Los Angeles

Project: Homeless Shelter

Thesis: HIVE 2.0

Hive envisions a harmonious coexistence between homeless individuals and their companions by creating tranquil, safe, and enriching environments. The project seeks to build a community framework that supports personal and professional growth, enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Hive provides not only shelter but also a sense of belonging and purpose. Additionally, it offers spaces for skill development, empowering displaced individuals to reintegrate into society effectively.

Hive aims to transform the lives of its residents by fostering resilience and self-discovery. The serene and secure spaces within Hive serve as a foundation for individuals to regain their sense of self-worth and purpose. Through community support and a focus on holistic well-being, Hive aspires to create a nurturing environment where residents can embark on a journey of renewal and empowerment

Homeless Situation

Architecture is a form of social action. When we design with empathy, we can help solve issues like homelessness by providing safe, functional, and affordable housing. Hive is a paradigm Paradigm Shift in looking for Homelessness Solutions.

ABSTRACT :

Hive: A Paradigm Shift in Homelessness Solutions” explores innovative approaches to addressing homelessness, leveraging expertise in housing for the homeless and historical data analysis. As the homelessness crisis intensifies, Hive presents an empathetic and practical solution that goes beyond traditional shelter provision to include personal growth, professional development, and community engagement.

Hive sets a benchmark in sustainable construction by using locally sourced materials from two community stores, emphasizing affordability and durability. The structures, built with simple tools and featuring welded metal joints, offer a cost-effective, durable solution that can be swiftly assembled and disassembled, adapting to various environments.

The modular design of Hive enhances flexibility, allowing for easy transportation and reassembly. This approach promotes reusability and sustainability, reducing environmental impact and ensuring a longer lifespan for each unit.

A key aspect of Hive is its emphasis on skills development, offering educational opportunities in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. These practical skills foster independence and contribute to local economies, facilitating the integration of homeless individuals into society.

Funded by private real estate and construction companies, Hive aligns corporate social responsibility with community development. By offering immediate shelter, sustainable living solutions, skills education, and pathways to societal reintegration, Hive stands as a comprehensive and transformative solution to homelessness

Thesis statement

Hive explores the co-existence of homeless individuals and companions, creating serene, secure, and enhancing spaces. It aims to provide a close the framework to create a community for the bettering of the individuals, in both personal and professional levels. It aims to provide shelter for improving individuals quality of life; while ensuring them with a space and a sense of belonging, At the same time, provides spaces for learning new skills and allow displaced individuals to get back to the society.

Los Angeles

The homelessness situation in Los Angeles is a critical and growing issue. As of the latest data, there are over 66,000 homeless individuals in LA County, marking a significant increase over recent years. The city's homelessness crisis is driven by various factors, including rising housing costs, economic disparities, and inadequate social services.

According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), nearly 70% of the homeless population is unsheltered, living on the streets, in tents, or makeshift shelters. The crisis has transformed many neighborhoods into scenes reminiscent of war zones, highlighting the urgent need for effective and compassionate solutions like the Hive project.

Mission and why?

The Hive project is deeply important to me because I have lived in Los Angeles and witnessed firsthand how the homelessness crisis has worsened over the years. Having previously designed a solution for the government Nest, only to see our efforts ignored despite funding, has driven my determination to find a real solution. The corruption within organizations and the transformation of my hometown into what feels like a war zone further fuel my mission. Hive represents my commitment to creating practical, sustainable, and compassionate solutions that truly address the needs of homeless individuals and bring positive change to our communities.

Population

Despite the diversity within the homeless population, clear disparities exist among different groups. Understanding these disparities requires looking beyond total population counts to compare homelessness rates within each group's context. Factors such as gender, race, and ethnicity significantly influence the risk of homelessness.

Men are more likely than women to experience homelessness, with 22 out of every 10,000 males being homeless, compared to 13 females. This disparity is more pronounced among adults, where men make up 70% of the homeless population.

Chronic homelessness, defined as having a disability and being homeless for at least a year or multiple times over three years, affects 19% of the homeless population.

Policymakers often focus on specific subpopulations, such as children and young people, due to their developmental needs and the long-term impact of early-life hardships. Families with children comprise 30% of the homeless population, while 6% are unaccompanied youth under 25.

Types of housing

USA Data

Despite the diversity within the homeless population, significant disparities exist among different groups, influenced by factors such as gender, race, and ethnicity. Men are more likely to experience homelessness, with 22 out of every 10,000 males being homeless compared to 13 females. Among adults, 70% of the homeless population are men. Chronic homelessness, affecting 19% of the homeless population, includes those with disabilities who have been homeless for long periods.

Policymakers often focus on specific subpopulations, such as children and young people, due to their developmental needs and long-term impacts. Families with children make up 30% of the homeless population, while 6% are unaccompanied youths under 25.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted data collection in 2021, so the latest comprehensive data from January 2020 showed 580,466 people experiencing homelessness in the U.S., with 70% being individuals and the rest families with children. These individuals come from all genders, races, and ethnicities, though some groups are more at risk than others

Homeless Numbers

California Data

Homelessness in California represents the most concentrated prevalence in the United States, with the state accounting for about 27% of the nation's homeless population in 2020 (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). Major urban centers like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego face significant issues with large encampments and visible homelessness in public spaces. California also has the highest rate of "unsheltered" homeless individuals, at 70%, compared to the national average of 37%.

