Domestic violence, once considered a private matter in the 1970s, is today considered as an important political issue. As of April 1, 2024, sheltered accommodations are incorporated into national regulations and guidelines for social services in Sweden. The consistently high number of domestic violence reports, combined with new legislation, are expected to increase the demand for shelters in Sweden.

The initial concept for a women’s shelter originates from a case study conducted during my bachelor’s degree. Collaborating with a colleague, I analyzed Aldo van Eyck’s Mother’s House in Amsterdam, which was initially designed to provide single mothers facing social difficulties a new start. Unlike the case study’s target group, my proposal focuses on victims of crime.

The framework for this project is guided by three protection strategies: openness, enclosure and thresholds.

Principle I: Openness (placement)An interview with a shelter owner highlighted the importance of selecting apartments in areas with a constant flow of people, typically urban environments. This insight, along with the belief that safety and support should not be parallel to seclusion, guided the decision to locate the proposal in an urban context. This approach promotes community integration and counters the isolation often experienced by these women. The urban setting leverages public presence and openness as protective elements.

Principle II: Enclosure (typology)Complementing the urban placement, the design includes an enclosed garden, inspired by monastic references. The building forms a city block with a secure, enclosed garden at its core, providing a valuable communal space. This configuration emphasizes strong boundaries around the garden, creating opportunities for community interaction within a protected environment.

Principle III: Thresholds (inner logic)The internal layout of the shelter incorporates thresholds that serve both physical security and perceived safety. By avoiding central staircases, the vertical movement within the building is segmented, enhancing protection. Each floor features ’open’ corridors facing the public street and the private garden, eliminating hidden corners and enhancing security.

This project aims to create a safe and supportive temporary home for victims of domestic violence, balancing openness and enclosure to create and maintain protection and community.