Liminal Dwelling: Support for Street Residents, a Place of Re-integration and Transition

Abstract

In this thesis, I will argue for the establishment of a ‘shelter-first’ tent city in the South East False Creek area; one that brings collaboration between the housed and unhoused. One which provides a safe and stable place to be, through a cost effective, human-scale approach that encourages transition of the unhoused to a more sustainable, permanent living situation. The architecture will not be the tent city itself, but the supportive services and buildings that encourage peer support, skill building, the sharing of a meal, opportunities for income, and networking through connection and integration into the greater community. I envision the architecture being a community center, that can host both the needs of the homeless, while providing resources for the greater community, and to develop a social platform for re-integration of the unhoused.