FLOYDS ROW HOMELESSNESS SHELTER
In partnership with Transition by Design, this project was won through a design competition to refurbish an existing 1930s employment centre and provide a centre for homelessness services. Design stages involved substantial consultation with service providers and people who have lived experience of homelessness. Psychologically informed design principles guided the scheme, aiming to make people feel calm and safe through a combination of openness and privacy alongside other safeguarding features.
This involves natural surveillance, informal separation of spaces and homely features such as lampshades, soft furnishings and warm colours. A welcoming entrance features a series of new vibrant teal timber arches and external lighting. These aim to give a more inviting feel to the project alongside the internal finishes.
During phase one of the works on site a wonderful original roof light was discovered, and this was used to bring natural light into the impressive vaulted space alongside the original windows. Other improvements have helped bring the building performance up to date whilst honouring its historic features.
This project was a very rewarding experience and Jessop & Cook truly hopes that the new facilities help lots of people in difficult circumstances.