Design Guidelines for Nest (Clinic, Staff, Pets)

For

Created by

TCAction DEA 2500/6600 Prof. Gary Evans

Michael Brigham Hannah Hao Miranda Kasher Jenny Kim Joanna Luh

DESIGN GUIDELINES Staff, Clinic & Pets

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

1

Section One: Staff

3

Section Two: Clinic

21

Section Three: Pets

31

References

39

INTRODUCTION

1

STAFF

The staff at the shelter are crucial to the smooth operations of the facility and are present more than any other user group. Therefore, we must cater to their needs when at all possible. Staff at this type of facility have specific needs that may not be met by the standard amenities and design of staff spaces. In this document, we will outline these needs and possible responses to these needs.

CLINIC

It is standard practice to provide some clinical and medical programming for homeless shelter residents. This facility has specific needs for this space as it will focus on catering towards homeless youth and may or may not be a 24-hour facility. Programming aspects and design may affect each other in this way. In this document, we will outline possible design considerations and responses to the specific needs of this facility regarding the clinic.

PETS

As will be discussed in this document, many homeless youth own pets. These pets may not be able to receive the same level of care as the residents of this facility due to legal and health reasons, but they must be cared for, nonetheless. In this document, we have provided ideas for ways to allow residents with pets to feel safe staying at the facility.

RANKING SYSTEM (***) • Priority: This indicates how important the guideline is to the function of the facility. The highest ranking guidelines must be incorporated into the final design of the space. • Feasibility: This indicates the level at which this guideline is possible given our parameters and limitations. • Research: This indicates the reliability and abundance of sources and research linked to the associated guideline.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank Tompkins County Action for providing us this opportunity to analyze the homeless shelter facility. We would also like to thank the youth focus group, experts from the community, and providers who inspired our decisions and gave us valuable feedback.

2

3

STAFF

Guideline 1

Guideline

Provide a private space where staff meet with residents for intake/registration.

Rationale

Intake space will be the first place that the homeless youth meet the staff. This is the place where youth must provide personal information, or sort through personal belongings.

Homeless youth may feel insecure unless the proper amount of privacy is provided (Y2Y, 2018). Privacy can also help to separate the intake space from the noise and traffic of the entrance/waiting area; new residents who require orientation and have more questions for staff may benefit in particular.

Response

• •

Provide a separate room for intake only.

Minimum use of openings/windows that may give direct visual connection to the inside.

Trade-offs

• •

Increased privacy may limit the staff’s ability to monitor.

Small enclosed space may induce claustrophobia.

See also

Guideline 2, 3.

Priority *** Feasibility *** Research *

4

Guideline 2

5

Guideline

Creating an intake space that is casual and comfortable, but also reliable would impact the beginning of the relationship between the staff and guests of the program.

Rationale

The intake space is one of the first spaces that the guests experience, therefore, it is the beginning of a trust-forming relationship between the staff and the guests. The first impression that the space can give to the guests is very important and should give off a feeling of familiarity and trustability (Laja, 2012). The goal of the intake space is to find a balance between a casual environment and enough formality that the guest feels safe and comfortable (Y2Y, 2018). Organized, yet abundant available information in this space is important for the guest to feel like the space is trustworthy and reliable, and that they have access to answers to their questions (Laja, 2012). Striving for a residential feel and incorporating natural elements can also heighten a friendly and welcoming vibe (Doherty, Sell, 2011).

Response

• • • •

Visible and accessible information/resources Displaying testimonials from previous guests Natural details (plants, wooden material, natural colors) Residential feeling details (carpet, fabric materials)

Trade-offs

•

It may cost more to create an environment that guests feel they can trust.

See also

Guideline 1, 3.

Priority ** Feasibility *** Research **

Guideline 3

Guideline

Providing a space where guests can store items that may not be allowed in the facility would increase trust between the guests and the rest of the program.

