Centru pentru victimele violenței domestice - Beta Competition
Graduation projects

Center for Victims of Domestic Violence

Project description

Domestic violence is a major problem that has social and economic repercussions. The victims of the aforementioned abuse, currently face social inclusion impediments. The project objective is to create a safe space shelter that offers the possibility of personal development and rediscovery. The site is located in the southern part of Timișoara, in the historic Elisabetin district and benefits from a quiet location. Furthermore, people can easily use the public transport to arrive in other areas of the city. A central element of the project is the relationship with nature, which is essential in order to create an ideal ambience that affects physical and mental health in a positive way. Dimensioning and designing the exterior areas changes the use of the specific space so that various activities can be held there. A large courtyard is quintessential in order to assure a place to socialize and relax. Also, the courtyard has therapeutic benefits that derive from its greenery. Adding a wooden bridge and creating a pathway, transforms the courtyard into the focal point of the area. In addition, the complementary spaces and the access areas of the housing units open towards it. The desired ambience is also achieved through the creation of spaces that were designed for human scale. Furthermore, the use of materials, textures and colors add to the desired effect. The brick texture reminds us of how the site used to look, with the ivy-growing fence, the white volumes inspire light and purity and the wood contributes to the warm ambience through its specific color and texture. Volume wise, the high level of fragmentation present in the area is also used on the site to avoid an unfit insertion. This is realised through the insertion of multiple volumes rather than adding a single larger volume. Temporary housing units are designed to provide the necessary privacy, but also promote communication between individuals. These living units, also consist of complementary spaces: the living space, the main kitchen with the dining area, a multifunctional space, therapy office and a classroom. Flexible furniture is placed in these areas so multiple activities are possible. More specifically, activities that pertain to the pursuit of knowledge and those that increase cooperation, socialization. The southwest corner of the site is accessible to the public. The green area and the multifunctional space can serve as an information center where people can be educated on domestic violence.

Author's presentation text

EDUCATION University of Architecture and Urban Planning, Timișoara | 2015 - 2021 Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture Erasmus Exchange - Università degli Studi di Palermo | 2019 - 2020 Italy Psychopedagogical training program | 2016 - 2018 1st level “Ion Mincu” College Timișoara | 2011 – 2015 technical draftsman for architecture and design “Carmen Sylva” High School, Timișoara | 2003 – 2011 EXPERIENCE architect - internship at ACS Studio | 2021 - present MICROHOME competition entry | 2020 VISMA interior design competition entry - 1st prize | 2020 Urban Greenhouse Challenge competition entry - shortlisted project | 2019 internship at RD Sign architecture studio | 2019 internship at Petrila Mine | 2018 internship in Petrila | 2017 internship in Valea Jiului | 2016 volunteering at festivals | 2014 - 2020