b'A key to understanding architectures role incare. Of course, building renovations are expen-improving peoples crisis situations begins withsive and require a dedicated funding campaign understanding how trauma continues to affectthat can take months or years. So organizations people. A person who has experienced traumamay embrace trauma-informed care principles (sometimes from childhood) may continue tobut often use buildings that werent crafted with experience its effects, even in situations thatthese objectives in mind. This mismatch of arent threatening. People experiencing traumaorganization philosophy and therapy setting may be distracted, prone to emotional responses,sacrifices the opportunity to be fully effective and have difficulty making decisions forfor clients. However, architecturethrough extended periods after traumatizing events,renovation or new constructionhas great including when they arrive at the doors of apotential to serve as the setting for an emotion-rescue mission. They may engage in copingally safe place where clients can take a breath responses such as lashing out at others, usingand create a plan for change.harmful substances, or exhibiting symptoms ofIt can be difficult to see the potential of physical mental illness. Long-term trauma, called toxicplaces to support clients and staff. But the environ-stress, can even shorten a persons life. ment plays an important role in how people see Key themes in traumainformed care approaches include trustworthiness and transparency, preserving clients voices and choices, and collaboratively working with staff toward an exit from their situations. This represents a significant switch from previous authoritative, hierarchical approaches to crisis care. A growing understanding of traumas effects iseach other, perceive their progress, and even view causing a shift toward trauma-informed care thatthemselves. A growing body of research shows: prioritizes wholistic human wellness, including psychological and emotional safety for both clients Physical environment affects an individuals and staff. Key themes in trauma-informed caresense of identity, worth, dignity, and empow-approaches include trustworthiness anderment. transparency, preserving clients voices and Physical environment has an impact on peoples choices, and collaboratively working with staffattitude, mood, and behavior. Theres a strong toward an exit from their situations. Thislink between peoples physiological state, emo-represents a significant switch from previoustional state, and their physical environment.authoritative, hierarchical approaches to crisis care.Changes to the physical design of buildings Its possible to design and maintain supportive often trail behind changes in a missions philosophy,and healing environments to help people resist such as the decision to adopt trauma-informedre-traumatization.42 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JULY/AUGUST 2021'