Trauma-Informed Design within Learning Disabilities Environments

Trauma-informed design (TID) considers the psychological effects that past traumatic experiences can have on a person and assists in creating spaces that consider those effects. Developed alongside trauma-informed care, it follows key principles such as safety, trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural awareness. By understanding how trauma impacts individuals, we can design environments that reduce triggers and promote well-being.

This design brief aims to establish a framework for applying TID to both new and existing buildings, combining psychology and architecture. TID connects housing with health and well-being, helping those who have experienced trauma in their recovery journey.

At its core, TID seeks to enhance physical and mental health, fostering overall well-being for individuals and communities. Shopworks Architecture, Group 14 Engineering, and the University of Denver Centre for Housing and Homelessness Research developed three key principles of TID: Choice, Community, and Comfort—the “3 C’s.” These principles guide the design brief, ensuring that every element of a building enhances these essential aspects.

TID is particularly relevant for vulnerable groups such as individuals with learning disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic abuse. While there is no universal design solution, collaboration and consultation are key to meeting diverse needs. This brief outlines fundamental concepts and strategies that can be adapted to various situations, benefiting a wide range of individuals.

For more information, Shopworks Architecture has a series of guides and videos on their webpage ‘Trauma-Informed Design Resources‘.

Click the link below to view the complete research document.