Ambiguity of Freedom; Using Interior Architecture and Fashion to Understand Homelessness

Abstract

This design led research project has focused on interior architecture, with an interest in fashion, and inter-disciplinary techniques. This project expanded the boundaries of what is considered interior architecture and what is considered clothing. This combination was used to raise the awareness of and improve the living conditions of those who are homeless within Wellington, New Zealand. In doing so, this provides affordable design for those who lack the accessibility of designed environments.

The official New Zealand definition of homelessness includes a wide range of people extending beyond rough sleepers. These are of course among the most well-known, but there is a large range of homelessness and this project has offered opportunities for help and has raised awareness for all. This range makes it hard to provide one solution that is successful for all homeless people as there are a range of issues that need catering to. This project expresses this and caters to the gap. Society can have a strong disassociation with homelessness, as a lot of people have not experienced it thus do not fully understand it. This research developed a design project to fill this need, and raised the awareness of homelessness for others. Finally, this research project provided a critique for past and current homeless solutions. Commonly, solutions choose pragmatics over design, thus implementing final designs lacking interest and inspiration for homeless people.