Shivani Bapna

Dear Home: Designing Nurturing Spaces for Belonging delves into the concept of home, proposing that it is not just a physical place but a state of being at peace with oneself. In Maslow's hierarchy, the need for love and belonging ranks just after physical and safety needs and encompasses both emotional security and financial stability. This concept holds particular importance for former foster children, who often struggle to meet basic needs while yearning for stability and a sense of belonging.

Foster children, who move frequently between shelters, group homes, and transitional housing, experience a sense of instability, often exacerbated by past trauma and rejection. As they struggle to establish a stable home, they often feel alienated and disconnected—emotions that are reflected in difficulty forming lasting connections.

Dear Home advocates for creating spaces that offer empathy and support to these individuals, affirming their worth and paving the way for a better future. Using the 6Cs framework—Care, Community, Culture, Context, Choice, and Comfort—my project underscores the importance of intentional design in creating environments that radiate empathy, respect, and sensitivity. My thesis project is designed to transform housing into nurturing places that improve the quality of life and offer support to members of marginalized communities.