What is “trauma-informed design”? Could you explain your framework?
There are resources available to explore a trauma-informed design process. This is still an emerging concept in architecture and design. Even today, there is no broad consensus on what trauma-informed design is and there is little evidence on how to properly implement it as a process. (CITATION). However, there are many devoted practitioners in the field of architecture and design who are working to change this. And I have learned extensively from their research, experience, and dedication to adapt my project.
As we build an evidence-based foundation for practice, it’s important to understand that most conceptualizations of trauma-informed design are based on trauma-informed care guidelines developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2014).
Trauma-informed design encompasses adaptations in the designed built environment that support “a strengths-based framework that is grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma, that emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for both providers and survivors, and that creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.” (Hopper et al., 2010, p. 133; J. Pable, personal communication, October 7, 2019) —Jill Pable, Design Resources for Homelessness
At the broadest level, trauma-informed design aims to promote healing and improved physical health, mental health, and overall well-being of individuals and their communities.
Source: (Shopworks Architecture, Group 14 Engineering, & University of Denver Center for Housing and Homelessness Research, 2020)
Key Concepts: With each design decision, the housing team should ask:
Is this giving the residents and staff choice?
Is this helping to create community among residents, and between residents and staff?
Are we creating comfort for residents—does this bring calm or spark joy?
Understanding & Establishing Context
“From day one of the trauma-informed design process, we must consider the context of future residents (particularly their experiences with trauma), the programs and systems they interact with, the community in which they reside, and the environment in which they’re located.” — (Shopworks Architecture, Group 14 Engineering, & University of Denver Center for Housing and Homelessness Research, 2020)
Cultural Context
“Culture forces are complex, dynamic, provide identity and tie communities to their environment.”
Environmental Context
“Environmental forces not only include the climate and land on which the community resides, but also include historical contexts, economic contexts, and the systems and institutions they interact with.”
Lived Experience
“A multi-layered, series of opportunities and obstacles that shape both individual and community perceptions of the world around them.”