The focus of this thesis is to reimagine supportive housing for young adults aged 18–23 who have aged out of the foster care system. Rather than serving solely as a place for shelter, this supportive housing model is designed to foster a sense of community, connection, and personal growth. By integrating accessible services and motivating environments this project challenges the traditional model of transitional housing for foster youth.
Inspired by the qualities of a quilt, this design will stitch together a sense of security and belonging, providing residents with a stable foundation to build their future.
INCENTIVE
The Foster Care system in the United States is designed to provide temporary care and protection for children who cannot safely remain with their biological families due to abuse, neglect, or other challenging circumstances. Managed at both the state and federal levels, the system seeks to ensure that children are placed in safe environments while long-term solutions, such as reunification with family or adoption, are pursued.
What many people do not know, is that the probabability of adoption decreases as many of these youth age within the system. Younger children within the system are most desired by families that are considering adoption through fostering. This leads to many children staying in the system by the time they are 18 despite the efforts of permanancy. Today, there are over 20,000 youth who age out fo the foster care system annually.
(Caitlin Cerillo, 2023)
But what happens to youth who eventually age out of the system?
PROBLEM STATEMENT
When youth age out of the system at 18, they face significant risks, including homelessness, substance dependency, and incarceration. Despite programs such as Independent Living Programs (ILPs) and the Family Unification Program (FUP), which offer life skills training and temporary housing assistance, the transition to independent adulthood remains a critical challenge. Studies show that 1 in 4 youth experience homelessness within four years of aging out, highlighting a gap in longterm stability and support. Nationally, 50% of the unhome population spent time in the Foster Care System. In Richmond, where 585 individuals are currently experiencing homelessness and 540 foster children reside in the metropolitan area, it is crucial to develop motivating spaces that provide trust, support, and safety for these young adults as they transition into independent living.
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David Kovaluk
St. Louis Public Radio
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Illustration by Joey Guidone
DESIGN ETHOS
I believe in creating spaces that create a deep connection with the user; spaces that feel familiar, personal, and motivating. My goal is to design environments that not only meet functional needs but also elevate the human experience. I strive to support diverse communities through adaptable, inclusive design solutions that encourage wellness, inspire motivation, and contribute to personal and collective success. No matter the scale or scope of the project, my work is rooted in empathy, intention, and the desire to positively impact the lives of those who inhabit the space.
SITE ANALYSIS
1201 Haxall Point was the chosen site for this project due its great location. Despite being near the heart of downtown Richmond, the surrounding buildings act as a sound barrier from the busy E Broad St. and other high traffic roads. Having those buildings and the canal seperate this site to feel as though it is its own secluded island. Being right alongside the James River, this site provides easy access to trails and outdoor activities, helping residents connect with nature. This connection is vital for trauma recovery, offering a peaceful environment that encourages healing, trust, and emotional well-being.
Bike Routes, Walk Perameter, & Nearby Establishments
Bus Route Map
In these diagrams, I used Monroe Park Campus, the heart of VCU. Since education and employment are key expectations for residents, I felt it was important to highlight the different public transportation options available for those without access to a car.
DOWNTOWN DEMOGRAPHICS
(STATISTICS TAKEN FROM THE 2022 IDA STUDY)
It was important to consider the demographics of Downtown Richmond to ensure that the neighborhood would be a good fit for future residents and meet their needs effectively.
CONCEPT
Quilted Community draws inspiration from the layered nature of a quilt, symbolizing comfort, home, and connection. This project creates a supportive, neighborhood-like environment that fosters stability and guides residents toward independence. Just like the unique patchwork of every quilt, the design reflects the diverse needs and backgrounds of young adults transitioning out of the foster care system, celebrating individuality while encouraging community and their path towards a bright future.
STRUCTURE & WAYFINDING
LAYERS & GROWTH
CONNECTIONS & COMMUNITY
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Joann AI Artist
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
To shape my concept, I looked closely at how a quilt is constructed. A quilt my mother made for me as a child inspired the building’s room layout, with its patchwork design influencing the arrangement of spaces.
8. Life Skills Workshop/Group Therapy 9. Therapy Office
10. Creative Arts 11. Fitness Room
Technology Lab 13. Mock Interview
Bike Room
Dumpster 16. Outdoor Courtyard / Garden
SECOND FLOOR CANAL
FINISHES
1. Wellness Room
2. Flexible Lounge
The Den
Recreation Room
FURNITURE PLANS
1. Communal Kitchen
2. One Bedroom Units
3. Two Bedroom Units 4. Housekeeping / Trash Room
5. Overnight Staff
THIRD FLOOR
FOURTH FLOOR
1. Communal Kitchen
2. One Bedroom Units
3. Two Bedroom Units
4. Housekeeping / Trash Room
5. Overnight Staff
DESK DESIGN
The reception desk design draws inspiration from the form of a stitch. The vertical divide in the wall symbolizes the long thread, while the motif on the desk represents the looping structure of the stitch, aligning with the vertical line when viewed from the front. This design expresses the idea of connection, not only between residents but also between the nature outside and the interior environment.
MAIN STAIRCASE
STAIR DESIGN
The design of this staircase was inspired by the form of a stitch, connecting the patchworks of a quilt. I saw this as a meaningful opportunity to create a physical representation of the community’s connection to nature. Mimicking the shape of a stitch, the curved platforms extend beyond the building’s original exterior, offering views of the outdoor courtyard and canal. These spaces invite residents to pause, lounge, or relax by the large windows, surrounded by the calming blues that flow throughout the staircase design.
