The Nexus: A City Within, A Shelter Beyond
This project explores the role of architecture in fostering safety, empowerment, and mental well-being through the design of a women’s refuge and art studio. Situated within the urban fabric, the scheme reclaims neglected and transitional spaces, such as alleyways and backstreets, traditionally associated with fear, and reimagines them as secure, connective environments.The design responds to the theme of “making connections” by transforming the in-between moments of the city into opportunities for exploration, reflection, and healing. At its core is the question: Where do you go when your safe space disappears? The project seeks to answer this by creating a layered architectural experience that supports both privacy and community.
Driven by principles of the circular economy, the proposal integrates reclaimed materials and sustainable strategies to establish an architectural language of resilience. Early design stages focused on material experimentation and abstract modelling using discarded elements, reflecting themes of vulnerability and strength. These conceptual explorations evolved into a spatial framework that considers acoustics, privacy gradients, circulation patterns, and user-specific needs. The inclusion of an art studio supports therapeutic engagement, reinforcing research that links creative expression to improved mental health. This dual-function space allows the refuge to serve as both sanctuary and catalyst- encouraging recovery, autonomy, and connection through architecture. Ultimately, the project balances poetic intent with pragmatic design, offering a sustainable and socially responsive architectural solution that redefines what a safe space can be