The crisis is driven by high living costs, lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health services, income disparities, and ineffective laws and social services. Additional challenges include drug addiction and mental health issues. Despite substantial financial investments, homelessness remains a persistent problem, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and societal instability (Bamberger & Dobbins, 2015).

Efforts to address homelessness in California highlight the limitations of current solutions and underscore the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies that address both immediate needs and root causes. According to the California State Auditor (2020), collaborative, cross-sectoral efforts are essential for both immediate relief and lasting structural changes.

Los Angeles Data

{Methodology of the Project}

Identity

The homelessness crisis in Los Angeles is severe, significantly impacting California. According to the 2020 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, 66,436 individuals were homeless in Los Angeles County, a 12.7% increase from the previous year. The city of Los Angeles alone accounted for 41,290 of these individuals, marking it as the area with the largest homeless population in the U.S. Many of these individuals live in unsheltered conditions, increasing their vulnerability to violence and health issues.

The crisis is exacerbated by socio-economic challenges such as a shortage of affordable housing, high unemployment, and inadequate mental health and substance abuse support. The high cost of living traps many in a cycle of poverty that is hard to escape. Despite legislative efforts and substantial funding through Measures H and HHH, the homeless population continues to grow. This situation highlights the need for urgent, comprehensive, and collaborative actions to address the root causes of homelessness and develop effective, long-term solutions.

Design For Behavioral Change

Design for Behavioral Change (DBC) integrates psychology, sociology, and design to influence human behavior, promoting positive changes such as sustainability and public health. In architecture and urban planning, DBC can create environments that encourage desired activities and emotional responses. For example, a building's design can reduce energy use and improve occupants' welfare.

In homeless shelters, DBC is crucial as it can aid or hinder reintegration into society. By applying DBC principles, architects can design shelters that foster social interactions, enhance safety and dignity, and facilitate the transition from homelessness to secure housing. For instance, individual compartments in shelters can provide personal space, reduce stress, and improve psychological well-being. Communal spaces can promote a sense of community and social support, essential for resilience.

The "Hive" project aims to incorporate DBC principles to create a quick-deploy homeless shelter that addresses more than basic needs. Hive will feature modular compartments for easy assembly and dismantling, public spaces to encourage social engagement, and private areas to foster self-worth and autonomy. The goal is to meet urgent physiological needs while promoting psychological adaptability and social reintegration. This project highlights the potential of integrating behavioral science into architecture to drive social transformation, showcasing the architect's role in enhancing human experiences and outcomes.

State of the Art Categories

This State of the Art review examines the pioneering contributions of The Hive Project in homeless shelter design, highlighting its innovative solutions to the pressing issue of homelessness. The Hive Project aims to revolutionize shelter architecture through five key factors: site utilization, community integration, cost-effectiveness, fabrication design, and rapid shelter deployment. By optimizing spatial configurations and employing vertical building techniques, The Hive Project maximizes efficiency in urban environments where land is scarce.

A critical aspect of the research is the analysis of community dynamics within shelters. Traditional shelters often enforce strict regulations and limit community interaction, leading to isolation and marginalization. In contrast, Rapid Housing Projects, which use modular design and prefabricated components for quick assembly, offer promising solutions with cost-effectiveness and community integration. These projects involve the community in planning and implementation, fostering support and inclusivity.

In conclusion, Rapid Housing Projects provide a comprehensive solution to homelessness by combining speed, cost-effectiveness, and community-centered approaches. This analysis establishes the foundation for advancing The Hive Project, integrating contemporary methods and innovations to create a holistic strategy for addressing homelessness.

The strategic placement of the Hive, a rapidly deployable homeless shelter, in Los Angeles leverages unoccupied construction sites, optimizing land use in a densely populated urban area. This approach avoids the need for additional land clearing and reduces the environmental impact of construction. The temporary nature of Hive suits the transient availability of these sites, creating a symbiotic relationship between developers and the community. Developers benefit from reduced vandalism and maintenance costs, while the shelters provide homeless individuals with convenient access to social services and job opportunities. This strategy presents a mutually beneficial solution to urban land use and homelessness

Focus

Design Theory: Existenzminium

Rapid Shelter: 3 Tool Design

Targeted Demographic

Key Points: HIVE Design

Benefits and Goal to HIVE

{Creation of the Structure}

Weld Connections

Inner Frame

Outer Layer

{Creation of the Community}

Homelessness and the Creation of Community

The Private Sector’s Role in Using Construction Sites as Temporary Shelters

Utilization of Available Resources

The private sector can repurpose unused construction site spaces for homeless shelters, quickly mobilizing resources without waiting for government approval. This ensures more efficient use of space and immediate relief during crises.