Quilting in Other Forms:
A quilt, made of diverse fabrics stitched together, inspired my vision of a patchwork interior that feels both familiar and home-like. I chose brick for its warm, welcoming quality and developed the concept of a “quilted community,” where the building becomes part of the neighborhood’s fabric. The layout reflects a quilt’s structured grid, softened by irregularities inspired by a handmade quilt from my mother. Staggered spaces spark curiosity and interactions, while wood floor transitions serve as wayfinding symbolizing the “binding” of the building.
CREATIVE ARTS
HIDDEN NOOKS
POWER OF CHOICE
Spaces like the creative arts room, library, and tuckedaway seating nooks offer residents moments of retreat and opportunities to pause, relax, and engage in meaningful activities. Whether it’s creating art, reading a book, or listening to music in a quiet corner, these areas encourage a sense of autonomy and choice.
This idea of ownership extends into the public spaces as well, where residents are invited to personalize their environment by displaying their artwork. Contributing in this way creates a deeper connection to the space and reinforces a sense of belonging. Personalization is a vital element of trauma-informed design, offering comfort, control, and identity in shared environments.
Therapy Office
The therapy offices incorporate natural wood and brick elements that gently filter light throughout the space, enhancing the calming atmosphere. Large windows allow for ample natural light, while adjustable curtains provide both privacy and clarity. Residents can easily tell whether a session is in progress or if the space is available, creating a more predictable environment.
Therapy Office
COMMUNAL KITCHEN
The open balcony off the kitchen encourages residents to casually connect with the lounge below, allowing them to see, hear, and engage with others without the need for a formal gathering.
The Communal Kitchen will feature a dedicated refrigerator— called the “Fresh Bites” fridge— stocked with nutritious items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and various canned goods. Local businesses are encouraged to contribute donations to help keep the fridge supplied. According to a study conducted by VCU, approximately 35% of students reported experiencing some form of food insecurity. This initiative aims to directly address that need, offering residents reliable access to healthy food options and supporting overall well-being.
Wood-look acoustic beams line the ceiling of the common kitchen, creating a cozy, “den-like” atmosphere that invites residents to relax, lounge, and feel at home while cooking and gathering.
COMMUNAL KITCHEN
GATHERING
The communal kitchen acts as the heart of the residential units, acting as the “town center” of a community. Whether it’s a shared meal, game night, or a casual coffee chat, the space is designed to encourage connection and a sense of belonging. Custom bench seating alongside the central island encourages interaction between those preparing food and others enjoying time with friends. For those who may want some alone time, nook style booths provide a cozy retreat for a solo meal. The space strikes a careful balance between warm, welcoming, and filled with natural light to create a comfortable, home-like atmosphere.
CORRIDORS
PERSONALIZATION
Personalization is encouraged throughout the design to create a sense of ownership like walking through Richmond’s Fan District, where vibrant, colorful front doors reflect of each home, residents are invited to choose the color of their own apartment door. powerful gesture allows them to make their space truly personal, reinforcing the feeling through a neighborhood. The residential corridors are intentionally designed to echo walking throuhg a neighborhood. The unit entrances resemble the facades of individual
ownership for residents. Much reflect the personality door. This simple yet feeling of walking echo the experience of individual houses.
UNITS
TRANSPARENCY
While natural light already filters into the apartments through the balcony doors, I chose to incorporate an additional window facing the corridor. This allows residents to casually glance out and see who might be outside their door, enhancing both visibility and a sense of security. It also encourages spontaneous interaction and a stronger connection to the surrounding community.
WELL STANDARDS
Implemented Concepts of WELL
What are ‘WELL Standards’?
WELL Building Standards are a set of guidelines and performance-based systems designed to enhance human health and well-being in buildings and other environments. They are developed and maintained by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and complement other green building standards like LEED, but with a strong focus on people’s health and comfort rather than environmental sustainability alone.
Indoor air quality is better acheived by using low VOC and recycled materals throughout the space. Improved ventilation, filtration, and source control will also be ensured within the building.
Nutrition is addressed through the inclusion of a community fridge where local businesses can donate fresh produce and other healthy options. This initiative encourages healthy eating habits while also addressing food insecurity, especially among younger generations.
The structure of the buildings initiative supports mental health through design, programming, and policy. Counseling, skill workshops, and various resources are provided to residents so that they can succeed in their journey to independence.
Sunlight naturally flows through every level of the building. Original exterior windows are integrated into the newly constructed hallways, allowing light to reach all areas. On the residential floors, spacious corridors feature floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a bright, open atmosphere even in enclosed spaces.
The monumental staircase is one of the main focal points as you enter the space. Designed to have social interaction surrounding it, the staircase encourages both physical activity and meaningful connections across all levels of the building. Additionally, an on-site fitness facility provides residents with a dedicated space to engage in regular exercise.
Sustainability was considered within this design. Recycled bricks, locally sourced materials, and enviromentally friendy products are used throughout.
Community is at the heart of this design. One key feature is the integration of communal kitchens, which serve as shared spaces for interaction and collaboration. Additionally, a thoughtfully designed balcony invites engagement among residents, further strengthening the communal atmosphere.
