Design a Progressive Environment for Transitioning Foster Care Adolescents
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Abstract
Foster care was designed to help support and care for children in dire circumstances. At
18, the young adults are “aged out.” Current data on the aging out process has found poor
outcomes for the young adults formerly in foster care which include suffering from mental
and behavioral health problems. Many studies on the aging out process point to a lack
of social and emotional support systems in place for these young adults.
This social and emotional void forms massive disparities and missed opportunities between
these young adults and their peers in the communities. These poor outcomes
points to a need for permanency and belonging. Currently, there are not facilities that
specifically address this need in our communities. A new typology of building is needed,
which can address the mental and behavioral health of these adolescents as well as foster
connections to community. My thesis will also explore and seek to address the need for
permanency and belonging, as this is shown to be critical to adolescents transitioning into
adulthood. This thesis will explore how a new building typology can make an impact on
community interaction to help foster belonging in those who have lost many connection
points in life’s journey. Additionally, this thesis will include elements such as, human scale
design, lighting design, connection to nature and color theory which are proven to create
a safe, healing environment.