Our project evolved from a broad focus on sexual assault in general into a primary focus on the recovery process for victims of sexual assault. What we’d like to create a space in which victims can feel safe and comfortable enough to lay down the walls that they inevitably put up after their assaults. This space will most likely include a combination of quiet and meditative spaces as well as spaces in which victims can learn more about how to protect themselves moving forward. We’d like to incorporate as much nature in the space as possible, though that may be limited by the New York City location. This will probably be achieved by including as much plant life and daylight as possible. The building will most likely be no more than two or three levels, each level designated to one aspect of what we’d like the space to provide.
In doing some research about the sexual assault recovery process, we found 4 aspects that can somehow be manifested into a physical space. These are therapy, self-care, safety planning, and media consumption. We are looking into how possible it would be to have some volunteer therapists there for visitors to come speak to. As for self care, we’d like to provide a program that includes things such as yoga classes and meditation sessions. We’d also like to have some safety planning classes on the program, such as self-defense courses and courses that can inform visitors of some other safety tips. And because many shows, movies, and some social media content today include scenes and imagery that can be deemed very triggering for victims, we’d like the space to be a tech-free zone in order to disconnect from the media.
In terms of the physical aspects of the space, we are doing research into multiple aspects such as color, aroma, sound, etc. Color of course plays an enormous role in how people feel, so we’ll most likely stick to very soft, pastel colors. Since the space is in the very loud New York City, we may include a lot of sound proof construction. We want visitors to separate from the loud and sometimes overwhelming noises of the city and just to create some distance from all the noise, both literal and otherwise. We haven’t looked too deeply into aromas yet, but might lean again towards the natural and the scents that are difficult to find within New York City.
The initial sketch below depicts a three-story high building. The front opens up to the street and will most likely have some sort of calming features, i.e. fountain or greenery. Walking forward, one is met with a patterned glass wall and doorway. Inside will most likely contain an elevator, staircase, seating area, and information center. This area begins the ‘no electronics’ space, creating a safe atmosphere. The walls are also sound proof, adding to the calming effect. Upstairs is an open area for self-defense classes, yoga, meditation, or counseling. The space will contain greenery, seating, an open platform, and plenty of natural light.
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