Rationale

It is important to consider the fact that some of the guests coming in may possess certain items that are not allowed in the facility (Y2Y, 2018) . However, in order to maintain a positive relationship with the guests, instead of confiscating and getting rid of those items, providing a method of storage outside of the facility is ideal. Providing this option of a secure storage space in the intake area also builds trust between the guests and the staff.

Response

•

Lockable locker space in intake room

Trade-offs

•

It is difficult to know the level of danger that the item might have Liability for lost or damaged items may cause issues

•

See also

Priority *** Feasibility *** Research *

Guideline 1, 2, 10.

6

Guideline 4

Guideline

The primary staff workstation should permit visual access to much of the shelter and encourage interaction with residents.

Rationale

Compared to traditional office employees, youth homeless shelter staff will spend less time on individual work and more time directly engaging with other occupants of the space. As such, the design of their primary work station or office should reflect these uses. Similar therapeutic residential environments recommend placing the staff area “in the heart of the action” and near the entrance to welcome visitors and allow residents direct access to employees as needed (Wittman, Jee, Polcin, and Henderson, 2015). Some degree of mutual visual exposure will allow residents to better judge when staff are available to assist them and facilitate social interaction while affording the employee the ability to keep tabs on activity throughout the shelter; such visual exposure can enhance adherence to behavioral norms (Archea, 1977). Halfopen workstations may provide the right balance between privacy and social interaction (Alexander, 1970).

Response

• • •

Trade-offs

•

•

See also

7

Locate the staff office or workstation close to the main entrance and primary activity/common areas whenever possible.

Instead of a closed office, consider a half-open or fully-open work area to remove barriers to interaction and enhance visibility.

Archways, half-walls, and screens can define spaces without fully enclosing them.

Increasing the visual exposure of staff decreases privacy accordingly, which may render the primary staff workspace a poor location for phone calls, private meetings, or viewing confidential information.

Lack of privacy here may increase stress for employees unless access to other private spaces is made available.

Guideline 5, 6.

Priority *** Feasibility *** Research ***

Guideline 5

Guideline

Provide employees with private spaces to allow them to regulate social interaction.

Rationale

Although we have recommended that the primary staff work area be open and integrated into the common areas of the shelter, we recognize the competing need for spaces where employees can exercise a degree of privacy. If private space is lacking in the environment, individuals may experience higher levels of stress, and respond through conflict or withdrawal; closeable spaces also have the added benefit of promoting more intimate conversation, which may be helpful in staff-resident one-on-one interactions (Zimring, 1981). Offering employees access to private rooms in addition to a more public workstation can enable them to be ‘selectively conspicuous’ (Archea, 1977) and affords them a place of quiet retreat which may be of particular value given the high emotional demands of their work.

Response

• • • •

Trade-offs

• •

See also

Priority ** Feasibility ** Research ***

Ensure that at least one room with a closeable door is available for staff use if a designated staff break room is not available, consider using other private spaces, such as the clinic or intake space.

Interior windows can offer separation without impeding visibility or blocking light.

Unconventional furniture choices (e.g. booths) or placement can also be employed to create degrees of privacy.

Design features which increase privacy nearly always reduce visibility accordingly, which may limit an employee’s ability to monitor other spaces.

Too much emphasis on staff territory or ‘staff-only’ spaces may create an undesirable spatial hierarchy conflicting with the democratic or community values of the shelter.

Guideline 1, 4, 7, 18.

8

Guideline 6

Guideline

Make sure the staff area has good noise control

Rationale

Sound is ambient and noise can elevate people’s stress level.

Even though noise stimulates the individual to remain alert (McGrath & Hatcher, 1961) or arouses a sleep-deprived subject to perform better than under quiet conditions ( (Wilkinson, 1969) , high-intensity noise and random intermittent noise does have negative effects on performance.

