Designing for the Homeless

Abstract

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, psyche is defined as the soul, mind, or personality of a person or group (Hacker). I am researching the homeless population to better understand their psyche. I believe that If I can find what guides their decisions I can design a homeless shelter tailored to their needs and an environment that will help them get back to a better way of life. Homelessness is defined as having no home or permanent place of residence, but it means so much more than that. In Julie Beck's The Psychology of Home, she describes what a home means to people as this, "For many people, their home is part of their self-definition, which is why we decorate our houses and take care of our lawns" (Beck, 1). Without a home, it is hard for people to express themselves and set themselves apart from the rest of the world. When people lose their home, they lose their identity. By helping the homeless find a better way of life through a shelter, they can regain their identity and pursue a better life.