Laura
Greenwood
Rappahannock Hero's Home background
This page includes background information on the project location, relevant theories to the space, and how the space supports the users' physical, mental and social needs.
LOCATION: Fredericksburg, Virginia
For this project, the location was chosen by the individual. This required research to be completed to find a suitable location that would allow for a socially sustainable home to be designed, and last. Virginia has a large Veteran, and young Veteran, population. With a younger population, there are greater chances of the Veterans creating a long-lasting connection with the location, ultimately building a stronger community and supporting Social Sustainability.
Fredericksburg was the chosen city to place this community. This city has a long history, from the Colonial Era and the Civil War. Choosing a location with history can add to a unique design, that looks at the story of the people, giving new community members a substantial story to connect with. Another consideration for this location, was the access to VA services. Fredericksburg has two VA Clinics, and a Department of Veteran Services. This, along with the National Cemetery located there, show that Fredericksburg already has involvement with the VA, and connections to the community.
The site was chosen for it access to the VA Clinic, location on the Rappahannock River, and proximity to the center of town. Although research showed that Veterans typically gravitate toward rural areas, a location closer to the center of town was chosen to encourage interaction with the community. Also, younger generations are showing a trend towards cities, so this site could help attract younger Veterans to stay. The city has a public transportation system, which would allow residents without a vehicle to travel around town. There is also a station for a railway station, which would provide residents with a way to travel long distance. This site it located on the river and is also near trails, providing residents with outdoor activity options.
The design concept of Connecting Roots, grounds the Veterans Home to the location, giving users an experience unique to the location, encouraging them to root themselves within this community.
RELEVANT THEORIES
PLACE ATTACHMENT - Relates to building a Socially Sustainable Community. The design uses this theory to create spaces of engagement between residence, build a bond between the users and the space by creating a sense of identity in both the individual and community levels, and appeal to residents by creating a calming, inviting home.
HALL’S PROXIMITY THEORY - This theory is relevant to this project due to the pandemic design considerations, as well as considerations of different social comfort levels as these specific users have gone through trauma. This will be incorporated into the design by providing seating arrangement options for users.
ATTENTION REDUCTION - Relates to designing for people that have experienced stressful situations, by designing spaces that ease the mind through negative distractions, having places to relax, and fitting their needs.
THERAPEUTIC LANDSCAPE - This theory will be incorporated into the design of this Veterans Home by using natural elements, biophilia and access to the outside world, to increase healing.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL SUPPORT
The design supports the physical, mental and social needs of the users. Physical needs are met through design that is inclusive to all users, as well as spaces for physical strength building. Mental needs are met through consideration of stimulation levels, and in spaces like the reading room and counseling spaces. Social needs are met throughout the whole home, by encouraging interaction and providing places of rest and individual reflection.