Undesired sounds at some locations or during some periods, can be perceived as noise. The unpredictable noise (random-intermittent) has consequences equal to those of a higher-intensity predictable noise, and individual should have greater difficulty in performing under unpredictable than predictable noise stimulation (Glass & Singer, 1972). Under unpredictable noise conditions, manipulating expectation and controllability of the noise, can decrease the response (Glass & Singer, 1972). In the space, different sounds come from different sources, including noise from interactions between the staff and the youth, and the space layout determines how those sounds diffuse.

Response

•

•

9

Maybe draw a floor plan with visitors’ flow and peak flow, analyze sound diffuse paths according to the layout of the room, so that we can estimate the indoor noise model (noise topography).

Indoor plants can reduce noise level.

Trade-offs

•

Though the sound situations are complicated, we can at least understand the major noise sources (if there are any) and control them with the layout and interior design.

See also

Guideline 6.

Priority * Feasibility ** Research ***

Guideline 7

Guideline

Staff need private break room that provides positive distraction through nature.

Rationale

Staff who work in the homeless shelter will be under a lot of stress. The break room for staff that can help them relax and restore is necessary. There are many studies that have shown that live and artificial plants reduce stress level (Smith & Pitt, 2009; Shepley, 2006). There is an evidence that even the artwork with natural themes can help to alleviate stress. Also, the presence of nature in any forms generates more relaxing environment (Fulton, 2014).

Response

• •

Put plant pots or artificial plant in the break room.

Provide painting or photo of nature.

Trade-offs

•

If the live plants wither, it will cause reverse effect, rather than providing positive distraction.

The maintenance staff’s burden may be increased.

•

See also

Priority * Feasibility ** Research ***

Guideline 9, 27.

10

Guideline 8

Guideline

A place to eat (lunchroom) promotes social interaction.

Rationale

Staff will stay in the shelter during the daytime. It is good for people to have separate place to eat rather than eating at the workstation. Furthermore, a separate lunchroom can be served as ‘an arena for discussions’ and can be a place for social interaction (Lindén & Nyberg, 2009). This can also encourage to build positive relationship between staff and youth while eating in the same space.

Response

• •

Trade-offs

• •

See also

11

Provide comfortable seating and table with proper height.

Include furniture that can be easily cleaned (removable/ washable covers, etc.)

It may be hard to control the smell of the food and composts.

To make a separate lunchroom will sacrifice the other necessary space.

Guideline 8.

Priority * Feasibility ** Research *

Guideline 9

Guideline

Storage for staff should be firmly secured.

Rationale

Staffs who work at the shelter may handle confidential information. The information of homeless youth is likely to include personal information such as medical or legal record. It is very important to keep the information either in paper or in electronic form away from the users and unauthorized personnel.

Only the administrative staff can have access to the storage.

Response

• • • • •

Priority *** Feasibility ** Research *

Make a separate storage room that does not have a direct connection with common space.

Storage should be adjacent to the staff office.

Storage should be connected only to the staff office so that whoever approaches the storage, he or she must pass through the staff office first.

Utilize sturdy door for the storage.

Avoid putting insecure storage at the reception area.

Trade-offs

•

See also

Guideline 11, 12.

There may not be enough space for storage so that it may need to compromise with some space for another purpose.

12

Guideline 10

13

Guideline

Ensuring sufficient and secure space for storing personal belongings for the staff would increase staff well-being and satisfaction, as well as maintain organization in the workspace.

Rationale

Surveys explain that an excellent work space includes sufficient space for the personal belongings of the staff. In a public space, having a safe place to store personal items gives the staff a sense of security and boosts productivity in the environment, in addition to protecting from theft and preventing a clogged up workspace (Murray, 2014). Staff well-being is also positively affected as having an individual space for storage offers an opportunity to personalize and gain a sense of territoriality (Pochepan, 2018).

Response

• • •

Lockable cubby spaces Locker space Surfaces that can be personalized (chalkboard, dry erase board)

Trade-offs

•

Setting aside space for personal storage may take away from the amount of space needed for other purposes.

See also

Guideline 10, 12.