Facilitates Service Provision

Private developers can partner with service providers to offer healthcare, job training, and counseling directly on-site, providing a more holistic approach to homelessness that is often difficult for government programs to implement.

Safety and Security

Private companies are adept at ensuring safety on construction sites, with the ability to implement secure entry points and hire private security firms. This ensures that temporary shelters are safe for homeless individuals and construction workers alike.

Speedy Provision of Shelter

The private sector can act quickly and adapt construction sites with existing infrastructure to provide temporary housing, offering faster responses to rising homelessness compared to government programs.

Temporary Solution During Construction

Construction sites often have downtime and unused space, making them ideal for short-term shelters. Private developers can offer temporary solutions that align with their CSR goals while addressing immediate homelessness issues without disrupting construction.

Superior Role of Key Laws in Addressing Homelessness through Private Sector Initiatives

Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)

Encourages banks to invest in affordable housing and shelters. Private sector drives faster, more flexible solutions than government alone.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Supports job training and employment for homeless individuals. Private companies align skills training with market needs for direct employment pathways.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)

Incentivizes private developers to build affordable housing. Quicker housing development with less red tape.

Opportunity Zones

Tax incentives for private investment in low-income areas.Drives economic development and innovative housing solutions.

HEARTH Act

Supports rapid housing solutions through public-private partnerships.Private investment enhances the efficiency of government funding.

The Private Sector’s Superior Role in Tackling Homelessness

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives

CSR initiatives enable private companies to address homelessness with more agility and innovation than government programs. They can target specific community needs, such as providing shelter, mental health services, or transitional housing, quickly and efficiently. CSR efforts are often more creative and adaptable, driving sustainable solutions.

Job Training and Employment Opportunities

The private sector excels in creating job training programs that are directly connected to real-world employment. Companies can offer apprenticeships, mentorships, and skills training that align with market needs, providing homeless individuals with opportunities to reintegrate into society more effectively than government programs, which are often less connected to private-sector demands.

Flexibility Over Bureaucratic Constraints

Unlike government programs hampered by bureaucratic red tape, private companies can act quickly and adjust strategies based on evolving needs. This flexibility allows them to be more innovative and responsive, leading to faster and more efficient assistance for homeless individuals.

Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private partnerships combine the strengths of both sectors. Private companies bring innovation, resources, and efficiency, while governments provide funding and regulatory support. These partnerships can scale successful models, such as affordable housing or job training programs, resulting in more sustainable and far-reaching solutions to homelessness.

Trade Jobs Education for the Future

The industry is expected to grow 10 percent by 2028

3 million skilled trades jobs will remain open by 2028

“If you can pass a drug test, if you’re willing to work outside, willing to be part of a team and willing to show up early and work hard, you can find a job in construction in just about every market in this country,” - Turmail: Head of National Association of Home Builders

69% of companies are experiencing delays in completing projects on time due to a shortage of qualified workers

Location For Hive

Community Services - Basic Human Needs

Social Services
Kitchen
Trade Workshop
Bathrooms

Superior Role of Nonprofits in Addressing Homelessness

Maintaining Services

Nonprofits provide consistent and personalized services, adapting quickly to community needs without the delays of government bureaucracy. Their flexibility allows them to maintain uninterrupted care, crucial for addressing homelessness.

Funding

Nonprofits have diverse funding sources, such as private donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships, allowing them to operate independently of government budgetary constraints. They can manage funds more efficiently with lower overhead costs and less reliance on political shifts.

Volunteers

Nonprofits effectively mobilize volunteers, offering cost-effective, personalized care that enhances service delivery. Volunteers help foster community engagement and stretch nonprofit resources, providing services the government would struggle to match with paid staff alone.

Connecting Businesses, Government, and Charities

Nonprofits act as intermediaries, forming partnerships across sectors. They connect businesses, governments, and other charities, creating comprehensive solutions to homelessness that are difficult for government agencies to achieve alone.

Electrician

Learning electrical skills is highly beneficial for the homeless as it provides them with a valuable, in-demand trade that can lead to stable employment. These skills are essential in various industries, offering numerous job opportunities and the potential for career advancement. Additionally, mastering a trade like electrical work empowers individuals with a sense of achievement, self-sufficiency, and the ability to support themselves in the real world, paving the way for a more secure and independent future.
Wood Working

Learning woodworking skills is valuable for the homeless as it provides them with a practical trade that can lead to stable employment in industries like construction, furniture making, and carpentry. Woodworking also fosters creativity, precision, and craftsmanship, giving individuals the ability to produce tangible, marketable products. These skills not only open doors to job opportunities but also promote independence and self-worth, helping them build a more secure future in the real world.
Welding Skills

Gaining welding skills offers the homeless valuable opportunities in a range of industries, from construction to manufacturing, where skilled welders are in demand. These skills can lead to steady, well-paying jobs and provide a pathway toward financial stability. Welding also gives individuals the ability to create and repair, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance that can help them rebuild their lives and achieve long-term independence.