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ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Losing Heart: The Importance of Place in Response to Homelessness

Mouch, Allison Gayle
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=muhonors1114457199

Abstract Details

2005, Bachelor of Arts, Miami University, School of Fine Arts - Architecture.
Homelessness is an issue pervading American society and it is increasing at an alarming pace. The right to a roof over one’s head is losing ground as affordable housing, changing urban and economic landscapes, as well as the declining value of the minimum wage continue to plague our society and wreak havoc on those less fortunate. This thesis investigates the history of homelessness, focusing on the major causes and factors contributing to a burgeoning homeless population in the United States today. By placing homelessness in an historic context, trends can be identified as certain class, race, and age groups grow and change the face of homelessness over the course of twenty-five years. Once homelessness has been identified on an historic level, it is further examined from the perspective of theories of place and the affect of place on the human experience. While it is imperative to understand the epidemic quantitatively, a qualitative investigation of the affects a “lack of place” have on individuals without shelter is essential in determining how homelessness is dealt with on a human level. This theory is explored through critique of space in both an urban and architectural realm, furthered by a psychological component addressing the human psyche and how place affects our everyday experience. By using previous design work and research conducted by architects and professionals in various fields, a thorough analysis is presented that leads to the conclusion of the work. As a student of architecture, I hope to synthesize the concept of place and the adverse affect of the lack of shelter with the homeless epidemic affecting our nation. Ultimately, I conclude that an architectural response to the humanitarian issue is possible. As design professionals, there must be a level of responsibility accepted in creating for those in the greatest need. While architects alone may not ‘solve’ the issue of homelessness as we would hope, by designing with place in mind and challenging our traditional sense of spatial needs, we may begin to find a manageable response to the homeless dilemma affecting us all.
David Prytherch (Advisor)
60 p.
Architecture
homelessness; place; architecture

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mouch, A. G. (2005). Losing Heart: The Importance of Place in Response to Homelessness [Undergraduate thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=muhonors1114457199

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mouch, Allison. Losing Heart: The Importance of Place in Response to Homelessness. 2005. Miami University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=muhonors1114457199.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mouch, Allison. "Losing Heart: The Importance of Place in Response to Homelessness." Undergraduate thesis, Miami University, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=muhonors1114457199

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University Honors Theses and OhioLINK.