Priority ** Feasibility *** Research **

Guideline 11

Guideline

Separating storage spaces for different purposes and different user groups would increase the efficiency of the workspace.

Rationale

In an office space, many forms of storage spaces are needed in order to create an organized and efficient workplace.

According to past surveys, it was important to the staff of a transitionary housing program to ensure that there was not only sufficient space for the storage of objects like cleaning supplies and office supplies, but that these spaces were strategically placed to optimize convenience for the users, which include both the staff and the residents, without disrupting the staff workplace (Y2Y, 2018).

Response

• •

Priority * Feasibility *** Research *

Provide separate storage spaces for supplies that are meant only for staff and supplies that are shared between staff and residents Place storage space that is shared in a location that is accessible for both users

Trade-offs

•

See also

Guideline 10, 11.

Sufficient storage space may be provided at the expense of other spaces.

14

Guideline 12

Guideline

Staff and residents may not feel safe walking to the parking lot or nearest bus stop in the dark.

Rationale

Pedestrian paths and parking areas are considered ‘vulnerable settings,’ and may feel unsafe for evening and early-morning walking, especially for women (Bell, 1998). The operation of a 24-hour shelter will likely result in staff and residents entering and leaving the facility at periods of darkness, especially during the winter months. The primary factors influencing perceived nighttime safety of walking routes are the presence or absence of lighting and the degree of open space (Boomsma & Steg, 2014); considering these factors when designing walking routes can make these outdoor spaces feel safer for both employees and residents.

Response

• • •

Trade-offs

•

•

See also

15

Routes between the facility and transportation (parking and bus stops) should provide walkers with a high degree of visual access Avoid placing sharp corners, deep overhangs, or constricting spaces along the route.

Provide path lighting with an average horizontal illuminance of 30 lux to make perceptions of safety sufficiently similar to walking in daylight (Boyce, Eklund, Hamilton, & Bruno, 2000).

While lighting outdoor spaces may enhance an individual’s feeling of safety, flooding the area with light may contribute to an institutional, rather than home-like, environment.

Depending on light placement and height, light pollution could disturb the residents’ sleeping environment.

Priority ** Feasibility ** Research **

Guideline 13

Guideline

Increasing mobility and providing opportunities for staff to physically change positions would benefit the physical health of the staff as well as the health of the community.

Rationale

Physical health is often under emphasized when it comes to staff needs. People sit for an average of 3 to 8 hours a day, which can lead to physical injury, heart disease, and fatigue, when standing for 5 to 20 min per hour is recommended.

With advances in technology, people are spending even more time sitting in front of a computer for long hours at a time (Hermann Miller, 2013). The best way to mediate and prevent long term health problems from forming for the staff is to encourage mobility in the workplace. More specifically, it is essential for the furniture of the space to prompt shifts in position (O’Neill, 2013), and for the landscape of the workplace to offer the staff choices among a variety of postures (Herman Miller, 2013). Additionally, the community residing in this space could benefit from increasing mobility, as there are higher chances of social engagement and interaction (Herman Miller, 2015). A workplace that helps staff interact builds a stronger sense of community (Herman Miller, 2017).

Response

• • • •

Priority ** Feasibility *** Research ***

A space landscape that requires standing and moving to accomplish certain tasks Traffic pathways that encourage desired social interaction Adjustable furniture (standing desks) Flexible computer monitors

Trade-offs

•

See also

Guideline 15.

Intentionally laying out the space to increase mobility may be met with complaints from staff of inconveniences, even though it may be beneficial to their physical health in the long-run.

16

Guideline 14

Guideline

Support sustainable and healthy lifestyles for the staff by providing personalizable and ergonomic furniture.

Rationale

In order to support a sustainable lifestyle for the staff, research proves that it is important to take into consideration the type of furniture used. The physical well-being of the staff depends largely on posture and body position. In addition, studies show that in recent years, many of the injuries and musculoskeletal disorders that arise are related to computer-use. Furniture, especially seating should encourage non-straining, neutral body positions (O’Neill, 2013), especially during computer use (Madhwani, Nag, 2017). Therefore, furniture that has the ability to be personalized to reach more neutral postures is ideal.

