Tom Narai Cowles

People experiencing homelessness lack opportunities to participate in art and community.  Having connection and enjoyable hobbies to enrich the lives of people facing homelessness is just as crucial as shelter for survival, yet is often overlooked. 

“Drawing in Shelter” responds to this issue within Edinburgh by proposing a community art centre designed to encourage creativity and social connection.  The project is located at 35-39 Causewayside, which was previously a filling station designed with an Art Deco facade by architect Sir Basil Spence. 

At the project, users can discover new hobbies, learn practical skills, and find community.  The site houses a public cafe and social lounge, a bicycle workshop, quiet spaces, and facilities including a laundry room, showers and a clothing donation.  There are three art studios that encourage different levels of socialisation: a private studio with individual pods, a communal table where users can work alongside one another, and a community canvas at which users can collaborate to make art.  

The design strategy centres around movement and transitions to respond to the traumatic experiences of homelessness.  Users are guided by the Key Threshold, which connects activities throughout the site, evoking a sense of belonging, ownership, trust, safety and choice.