Empowerment through architecture: women’s transitional cohousing in Northern Ontario

Abstract

This thesis is a response to the lack of supportive post-intervention housing for women who have survived domestic violence. In Canada, 76.2% of the women who are murdered, are killed by a spouse, family member or intimate partner. Women are statistically at a higher risk of being killed by someone they are close to than their male counterparts. As a result of experiencing violence, they require new housing and support as their previous residence is not an appropriate place to return. Additionally, having an affordable and safe housing option when vulnerable situations arise is important for women, so safety does not need to be compromised for the sake of urgent need or financial circumstances. This presents the need for housing options for women transitioning out of vulnerable situations. Women are celebrated in the proactive and reactive supportive housing model that is explored in the design proposal for the Women’s Transitional Cohousing.