TRANSITION ASSISTANCE SHELTER
Creating a new model homeless assistance, a new standard is created by combining supportive housing with a community resource center. The “Bridge” achieves a conceivable balance between programmatic requirements, progressive design approach, and thoughtful building practices. The mission is to provide a continuum of services such as health, housing, and learning, to assist individuals with transition into a more stable life.
The three distinct program elements of the building are a walk-in day center with full access to services, a temporary shelter and soup kitchen, and accommodations on the upper levels. The “Bridge” is to serve as a focal point for the Beenleigh community, and a magnet for social interaction.
The site is designed to continue an urban feel, while the new apartments define the street edge. Pedestrian activity is focused on the active community spaces between buildings central to the site, and connected to other shared resources.
Transparent multi-purpose rooms blur the lines of indoor and outdoor function, bleeding into the sidewalk piazzas used to create intentional social spaces. A safe, and cheerful environment is provided, where there is also an opportunity to receive social and mental stimulation. These site-integrated functions create a more pleasant laneway for Beenleigh.
Units include many universal design features to increase their accessibility to a variety of tenant needs. This includes a soothing and contrasting interiors color pallet to help the visually impaired; full turning circles and removable vanity cabinets in most bathrooms; and providing accessible appliances, fixtures and hardware everywhere.
With a vision of long-term learning, academics beyond school throughout adult years via the formal education system, in workplaces, and through community involvement. The design strengthens urban programmatic and spatial permeability. Taking advantage of the desirability of outdoor space, the site amplifies the possibility of natural inhabitancies to maximize connections.