Response

• • •

Lounge-like seating Non-traditional seating Height-adjustable chairs and tables

Trade-offs

•

If not chosen properly, lounge seating may worsen posture.

More personalizable furniture may cost more.

•

See also

17

Guideline 14.

Priority ** Feasibility *** Research ***

Guideline 15

Guideline

The primary workspace for night-shift staff should accommodate their unique lighting needs.

Rationale

Staffing a homeless shelter overnight provides security and offers residents access to services around the clock. Yet working overnight disrupts the circadian rhythms of employees and volunteers, reducing nighttime alertness and worsening daytime sleep quality. Resulting fatigue can negatively affect job performance and lead to long-term health problems.

Research suggests that exposing night shift workers to bright light overnight (1am - 5am) and limiting sunlight exposure after dawn can increase alertness and improve sleep following their shift (Burgess, Sharkey & Eastman, 2002; Yoon et al., 2002).

Response

• • • •

Trade-offs

• •

See also

Priority * Feasibility ** Research ***

Light therapy needn’t be conspicuous; builtin light fixtures can blend into the room decor.

Provide space for a therapy light (4-6k lux), preferably indirect lighting, just above eye level.

Avoid reflective materials nearby, and position the light so that it does not cause glare on monitors or work surfaces.

A built-in light fixture will ensure proper placement, provide stability, and may be more aesthetically pleasing than a free-standing device.

If the workspace includes a window, ensure that the employee can minimize morning sunlight exposure through Care must be taken to ensure that bright light in the staff workspace does not bleed into sleeping areas light transmission must be a factor when planning the adjacency of these spaces, and the design and placement of interior windows and doors.

Guideline 17.

18

Guideline 16

19

Guideline

Design the homeless shelter to ensure exposure of sunlight.

Rationale

Daylight impacts human’s health by influencing circadian rhythms and mental conditions. Light intensity has a dose-relationship with alertness (Cajochen et al., 2000) and it also has effect on stress recovery (Wan, 2011).

Ithaca is known to have little sunlight. Homeless youths tend to have various mental problems. Therefore, the homeless shelter needs more sunlight exposure.

Response

•

Put windows facing to the south or incorporate skylight.

Trade-offs

•

More windows may increase construction cost and care.

See also

Guideline 16.

Priority * Feasibility ** Research *

Guideline 17

Guideline

Intentionally choosing to use colors that inspire optimism, security, and trust can affect how the guests feel in the space and perceive the space.

Rationale

Color is known to have significant impacts on people’s moods and emotions. Depending on the type of emotion that is desired in a space, certain colors should be used. For a space that wants to exude certain qualities such as optimism and energy, warm colors are ideal. In particular, orange is known to draw attention, be inviting and friendly, or encourage one to subscribe to something. Yellow has associations with sunshine and laughter, as well as cheerful, however, can be irritating when overused. The color green symbolizes health, new beginnings, relaxation, security, and inspires possibility.

The color blue is often associated with calmness and trust.

Therefore, these colors should all be taken into consideration when designing a space (Gremillion, 2019).

Response

• •

Use warm tones in furnishings and objects Use colors like green and blue in walls, objects, details

Trade-offs

•

Color preferences are quite subjective and the same color can have different effects on different people.

Priority ** Feasibility *** Research *

See also

20

21

CLINIC

Guideline 18

Guideline

A Clinic should provide mental and physical health care service to the residents.

Rationale

The experience of homelessness in youth has numerous adverse implications as well as mental and physical health.

Substance use, sexually transmitted infections, and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) are particularly prevalent in this population (Edidin, Ganim, Hunter & Karnik, 2012). It is important to provide clinical service in the shelter so that the residents can benefit from adequate and appropriate health care service.

