Communal Space: Secure

Communal Space

Secure

A sense of safety and well-being

Abundant daylight and views to the outdoors promote wellness. Position rooms, windows, and skylights to maximize natural daylight and increase views of natural features like gardens and trees. Place windows strategically throughout the building to provide a sense of connection between the inside and outside, while still preserving the feeling of security.
A child playing in a well-daylit room, in front of a large window.
Adjustable window blinds or shades provide resident control of both light and transparency. While visual connection to the outdoors is healing, too much visual access between the shelter and the public can be uncomfortable for someone who is in danger or recovering from trauma.

A window with adjustable blinds
“This window is too big; I am afraid someone could come through it at night when I am sleeping”  – child in focus group