b'Jill is the project lead for Design Resources for Homelessness. In addition, she works as a professor and chair of the Florida State University Department of Interior Architecture and Design.Intentional architecturelook and feel about themselves. One emergency M any possibilities exist for trauma- shelter installed vertical lighting at the bathroom informed architectural features thatvanity to provide people a better sense of their could assist a mission and its clients,facial color and appearance for the day. and the choices for these are driven by the orga- A well-designed physical facility gives another nizations philosophy, the nature of its clients,helpful element to a wholistic, wraparound support and a projects budget. Here are a couple ofsystem for clients that can lower stress, exude a favorites that are both creative and feasible.sense of welcome, and provide physical and psycho-(See examples on the previous page.)logical support that clients need to find their feet. Supporting an environment that is safe whileLike any single therapy, a thoughtful building also inviting. This kind of reception desk providesby itself is not a solution, but relies on policies, an area for separate, private conversations that aretherapies, and other trauma-informed elementssensitive in nature, giving comfort to a clientto be fully effective. Whether a small renovation \x04 checking in for the first time. ior a ground-up building project, a missions or Reinforcing the individuals sense of personalministrys buildings can be an extended expression identity. The light placement at a bathroomof its trauma-informed care philosophy to help vanity can make a big difference in how peoplepeople become their fullest selves. \x03For More InformationAdditional resources to check out The nonprofit organization Design Resources for Homelessness website offers practical, researchinformed reports, case studies of existing buildings, lists of designers, and reports about the specific needs of architectural design for population groups, all available for free download. A report about traumainformed design is available at www.citygatenetwork.org/design. \x04For a short TED talk video on traumainformed designs potential, see www.citygatenetwork.org/three_months. \x04Behavioralhealth facilities sometimes use Snoezelen (www.snoezelen.info) rooms that provide multisensory elements, including those of sound, vision, olfactory, and touch to provide positive distraction. \x04Healing Environments: Whats the proof? by Barbara Huelata book about sensory stimuli and design decisionmaking. \x04The WELL Building Standard is a series of voluntary guidelines that supports human wellness, including sensory inputs such as comfort, state of mind, and physical health. Many of the recommendations are especially suitable for places that assist clients who are experiencing crises. Learn more at standard.wellcertified.com/well.46 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JULY/AUGUST 2021'