Response

• •

Trade-offs

• •

See also

Priority *** Feasibility *** Research ***

An enclosed space needs to be designated to clinical purpose.

Proper medical treatment supplies should be equipped.

If the space is utilized only for clinical use, it may limit other uses in the shelter.

Furnishing and fixtures to satisfy various medical treatments will affect construction budget.

Guideline 20.

22

Guideline 19

23

Guideline

Clinic room can support multiple uses other than medical use.

Rationale

Clinicians will not stay at the shelter but visit occasionally.

Homeless youth may need not only medical service but also some other legal services. In case of the visits of lawyers, social workers or any other official visitors, the office separate from common space or staff room will be needed. Given the limited space in the shelter and inconsistent use of clinicians, the clinic room can be an adequate space to support the other needs.

Response

•

Provide movable furniture so that the layout can be changed in diverse layouts.

Trade-offs

•

Trying to satisfy all needs for every other kinds of visiting will be hard.

See also

Guideline 19.

Priority ** Feasibility ** Research

Guideline 20

Guideline

Design the homeless shelter-based clinic with better sanitation

Rationale

Homeless youth are more likely to get sick than the general population because of their heterogeneous nature.

In addition to physical and mental health problems, they often also suffer from drug or alcohol abuse and chronic illness which creates instability (Edidin et al., 2012). Those people and agencies involved in the effort to address the health care problems of homeless youths interact regularly and frequently. It is important to keep proper

Response

• • •

Priority ** Feasibility *** Research *

Design proper storage for hygiene supply Build a sink in the clinic room and put the hand sanitizer at the most convenient location Design the color of the furniture and wall to represent sanitation.

Trade-offs

•

See also

Guideline 19.

Better sanitation as the figure illustrates involves a lot of effort and components, which requires construction cost and care at the beginning.

24

Guideline 21

Guideline

Homeless youth would benefit from group therapy.

Rationale

Recent studies indicate that, in general, the rates for major psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders are higher among homeless youth compared to housed peers (Paquette, 2011). A study showed that cognitive-behavioral group therapy helped improve self-efficacy and decrease the depression of runaway adolescents (Hyun, Chung, & Lee, 2005).

Response

• •

25

Movable furniture to accommodate multiple layouts in clinic room.

The common space can be utilized for group therapy occasionally.

Trade-offs

•

See also

Guideline 19, 23.

When a big group hold a group therapy, it may cause unwanted noise.

Priority *** Feasibility *** Research ***

Guideline 22

Guideline

Paying attention to the type and the arrangement of furniture in the clinic room in order to create an optimal balance

Rationale

In any setting, the arrangement of furniture can play an essential role in the social interactions that occur in the space, and this is especially true in therapeutic environments. It is important to have furniture that is movable and large enough so that the client is able to have a choice in adjusting the distance between them and the therapist or them and the staff (DeAngelis, 2017). Increasing variety in furniture arrangement also accommodates to different client needs and makes the space more flexible to multiple uses. Clients are also able to have a stronger sense of control, free-will, and safety with furniture arrangements that include round tables (which also encourages communication), and visual access to the door (Pearson, Wilson, 2012).

Response

• •

(Furniture arrangement layouts shown to the right).

It has been found that creating space between chairs partially intersected by a table is an arrangement that is open enough that it encourages engagement, but also offers a sense of protection (Broekmann, Moller, 1973; Haase, DiMattia, 1970; Pressly, Heesacker, 2001).

Trade-offs

•

Finding and using furniture that allows positive social interactions to occur may cost more.

See also

Guideline 22.

Priority ** Feasibility *** Research ***

26

Guideline 23

Guideline

The clinic space should provide a welcoming environment for visiting providers and support their functional needs.

Rationale

The professionals providing medical, psychological, legal, financial, and training services to residents may be infrequent visitors to the shelter, and may occupy the same space as other providers in alternating fashion. The clinic space where they will provide these services may be used for other purposes by shelter residents and staff over the course of a week.

