Royal College of Art
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Design for Social Good / Interior Design
My location: London, United Kingdom
First Name: Phoebe Imogen
Last Name: Mendel
University / College: Royal College of Art
Course / Program: Interior Design MA
Graduates: 2023
Specialisms: Design for Social Good / Interior Design
My Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: Click To See Website
Coming home – to the place where we can relax, where we are safe. But what happens when the supposed safe space turns into the biggest danger in your life? Every third day a woman in the UK is killed by her partner. To these women coming home does not mean returning to a safe haven, coming home ultimately is a threat to their life. In her master thesis NO EXCUSE for abuse Phoebe explores the idea of a visible and accessible respite for women affected by domestic abuse located in the heart of a newly developing community in Woolwich. It challenges the preconception of a shelter only being safe when hidden and understands the importance of visibility to raise awareness of this ignored issue in society. The main focus of the project is to provide the space to affected women that they need to feel safe and valued, putting their well-being at the heart of the respite. As building a safe environment for survivors is the main goal, the heart of the respite is the inhabitant’s bedroom. “Sometimes the bathroom was the only place to find some peace.” – quoted by women living in a shelter. Understanding the importance of this space for the affected women, the shelter bedroom is inspired by the bathroom, using materials such as terry cloth, ceramic glazed tiles, and water pipes. Each resident gets their own room with an en suite bathroom, which is the first thing you will see when entering the room, the bathroom – your safe space.