Trauma-informed design is essential for creating spaces that truly support victims and survivors. The State College Police Department (SCPD) is committed to transforming its victim/survivor space into an environment that feels supportive and healing. In this blog post, we will explore how we integrated trauma-informed design principles in the SCPD facilities, highlighting specific elements that make a meaningful difference.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Design
Trauma-informed design recognizes that trauma significantly impacts individuals' physical and emotional well-being. This design philosophy prioritizes environments that ensure safety, trust, and emotional healing.
Key aspects include layout, color schemes, lighting, and artwork. Each element must work in concert to foster a nurturing atmosphere for victims and survivors of trauma.
Creating a Safe Physical Space
The top priority in trauma-informed design is guaranteeing physical safety. SCPD has incorporated various elements to create a safe setting for victims and survivors. The space designated for victims/survivors and the team is a secluded, quiet area located inside the building, away from windows and long corridors.
Confidentiality is essential. To maintain it, SCPD utilizes an interior space within the building to minimize noise levels, ensuring conversations stay private. Furthermore, private rooms enable victims to share their stories securely and without distractions.
Inviting Aesthetic
A space's aesthetic greatly influences how people feel. SCPD is dedicated to creating a calming atmosphere with their thoughtful design choices.
Color Palette
Colors profoundly affect emotions. In the victim/survivor space, SCPD chose soft, muted colors like light blues and greens, which studies show can reduce anxiety levels by over 30%. These calming colors encourage relaxation and openness.
Natural Light and Soft Lighting
Lighting plays a critical role in setting the mood. Since the given space for privacy reasons has no windows we added wall mountlighting, lamps and covers to calm the harshness of the overhead lighting.
Furniture and Layout Considerations
The arrangement and comfort of furniture are vital in trauma-informed design. SCPD has tailored these components to enhance comfort and accessibility.
Comfortable Seating Arrangements
Creating a comfortable environment is essential. SCPD provides plush chairs and couches that can be easily rearranged. This flexibility allows for intimate conversations, ensuring victims feel secure and supported.
Creating Spaces for Healing
Trauma-informed design profoundly impacts the recovery journey for victims and survivors. The State College Police Department prioritizes comfort, privacy, and emotional support in its victim/survivor space.
Ultimately, trauma-informed design fosters an environment where individuals feel safe, understood, and supported—providing a vital foundation for recovery and resilience.
SCAD Capstone Project
The owner and head designer of Grace Ryan Designs graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design. During her time there, she immersed herself in the intricacies of design principles, color theory, spatial planning, and the psychological effects of environments on individuals. It was here where her passion for trauma-informed design began to take shape, ignited during the challenging yet transformative experience of her senior capstone project. This pivotal assignment required her to conceptualize and design a space that would leave a lasting positive impact on the community, prompting her to delve deeply into the needs and experiences of those who would use the space.
She was inspired by her own journey as a student survivor, which fueled her desire to create an environment that fostered healing, support, and empowerment. She envisioned a space that not only addressed the aesthetic aspects of design but also considered the emotional and psychological well-being of its users. This mission became her guiding principle, leading her to explore various elements of design that could contribute to a nurturing atmosphere—such as the use of calming colors, natural light, and comfortable furnishings that encourage relaxation and reflection.
Through extensive research and empathy-driven design strategies, she aimed to incorporate features that would promote safety and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual felt welcomed and valued within the space. By integrating trauma-informed principles, she sought to create an environment that would serve as a sanctuary for healing, community engagement, and personal growth. This experience not only solidified her commitment to trauma-informed design but also laid the foundation for Grace Ryan Designs, where she continues to design spaces that are thoughtfully crafted to support the diverse needs of individuals and communities alike.
Community Involvement in Design
Grace Ryan Designs emphasizes community involvement, particularly in public spaces, as shown by our participation in the Courthouse Project last December and other local initiatives. Engaging with the community enhances our design philosophy and fosters belonging and connection among residents.
Grace Ryan Designs is dedicated to building relationships and nurturing a vibrant community through local projects that enhance public spaces and enrich lives. We value community involvement, bringing creatives and community members together to foster belonging and shared purpose.
We thank Rothrock Wood Project and Michele Randall Studio for their generous contributions. These pieces embody creativity and craftsmanship, enriching our environment and supporting local artisans. Their collaboration plays a crucial role in this projects design.
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