Trinity Winchester Takes on an Expanded Mission with Help of IAD Graduate Student

Trinity Winchester in Winchester, United Kingdom serves persons who have experienced homelessness by providing services including therapy, health care, and life skills development. Currently, Trinity Winchester operates as a day center, but to better serve their clients they have decided to build a supportive housing addition for ten residents. Working with Professor Jill Pable in the Department of Interior Architecture & Design, Master of Fine Arts candidate Lindsey Slater, completed a programming information search, then synthesized these findings in a hypothetical environmental design solution using the principles of psychologically informed environments (PIE) and trauma-informed care (TIC) to promote dignity and security.

The design features an open community space plan with a living room, dining room, and kitchen to promote socialization for these persons who often struggle with self-imposed isolation. An outdoor garden provides another space for residents to gather. Ten single-occupancy apartments with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes include bay windows to add interest, exterior connection, and refuge. Warm, welcoming colors and natural tones are used to take advantage of the heavily wooded site. Upon receipt of the proposed solution, the agency clients remarked, “WOW! I am in awe of the amazing work you have done for our project. I am forwarding your work to our trustees and designers to share your ideas. Thank you for all your hard work, we never imagined it could look so good!” Lindsey Slater will graduate in 2020 and intends to pursue a career in commercial design and is particularly interested educational facility design.