Hope Street

Developed by One Small Thing in collaboration with Snug Architects, Hope Street represents a groundbreaking effort to reimagine supportive spaces for individuals affected by cycles of crime and incarceration (Snug Architects, 2023). One Small Thing is dedicated to transforming the justice system through impactful, small-scale interventions. The organization delivers gender-responsive, trauma-informed programmes in both prison and community settings, shifting the perspective from blame to empathy. Their mission focuses on understanding individuals' experiences rather than labelling them, fostering a compassionate and healing process.

Design and Objectives

Hope Street's design comprises two main structures: a public-facing hub and a residential building, connected by a therapeutic garden. The public hub includes a coffee shop, consultation rooms, a therapy suite, offices, and communal living spaces. The residential building offers eight shared flats for women and their children, as well as additional therapeutic and communal areas. The design is intended to evoke a homely atmosphere, using materials such as buff brick, green zinc, and vertical oak to create a warm, welcoming environment. Large windows, skylights, and biophilic patterns enhance the calming ambiance and strengthen the connection to nature. Consultation and therapeutic spaces are designed to ensure privacy while maintaining an open, inviting feel (Snug Architects, 2023).

From the street, the two-story CLT building, clad in brick, appears as a cluster of three houses, making the larger structure feel more relatable and human-scale. Every detail, from the rounded wooden front door handle to the interior elements, has been thoughtfully designed to avoid any institutional feel. A secondary entrance facilitates discreet transitions from police custody into a warm, inviting intake room. The interiors are characterized by spaciousness and intimacy, with abundant natural light and soft, home-like finishes. The Hope Suite, a counselling room, features an exposed wood structure that adds warmth to the double-height space, which has been compared to a chapel for its calming and spiritual atmosphere. The main lounge's fireplace serves as a visual focal point and a gathering space for residents. Acoustic design was prioritized to ensure privacy and comfort during sensitive conversations (Snug Architects, 2023).

The building operates 24/7, but instead of using harsh security features like CCTV, the design focuses on natural surveillance and spatial planning, allowing for privacy while fostering a sense of freedom and safety. Deep CLT walls give a sense of security, while large windows maintain openness and connection. Shared spaces are positioned near the street, while residential units—eight shared flats that house up to 24 women and their children—are safely set at the back of the building. The balconies overlook a serene courtyard, providing residents with a peaceful outdoor space that connects them to nature (Snug Architects, 2023).

Design Features and Trauma-Informed Solutions

1. Creating Positive First Impressions

The design immediately communicates safety and welcome. By dividing the buildings into smaller, house-like structures rather than large blocks, the environment feels domestic rather than authoritarian. The use of buff brick, green zinc, and oak connects the building to its surroundings, fostering a sense of belonging.

2. Building Trust Through Non-Institutional Design

The architecture of Hope Street intentionally avoids institutional characteristics. Snug Architects chose soft textures and biophilic elements like natural light and plants to create a home-like atmosphere that fosters calm and trust among residents.

3. Empowering Through Space

The design includes individual living spaces, each with secure access, to reinforce autonomy. Shared spaces, such as the therapeutic garden, offer opportunities for both solitude and community, which are essential for trauma recovery.

4. Therapeutic Gardens and Natural Healing

The therapeutic garden, designed in collaboration with Harris Bugg Studio, is a key feature of Hope Street. Its design, inspired by the structure of a birch tree, symbolizes hope and provides secluded areas for reflection as well as communal spaces for building relationships. This connection to nature is integral to reducing stress and enhancing mental well-being.

5. Fostering Autonomy in Residential Spaces

Each resident has her own secure living space within the shared flats, which helps foster a sense of control and autonomy. The flats are designed to mirror typical community living spaces, complete with kitchens, lounges, and private bedrooms. Accessibility was prioritized, with ground-floor flats designed for wheelchair users and family-friendly accommodations.

6. Affordability and Integration

Supported by various funding mechanisms and land use policies, the project was able to reduce costs and ensure timely completion. One Small Thing collaborated closely with local authorities and funding bodies to secure financial support and navigate planning regulations. The strategic location within a residential community, rather than a remote area, underscores the commitment to integrating residents into society and facilitating access to essential services and amenities. Supportive policies, including expedited development reviews and density bonuses, enabled the delivery of high-quality, affordable housing tailored to residents' needs.

7. Commitment to Sustainability

Hope Street is poised to achieve the highest BREEAM 'Outstanding' rating, reflecting One Small Thing's dedication to environmental responsibility. The project features exceptional thermal insulation, air source heat pump technology, maximized natural daylight, and a cross-laminated timber frame, which all contribute to reducing environmental impact.

Impact and Future Implications

According to Lady Edwina Grosvenor, founder of One Small Thing, Hope Street embodies a commitment to humanity through its mission and design. It provides access to trauma-informed specialists addressing mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse, along with personalized support programmes. By reducing unnecessary incarceration and minimizing maternal separation, Hope Street aims to prevent crime at its roots and reduce intergenerational trauma. After a twelve-week stay, women can transition to one of the organization’s eleven Hope Houses for continued community support and reintegration.

Hope Street illustrates the potential of architecture to play a vital role in healing. By integrating trauma-informed principles into its design, the project offers a replicable model for justice systems worldwide to create spaces that heal rather than harm. As Alex Scott-Whitby noted,

“We hear of the architect as being a doctor of space, and this is an example of architecture that is healing people.”

This project sets a compelling precedent for future trauma-informed renovation and construction efforts, particularly in supportive housing. By embedding trauma-informed principles into architectural design and service delivery, Hope Street provides a blueprint for creating spaces that support the healing and rehabilitation of vulnerable populations.

Hope Street addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating its broad impact on social and environmental well-being:

SDG 1: No Poverty

The residential development prioritizes the needs of vulnerable women and children, providing them with secure and affordable housing. This initiative directly contributes to ending poverty by ensuring equal access to essential services and support.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

By incorporating trauma-informed design principles, the project promotes the health and well-being of its residents. The therapeutic environment and support services aim to enhance mental and physical health outcomes.

SDG 4: Quality Education

It ensures that all residents, regardless of their background, have access to supportive educational environments and opportunities for personal development and skill-building.

SDG 5: Gender Equality 

The project addresses gender-specific needs by providing a safe and supportive environment for women and their children, promoting gender equality and empowerment.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities 

Hope Street aims to reduce inequalities by providing equal opportunities for marginalized women and children, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The project contributes to the creation of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities by integrating trauma-informed design and fostering a sense of community and belonging.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Hope Street incorporates sustainable design practices, such as biophilic design and natural materials, which contribute to climate resilience and environmental sustainability.