"Gendered Architecture: How can Women's Safety in Cardiff be Addressed through Urban Development + Dwelling Interventions?"

Women's Safety, Urban Fabric Design, Gendered Architecture, Refuge, Domestic Violence, Eyes on the Streets, Journey to Recovery.

Women's safety has always been at risk, but with the rise in social media this societal issue has been a more prevalent topic for discussion. In addition to unsafe urban environments, domestic violence is a prominent issue that continues to arise in our dwellings, and so this project will aim to introduce a Women's Refuge Centre as a safe haven in the centre of Cardiff.

By analysing Newport Road, Cardiff, as a case study, the unsafe spaces for women can be acknowledged through in-depth analytical research and on-site investigations. This leads to a proposal of a new public realm, in addition to a new dwelling typology which is seen in the retrofit of a multi-storey car park into a Women's Refuge Centre. The latter provides space for women and their children escaping domestic violence. As well as extensive academic research, discussions and explorations, personal experiences have also allowed me to develop my own beliefs and values which are reflected throughout the Thesis development process.

The concept of 'Dwelling Differently' focuses on the design of places in which people reside. By putting women's needs at the centre of the design process, different dwellings can be created, whether that is safer public space for women to move through or architectural typology that allows women to seek refuge from harm. In a world designed by men, we must counteract patriarchal design through Gendered Architecture that prioritises women, benefiting all as a result.