Our mission is to create a safe and supportive space on campus for survivors of sexual assault and violence. Having researched and visited the Sexual Assault Resource Centre at Concordia, we aim to apply our design skills and knowledge of the built environment to create a better space that will comfort survivors of sexual violence and spark conversation. We want it to be a safe space for survivors to seek support as well as a secure and comfortable environment to relax in. Our safe space will complement the Existing sexual Assault Resource Centre, however not replace it.

We plan to create many small prototypes to allow people to play with as well as to de ne their own safe space by manipulating the prototype’s placement and wireframe. We would hold workshops in the JMSB space that enable survivors to get together, work together, socialize and get their minds off their issues. The survivors attending our workshops will be informed by design specialists about the built environment and how it can greatly affect their moods and sense of security. They will then be encouraged to play with fabrics, patterns, colours, lighting techniques and so forth. The goal is to touch upon all the senses for the most personal and comfortable sensory experience possible.

This whole idea of DIY projects will then grow into a web based platform, for easy digital access to all existing designs. Prototypes will be photographed, each with a set of guides of how to create the space themselves. The emphasis being on guides and not directions, as we want to leave room for play in order for the creator to be more authentic to who they are and what they truly like.

My Safe Space