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Masters of Science: Architecture + Health Systems | Thesis concept: Vulnerable women + PTSD + Abuse + Design + PsychologyCommittee: George Mann | Xuemei Zhu | Mary MeagherAdvisor: Stephen Caffey
Background
Background
Women in conflict zones, particularly in Kashmir have faced severe psychological trauma due to the constant state of war, displacement, and gender-based violence. The human rights violence has been caused by both the Indian and Pakistan armies in their fight to claim the territory as their own (since 1947).
Women of the valley have lost their self-respect, their friends and family, and finally their will to live alone. In addition to this, this population group has retreated into hiding from professional help or seeking therapy, in fear of their psychological stigma and complete ignorance and awareness about even such a path.
The armed conflict in the Kashmir valley has resulted in drastic reductions in capital and income, physical destruction of agricultural resources, reduced investment added with severe loss of security, an epidemic fear in the local people living in the valley, emotional torture, and several deaths.
Problem Statements
Problem Statements
Existing shelters for women in India and Kashmir primarily serve as crisis housing, offering food and basic safety but failing to provide long-term recovery solutions. These facilities often resemble institutions rather than homes, reinforcing feelings of powerlessness, confinement, and dependence. Common issues include:
Lack of privacy and security → Dormitory-style housing increases anxiety.
Minimal therapeutic design → Stark, overcrowded spaces worsen stress.
Rigid, prison-like environments → Control is imposed rather than restored.
Limited community integration → Residents are not prepared for reintegration into society; rather they permanently live in the shelters.
Poor Design → Design is a necessity and not a science for healing.
Objectives of the Study
Objectives of the Study
This research explores how trauma-informed architectural design can create healing-centered shelters that not only provide security but actively support emotional and psychological recovery. By integrating principles of environmental psychology, biophilic design, and spatial autonomy, this study aims to develop a framework for shelters that empower women, foster community reintegration, and facilitate holistic healing.
METHODS
Ethnographic Case Studies
BALM (Chennai, India)
The Banyan (Chennai, India)
Spatial Mapping
Ethnographic Observations
Interviews with: Social Workers and Patients
KEY FINDINGS FROM CASE STUDIES
KEY FINDINGS FROM LITERATURE CASE STUDIES
FINAL FRAMEWORK
FINAL FRAMEWORK
A Healing Core → At the heart of the shelter, lush green spaces, therapeutic gardens, and open courtyards provide calm, restorative environments. These areas encourage reflection, relaxation, and community bonding, reinforcing a sense of stability and safety.
Layered Privacy → The spatial layout follows a gradual transition from public to private spaces, allowing women to regain autonomy at their own pace. Communal areas encourage interaction and peer support, semi-private zones offer small-group engagement, and private retreat spaces ensure solitude and personal healing when needed.
Multi-Sensory Elements → Thoughtful lighting, color palettes, acoustics, and material choices create a soothing, non-institutional atmosphere. Natural daylight, soft textures, and flexible, adaptable layouts enhance comfort, minimizing environmental stressors while fostering emotional stability and control.
Cultural Sensitivity → The design incorporates locally inspired architectural elements, familiar materials, and traditional aesthetics to create a sense of belonging and identity. Spaces are tailored to respect cultural norms while promoting empowerment, ensuring women feel both safe and dignified in their environment.
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