clothing area is dedicated to have donated items that can be procured by the civilians in need.

In keeping with security and controlling traffic flow, the front entry is now only giving access to the Lobby and Reception area.

Located near the reception, an intake room is provided with lockers for ease of occupants entry search. Lockers are provided to securely store any items not allowed within the shelter. Adjacent is a Clinic//Medical Room to provide minor medical issues.

Chair lift is provided to meet accessibility requirements.

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SECOND LEVEL

Bunk beds are specified in each suite for greater use of space.

This level has accommodations with ample of bathing suites and self serve laundry facilities.

With a designated space for children playing, surrounding suites are reserved and dedicated to families/ individuals who find themselves homeless with children.

Second and third floor serve as a ‘temporary/permanent’ shelter/housing.

Two public laundry areas are provided for occupants use.

Each level has a unisex/universal washroom/bathing suite, for ease of privacy and allow greater use of space in the typical washrooms/bathing suites.

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Painted gypsum ceilings are specified in private sleeping and bathing areas to ensure security in each space where a moveable acoustic tile could be easily accessible to hide items.


THIRD LEVEL

Ample of personal secure storage space is provided within each sleeping suite.

Each bathing suite/washrooms provide 4 shower stalls and one bathtub with an adjacent private change room for each sex.

For regular occupants more private suites are provided. While 6 beds are present there is no need of allocating 6 occupants in each unless the shelter is at its nightly/daily capacity of 103 occupants.

Private/semi private suites will be reserved for returning/temporary-permanent occupants.

Lounge areas are to be equipped with a television, games and other socializing activities.

Two staff private sleeping rooms are provided with a bed and storage.

Private suites are equipped with work surfaces/desks for occupants requiring a personal work space. 15


LOBBY & RECEPTION AREA

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FLOOR PLAN REFLECTED CEILING PLAN

RECYCLED VINYL FLOORING

STACKED STONE VENEER

GUEST CHAIR STARLITE

CEILING TILE WALL PAINT

With neutral architectural features colour is incorporated with furniture and décor.

A painted gypsum ceiling is specified to keep architectural elements such as bulk heads unified.

FIRST FLOOR KEY PLAN


LOBBY & RECEPTION AREA PERSPECTIVE

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While maintaining a strong conceptual statement, this area represents itself as the center of the shelter. With a custom recycled vinyl flooring depicting the globe, a circular ceiling detail represents an interior starry night.

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2


RESOURCE AREA PERSPECTIVE

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From basic internet researches to leisure reading this space will in itself educate all who utilize the space. Located closely to the entrance and administration this space will create a beginning to a brighter future. A printer, and other office supplies will be provided within the cabinetry.

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COMMON SLEEPING AREA

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Designed for large lodging volume these common sleeping quarters guarantee personal space for

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1 ELEVATION 1: COMMON SLEEPING AREA

STACKED BUNK BED

WARDROBE


WALL PAINT

oneself and their belongings. With a night stand and wardrobe provided at each bed the occupants are able to store their possessions safely. A dark warm colour was chosen for all sleeping areas to ensure a restful and calming area.


MEETING ROOMS

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REFLECTED CEILING PLAN

1 2

These meeting rooms are focused on flexibility of space. While the three varying options demonstrate certain

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ELEVATION 1: CREDENZA ELEVATION 2: SCREEN

furniture layouts, there are certainly other uses that this space can suitably provide. With these rooms having the main source of natural light, FlexWave light shelves have been specified and provide natural light spread to adjacent areas, which are separated by glass partitions.


DINING & SERVERY AREA

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Through these conceptual renderings we can enjoy the joyful

ambiance of enjoying a cooked meal made with love and creating new friendships and memories.

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2

3


LOUNGE AREA

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FLOOR PLAN


1 ELEVATION 1: WALL UNIT

With a specific location dedicated

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WALL PAINT RECYCLED VINYL FLOORING

RECYCLED AND RECLAIMED WOOD SIDE TABLE

to each level of the shelter, a lounge is allocated for the leisure of each occupant to socialize with others or simply enjoy the comfort of a relaxed space. A custom wall unit is designed to accommodate electronics and storage for enjoyable

articles like board games, books etc…While maintaining a relaxed comfort level, the specific materials specified for all lounges ensure a sustainable approach with recycled materials and low to no VOC components.

SECOND FLOOR KEY PLAN


KID’S AREA

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FLOOR PLAN


WALL PAINT


LOVE SEAT

Located on the second level of the shelter, a kid’s area was designed to ensure each occupant no matter the age feel at home and secure. While surrounding sleeping quarters are more so private, these have been designated to families and individuals with families. With minimal furniture in the space, children are able to appreciate this area filled with toys and educational product. A life size tipi is provided as a playing or reading area. While being homeless is often traumatizing, the focus of this area is alleviate as much of these anxieties even if it’s just for a short time.

FIRST FLOOR KEY PLAN

Emanuel Bazinet, Weegiwahm Haven Specification Book, 2015

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THESIS STATEMENT

With the soaring population of aboriginal homelessness in Canada being close to one third of the overall Canadian homeless population (Belanger, 2013), it is apparent that aboriginal homelessness is an issue warranting additional investigation. Further, the issue of homelessness is a complex one that is influenced by a lack of understanding of native and aboriginal culture, heritage and policies (Belanger, 2013). Based on a review of literature and case studies on the subject it is clear that a need exists for a Communal Aboriginal Shelter that provides services and accommodations specifically oriented to Aboriginal needs.

Surrounded by various aboriginal ‘reserve’ communities, Sudbury has found itself to be an aboriginal homeless hub that currently has no shelter designated to their wellbeing. With current shelters in Sudbury providing limited space to its large homeless population it is evident that a specific establishment like such would benefit the community as well as pre-existing facilities and programs that have been founded.

Documents

The topic of Aboriginal homelessness –and poverty in general- is …rccit.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DIDS402_A3_Final... · 2015-11-11 · Emanuel Bazinet, Weegiwahm Haven, 2015