Addressing Homelessness : No Unsheltered Individual is left without a Home

Project idea

I am originally from Bangladesh, a country where poverty is a significant issue. However, when I came to the United States for higher studies, I was surprised to see the large number of homeless individuals on the streets—even in this first-world country. This experience inspired me to focus my thesis on developing practical solutions to address homelessness.

Homelessness is one of the most urgent social and urban challenges today in the United States of America, requiring innovative architectural solutions. This research focuses on creating sustainable and human-centered housing for chronically homeless Black African American men, aged 55 or older, who are unsheltered. The goal is to develop a new housing model that helps integrate these individuals into society.

In 2023, approximately 653,100 people in the U.S. were homeless, according to the Annual Homelessness Assessment Report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This marked a 12% increase from 2022, with significant rises in homelessness among older adults, youth, families, and veterans. In California, nearly 30% of the nation’s homeless population resides, and 68% of them live unsheltered, making it a key focus for this study.

According to Architectural Research Methods by Linda Groat and David Wang, this research is conducted using a correlational methodology that integrates both historical and quantitative approaches. It considers demographics, causes, geography, policies, and strategies, along with economic, social, and environmental factors. The study also analyzes five precedent projects from three developed countries and includes site selection, program development, and in-depth site analysis. The selection of the project site was based on the high-density population of homeless individuals, leading to Los Angeles, California, focusing on four potential locations in Downtown LA. The final site choice was based on access to public transit, healthcare facilities, and optimal site conditions.

This research lays the foundation for designing a new housing model for unsheltered chronically homeless (UCH) individuals. By integrating social, economic, and environmental factors, this thesis envisions a future where no one is left without a home and communities are empowered to support their most vulnerable members.

Project description

This research focuses on creating a sustainable and human-centered housing model for chronically homeless Black African American men, aged 55 and older, who are living unsheltered. The main goal is to design a housing solution that not only provides shelter but also helps them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

Through my research, I discovered that the leading cause of long-term homelessness in this group is poor health conditions, followed by a lack of employment opportunities.

To address this, I propose a new model called the “Homelessness Resolution Center.” It is more than just a shelter — it is a transitional housing system designed to help people recover, grow, and eventually become self-sufficient.

The design is based on four key elements:

1. Permanent Shelter: A safe, high-quality living space that gives residents a sense of stability and dignity.

2. Health and Wellbeing Monitoring: A central kitchen will ensure proper nutrition, while indoor and outdoor recreational spaces (like a gym, indoor games, basketball court, and soccer field) will support physical and mental health.

3. Employment Opportunities: Retail spaces on the ground floor will provide jobs for residents and generate income to support the building's operation.

4. Social Integration: Public retail areas will raise awareness about homelessness and encourage community engagement. A community garden will allow residents to grow food and connect with neighbors, strengthening social bonds.

Together, these four components create a supportive environment where residents can heal, work, and reconnect with society. The goal is that within 1–2 years, they will be healthy, independent, and ready to move on to their own permanent housing.

One of the biggest challenges is long-term operation. My solution is to use the income from the retail spaces to cover the building's maintenance and operational costs, making the project economically sustainable.

Most homeless individuals live in or near downtown areas, where land is expensive. Including retail in the design not only creates job opportunities but also makes better use of valuable downtown space. While the architectural design can adapt to different climates, cultures, and contexts, the core four elements should always remain.

With this approach, I believe we can make a meaningful impact and reduce homelessness in the coming years.

Technical information

This housing model is designed with sustainability, durability, and comfort at its core. The building features a steel structural system with concrete slabs on metal decking, ensuring strength and efficiency. The exterior envelope uses rainscreen wood cladding, a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) material that is both environmentally responsible and aesthetically warm.

To improve thermal comfort, I incorporated a double-roof system, which helps insulate the building and reduce heat gain. Given the project’s location in Los Angeles, California, I designed the layout to embrace the natural breeze, with balconies strategically placed to enhance natural airflow.

The building features a butterfly roof that captures rainwater for reuse, supporting sustainable water management. On top of the roof, photovoltaic solar panels supply renewable energy, further reducing the building's carbon footprint. I also used thick exterior walls to passively regulate indoor temperatures—keeping the interior cool during hot summers and warm during mild winters.

The architectural expression of the building is bold and intentional—an open invitation to society, saying, “Look at me.” It is designed not to hide homelessness but to proudly demonstrate a dignified, resilient response to it.

Passive design strategies such as cross-ventilation are prioritized to reduce energy use. At the same time, I acknowledge the challenges of global warming and unpredictable climate shifts, so I integrated an energy-efficient VRF/VRV HVAC system, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% and works in harmony with the solar energy system.

To mitigate the urban heat island effect, the design incorporates ample green spaces at ground level, creating a cooler, healthier microclimate while enhancing the well-being of residents and neighbors alike.

Altogether, this project embraces smart design, green technology, and community engagement to offer a housing solution that is not only sustainable and resilient but also hopeful and empowering.

Documentation

Show PDF 1