We are now using the lens of trauma-informed design to reframe questions asked early in the design process, better understanding what makes stakeholders feel safer and more comfortable in the spaces we are designing together.
This approach realizes how the physical environment affects individuals, recognizes that it can have a physiological and emotional impact, and responds by creating supportive environments that resist retraumatization (Trauma-Informed Design, 2018).
Introduction The Beginnings of our Trauma-Informed Design In 2015, a team of us (architects, social service professionals, and housing developers) were designing the first new homeless shelter built in Denver from the ground up in decades.
As we can see from the illustration, Trauma-Informed Design For Comfort has many fascinating aspects to explore.
Trauma-Informed Design (TID) is an empathetic approach that acknowledges the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. Unlike traditional design methods, TID focuses on creating environments that actively support healing, minimize stress, and foster positivity for all who use them.
At the Trauma-informed Design Society we are dedicated to the research and creation of stress-reducing, empowering spaces. We work to ensure practitioners have access to the latest research and resources, so they can apply TiD to their projects with fidelity.
Furthermore, visual representations like the one above help us fully grasp the concept of Trauma-Informed Design For Comfort.
These design guidelines spur the creative thought process in designing for a broad spectrum of trauma. The guidelines also remind us of critical issues impacting traumatic stress, and to critique our preliminary designs to develop more comprehensive solutions.
