Safe Harbor: Recontextualizing Architectural Design to Engage Society in Combating Human Trafficking

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.