Safe Harbor: Recontextualizing Architectural Design to Engage Society in Combating Human Trafficking
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Abstract
As one of the fastest growing and most lucrative
criminal enterprises, human trafficking involves the
use of force, fraud, or coercion to lure victims into labor
or commercial sexual exploitation. Minnesota faces
widespread attention for its alarmingly increasing numbers
in the sex trafficking industry with a particular focus on
indigenous women and children. Despite its rich history
and astonishing beauty, the Duluth harbor in Minnesota is
notorious amongst the state as a site for human trafficking.
With limited access to resources, women and children are
incredibly vulnerable to being trafficked and face severe
psychological and physical harm.
Using simulation and case study research, the
following thesis proposal will expose the cruel reality
of human trafficking while providing a solution through
architectural design. The proposed pavilion seeks to
educate the public, foster collaboration amongst diverse
disciplines, and empower survivors. The pavilion aims to
utilize design as a platform for social justice.