Urban Refuge: Plausible architectural solution for the unhoused

Growing up in and around Atlanta, the presence of unhoused individuals has always been a stark reality. My dad often recounted how many people experiencing homelessness he would pass on his commute downtown, and as a child, I vividly recall seeing groups of unhoused individuals at MARTA stops and on the streets. Even as I’ve grown older, these same scenes are still there. According to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 653,000 people nationwide were reported homeless, with 256,610 of them unsheltered. In Atlanta, the 2024 Point-In-Time count revealed a 7% increase in homelessness since 2023, including a staggering 41% rise in unsheltered individuals. Of the 2,867 homeless people accounted for, 1,040 lacked access to emergency shelters or transitional housing. Spending more time in the city as an adult, I’ve come to understand that many unhoused individuals face systemic challenges such as mental illness, substance abuse, or chronic illness. Despite being avoided by most, they are regular people striving to survive in harsh conditions. Often, they sleep in front of businesses to escape the elements, only to be moved along by security, starting their search for shelter again. This project addresses not just homelessness itself but the treatment and perception of those living on the streets. The goal is to provide unhoused individuals with humane, dignified spaces while challenging the stigma they face. This isn’t solely about permanent housing but creating a sense of safety and belonging as they work toward stability. Everyone deserves peace of mind of a place to rest without fear of being displaced.