Design a Progressive Environment for Transitioning Foster Care Adolescents

Foster care was designed to help support and care for children in dire circumstances. At 18, the young adults are ?aged out.? Current data on the aging out process has found poor outcomes for the young adults formerly in foster care which include suffering from mental and behavioral health problems. Many studies on the aging out process point to a lack of social and emotional support systems in place for these young adults. This social and emotional void forms massive disparities and missed opportunities between these young adults and their peers in the communities. These poor outcomes points to a need for permanency and belonging. Currently, there are not facilities that specifically address this need in our communities. A new typology of building is needed, which can address the mental and behavioral health of these adolescents as well as foster connections to community. My thesis will also explore and seek to address the need for permanency and belonging, as this is shown to be critical to adolescents transitioning into adulthood. This thesis will explore how a new building typology can make an impact on community interaction to help foster belonging in those who have lost many connection points in life?s journey. Additionally, this thesis will include elements such as, human scale design, lighting design, connection to nature and color theory which are proven to create a safe, healing environment