BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Ruby Gillett

Biography

My name is Ruby, I’m 26 years old and have recently completed my Interior Architecture and Design degree. My passion for design stemmed from a love of art and hand drawing which I have continued to integrate into my projects. I hope to continue into a professional career in Interior Design and build upon the wide range of skills I have learnt at university. For my final major project, I chose to design a Refuge for women escaping domestic abuse. My research and communication with refuge charities and survivors opened my eyes to the poor facilities and refuges that already exist across the midlands. By gaining the brave input from women who have once lived in a refuge it allowed me to further understand the users needs and expectations, driving my passion to create a safe, appropriate, and restorative safehouse for the most vulnerable women in society. As our cities expand and reports of abuse continue to soar it is vital that more refuges are placed centrally and specifically designed to support women. The Refuge will also be a Survivor Community Hub, an empowering, safe environment that women can return to for; advice, creative activities, therapy, conversation, and human connection.

Read more about me

Kirby House Refuge - Creative Art Room - This creative space will allow the women to express their emotions through art and creative activities.

Kirby House Refuge - Bedroom - Bedrooms within the refuge are light and calming with shades of green, natural wood textures and planting

Kirby House Refuge - Lounge and Reading Room - The lounge will be a calm, comfortable space women can retreat to relax.

Kirby House Refuge - Group Meeting Garden Room - This space will be used for group therapy and encourages conversation between the women in the Refuge.

The Shadow - A painting exploring the silenced, the hidden, loneliness and layers of emotions. - Art therapy and creative activities will encourage the women to express and process emotional psychological issues through the creation of Art.

Kirby House Refuge - Site Sketch -

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Megan Richards