As a result, these visiting professionals will be operating in a space that is not their own, and one that may not conform to their ideal clinic or office space. Such transient workspaces, such as “hot-desk” or “hoteling” offices, can frustrate desires for ownership, control, and personalization of one’s immediate environment and negatively impact social interaction and relationships with colleagues (Hirst, 2011). While it may be impossible to offer these visiting providers permanent workstations of their own, one can take care to ensure to provide them with the furnishings and resources they need to operate comfortably in the space, this moving beyond makeshift/ passably functional to welcoming and conducive to work.

Response

• • • •

27

Include storage furniture that may be used on a temporary basis, including lockable filing cabinets, a coat rack, and place to store purses and bags.

Offer easy access to electrical power, internet, and printing capabilities.

Provide a comfortable office chair and table or desk suitable for stationary work.

Provide visual access to and for the practitioner to encourage interaction when the clinic door is open.

Trade-offs

•

See also

Guideline 19, 20.

The additional furniture (or furniture placement) recommended above may limit the number of other uses for the clinic space.

Priority * Feasibility ** Research *

Guideline 24

Guideline

Residents and visiting providers should enjoy a degree of privacy and quiet in the clinic space.

Rationale

Fears of discrimination, being reported to law enforcement, and past negative interactions with healthcare providers can prevent homeless youth from seeking physical or mental health treatment and contribute to anxiety in the clinic environment(Hudson et al., 2010). Spaces which lack privacy or are noisy inhibit self-disclosure and make rapport between provider and patient harder to achieve (Pressly & Heesacker, 2001). Ensuring that the clinic space offers control over privacy and noise will be critical.

Response

• • • •

Trade-offs

• •

Priority *** Feasibility ** Research ***

Avoid locating the clinic near entrances or areas of high traffic Use curtains, blinds, or translucent film on windows Solid-wood doors, hinged (rather than pocket or sliding doors) are most effective at reducing noise transmission (Freihoefer, Nyberg, & Vickery, 2013) White noise machines and small indoor fountains can further mask noise from adjacent areas (Antony & Watkins, 2007)

Features which enhance privacy in the clinic when residents are with practitioners may limit staff ability to monitor the space when it is being used for other purposes.

Locating the clinic away from the main entrance will require visiting providers to travel further, and may locate the space in more intimate areas of the shelter, violating an ideal intimacy gradient(Alexander, 1970).

See also

28

Guideline 25

29

Guideline

Clinic room gives a non-institutional feeling.

Rationale

Clinics have the tendency to take on a clean and simplistic look, however, this can often come off as institutional and cold. In order to ensure optimal usage of the clinic service and draw guests to be comfortable using the space if needed, more attention could be paid to the overall aesthetics of the space to avoid institutional-like feeling (Pressly & Heesacker, 2001; Ward, 1995).

Response

• •

Minimize heavy textures in small space and use soft textured surfaces Use warm and soft color to the interior.

Trade-offs

•

It may cost more to add more detail into this space.

See also

Guideline 28.

Priority ** Feasibility ** Research ***

Guideline 26

Guideline

Reinforce therapeutic environment in the clinic room by providing comfort and relaxation.

Rationale

Anxiety and mood disorders are significantly prevalent among homeless youth Edidin, Ganim, Hunter, & Karnik, 2012). They may feel more anxious when they get into the clinic room. To make them feel comfortable and relaxed in the clinic room is important for improving not only the quality of treatment itself but also the result of treatment. It is also important for the clinician to feel comfortable to treat the specific group (homeless youth) which may exacerbate

Response

• • •

Trade-offs

See also

•

Priority ** Feasibility *** Research ***

Employ natural elements to the interior such as natural light and plants (Antony, & Watkins, 2007).

Hang artwork on the wall.

Sounds can be utilized to calm and decrease stress.

•

There may be cultural and individual differences of comforting color.

