Interrogating the existing ‘Tarred yarn’ buildings within The Historic Chatham dockyards led me into the further analysis of the sensory experience of the individual within architecture. Exploring the context of the site in relation to the inherent effects of the built environment on the body allowed me to understand the considerable impacts concerning the occupation of built environments within Chatham. Possibly, the current built world within the site prohibits the advancement of the individual or limits the contribution they are able to make to their community. Alarming crime rates surrounding sexual assault and violence (usually concerning women of the area), highlighting a need for agency and support of these affected groups. Additional research conducted exploring the women of chatham dockyards throughout history ‘The Heroines of Chatham’ led me to further explore such subject matter. Combining the consideration of the effects of the built environment on the individual and this knowledge of crime in the area, leads me to the main interrogation of my major project, where the interrelation of the two allows for the development of a space that not only provides a safe space to the community, but additionally provides therapy aid to groups affected by assault.
I aim to design a ‘safe space’ through my scheme, meaning a place where ‘people can feel confident they will not be exposed to harm.’ For victims of these crimes, reintegrating into society can be extremely difficult, adapting and moulding our built environment to serve the needs of the vulnerable can aid this reintegration and in turn the healing process of the individual.
The Hidden Heroines