Functional Design - Boulder Shelter For The Homeless
Dec 28th, 2007 by rlsorbe
Boulder Shelter For The Homeless, located at 4869 North Broadway Avenue has had several locations throughout the past 25 years. Beginning in 1982 as a volunteer based grass-roots effort, Boulder Shelter For The Homeless was temporarily located at an abandoned bus terminal downtown that provided shelter for 24 people. This terminal was torn down soon after their arrival, and the shelter moved to a large, almost windowless metal building at 5th and Canyon. Through community efforts, investments, fundraising, and donations they were able to rehabilitate this facility and open it to the public. However, with no kitchen or other amenities, it was difficult to provide all necessary services at this facility. Around 1986 the shelter relocated to 4645 North Broadway Avenue, originally an old motel from the 1970’s. This building was manipulated meet the shelter’s needs for 18 years. As of December 2003 Boulder Shelter For The Homeless moved to a new-build facility, where they were able to personally design the shelter to meet their current and future needs.
Boulder Shelter For The Homeless worked with architect Matt McMullen from Architectural Manoeuvres to create a design layout that would provide a functional space to meet the shelter’s requirements and services. The layout they chose maximizes the staff impact in the space, segregates men and women (other than in the dormitories), provides natural light to the facility, and has green building components. This new building was well planned to meet the demand and services of the shelter, while maintaining a cost-effective plan for long-term sustainability.
At full capacity, this 30,000 sq. foot shelter comfortably meets the needs of 160 individuals. Improvement features from previous shelters include larger men and women specific dormitories and restrooms, multi purpose room/library, community space, meeting spaces (for both residents and administration), a ‘women’ specific area, dining room, kitchen, laundry room and services, indoor storage room for residents, office spaces (for case managers and administration), and both dental and medical outreach clinics. Each space in this facility was designed to encourage comfort and balanced flow of space throughout the building.
Some functional design features from this shelter include an enclosed patio with heaters where men and women gather upon entrance to the shelter. The open two-story design allows for better program oversight, as well as a free-flowing, spacious, bright environment. The shelter uses low-e glass windows and skylights throughout building that provides both natural light and a low wattage-design for better efficiency. Interior windows physically separate the rooms, however they connect the space and also contribute to better program oversight. Motion sensor lights are in place throughout the building, which is another energy efficient feature. Additionally, this facility operates with a geoexchange heating and cooling system, as well as a photovoltaic system on their roof.
Other design features that create a positive, comfortable, and spacious atmosphere at the shelter include pale colored walls, ‘sky’ screens on their overhead lights (providing a warmer feel), and artwork upon the walls. The shelter displays art by the residents, donations from Boulder artist co-op, and works by artist Jim Freeheart. The art work hung ties the rooms together, while contributing emotion, creativity, and energy. Live plants cared for by the residents fill each common area throughout the building. In the summer months community gardens and outdoor patios can be enjoyed as well.
Although there is no established consortium for homeless shelters, other facilities from all over the country use Boulder as a model facility. Boulder Shelter For The Homeless is an incredible resource for the individuals that utilize the space and services provided. The shelter’s progressive design and outlook encourages residents to take control of their lives and assists them to get back on their feet with a strong foundation. Providing room, board, health care assistance, case management, laundry services, and opportunity for personal growth; the Boulder Homeless Shelter has come a long way, and continues to improve our greater Boulder community and it’s inhabitants.
Click here if you are interested in supporting the shelter:
How to Help
Click here to check out more photos of the shelter:
Rendering to Reality
Click here to view a list of other shelters, facilities, and services:
Boulder/Denver Resource List
At the homeless shelter staff members and volunteers work to ensure that the needs of the homeless are met. These needs are made possible with the help of donations from organizations and private citizens. The shelter offers an extensive list of services, for a list check out: http://www.bouldershelter.org/programsandservices.html
People from all walks of life utilize the shelter services. People who have been released from prison or jail; people who are struggling with addiction problems and mental disorders; those who have lost everything they have due to tragic events (house burning down, car wreck, divorce, loss of job, medical bills or operations, and even identity theft); as well as people who abuse the system and lack respect - putting burdens on the tax payers. The forth type of person tries to get everything for free, and goes from the shelter to the Carriage House in Boulder for free lunch, hangout at the public library, and then back to the shelter in the evening for free dinner and rest.
I think the homeless shelter is in fact a good place for those in need and benefits people who have nothing, and no one to turn to, especially in the winter months. Other people feel that the shelter is an eye sore in Boulder, and would prefer it be shut down.
What is your opinion about the shelter? Is it a place for people in need? Or is it a place for people to just hangout and abuse the system at taxpayer’s expense?