Any artwork should be chosen carefully.

•

Some artwork may distract users instead of provid-

Guideline 27.

30

31

PETS

Guideline 27

Guideline

Homeless youth would benefit from the opportunity to use the homeless shelter while owning a pet, often for emotional

Rationale

As many as 25% of homeless persons have pets. The majority of pet owners report that their pets kept them company and make them feel loved; while nearly half report that their pets made it more difficult to stay in a shelter (Rhoades, Winetrobe, & Rice, 2015). Pet ownership is associated with decreased utilization of housing services and decreased likelihood of staying in a shelter. Allowing for these homeless youth to bring their pets into or near the facility would greatly

Response

•

Outdoor dog kennels in close proximity to the shelter.

Trade-offs

•

Some people may have pet allergies or fears that would make living in close quarters with them uncomfortable.

Priority ** Feasibility *** Research **

See also

32

Guideline 28

33

Guideline

Homeless youth and their pets would benefit greatly from insulated or heated shelter.

Rationale

In Ithaca, where weather is unpredictable and often cold, well insulated or heated shelter would be crucial to a pet’s experience. In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for pets, dogs specifically, unless the temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point some cold averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.

Response

•

Insulated outdoor kennels with walls and windows, instead of chain-link fences all the way around.

Trade-offs

•

These solutions can be expensive.

See also

Guideline 29.

Priority * Feasibility ** Research

Guideline 29

Guideline

Homeless youth and their pets would benefit from ample play space.

Rationale

Dogs confined in cages should be exercised a minimum of twice daily for at least 20 minutes, either in runs or by walking on a leash. The preferable size for a dog run for one dog is 6 x 10 ft (Green, 1995).

Response

•

Dog run or dog park.

Trade-offs

•

These responses could be expensive, hard to create with such tight space on the property, and hard to maintain.

See also

Guideline 32.

Priority * Feasibility ** Research

34

Guideline 30

35

Guideline

Homeless youth would benefit greatly from being close to their pets, even if they can’t be with them, during their stay.

Rationale

Because of allergies and fears of other shelter guests, pets will most likely not be allowed within the facility. This would result in outdoor kennels for pets. These kennels must be adjacent to the living facilities in the shelter so owners can check on and play with their pets as necessary. Visual access, via windows or otherwise, also provides a solution to this problem.

Response

•

Windows and doors near the pet shelters.

Trade-offs

•

Extra exits and windows facing the pet area could add to the noise level and reduce privacy and security of the facility.

See also

Guideline 31.

Priority ** Feasibility ** Research

Guideline 31

Guideline

Homeless youth and their pets would benefit from easy and free waste disposal.

Rationale

Pets can produce a lot of waste if not cared for properly.

These pets will be using outdoor bathroom areas multiple times a day and will leave waste for their owners to pick up.

Giving homeless youth the responsibility of cleaning up after their pets is an important step to helping them grow as individuals. Providing free and easy ways to care for their pets will make the property cleaner and residents more knowledgeable about best practices.

Response

•

There is an extra cost associated with providing free waste bags.

Trade-offs

•

Free bags for owners to pick up waste and receptacles for owners to dump the waste.

Priority * Feasibility *** Research

See also

36

Guideline 32

Guideline

Homeless youth and their pets would benefit from a designated area for pet grooming and health care.

Rationale

Pets can be dirty and sick if not cared for properly. Homeless youth should be given proper space to wash their pets so dirt and disease does not spread between them. Similarly, offering medical care for these pets would be a great bonus for the homeless youth who cannot otherwise afford it. Space for these programs must be designated somewhere within the facility.

Response

• •

Trade-offs

• •

See also

37

Separate wash-room close to the kennels with sinks, soaps, towels, and more available.

Programs for veterinary care could also be implemented.

Cleaning these spaces may prove timely and costly for staff.

Making sure homeless youth are utilizing the resources properly is also an important factor.

Priority * Feasibility * Research

38

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