role

interior designer

project type

interior design thesis, design research

revit, enscape, adobe indesign, adobe photoshop, adobe illustrator, microsoft excel

materials used

7/10 women in Ecuador have experienced domestic abuse at least once in their lives. Bia is a social justice center located in Quito, Ecuador housing women who have experienced domestic violence, discrimination, and/or other forms of sexual prejudice.

the objective of the Bia women’s center is to provide empowerment through teaching, training, and building a community for female victims of domestic abuse. research shows that empowerment, along with education, are the most important tools that women can obtain to defend themselves from discriminatory gender norms that lead to violence. to allow women a fresh start in life, the program includes a communal market, which not only acts as a source of income for women but gives them a chance to be celebrated for their work.

site location

gender violence average by region

concept

the concept, difusión ecuatorial, is inspired by the shifting of the equatorial line and women’s lives when they frequent the unknown. this space aims to change women’s lives for the better and shift them into the right direction: towards empowerment and growth.

project goals and solutions

met by creating a business cycle that is run by the users. profits from the communal market are held for women at the center for collection upon completion of their stay.

1. self-sufficiency

2. sustainability

met by the usage of local materials such as concrete, wood, and organically sourced textiles.

3. accessibility

met by ADA requirements, as well as anthropometric and ergonomic application in classrooms and dining rooms.

4. community

met by group spaces that reinforce wellbeing and an open environment that supports communication.

5. flexibility

met by modular furniture in public spaces and personalization features within housing.

6. empowerment

met by providing women with further education, self-defense classes, and showcasing their work to the public in the communal market.

user research

the graph shows the statistical amount of gender violence based on age and marital status, showing that women from 18-29 and single are the most affected in the Pichincha region of Ecuador. from here, personas were identified and women 18-29 and single were targeted for the remainder of the project.