Centro integral de apoyo para mujeres vulnerables

Abstract

This research project presents architecture as a key tool for mitigating gender-based violence (GBV), addressing the spatial needs and social dynamics of women in vulnerable situations with backgrounds as GBV victims. In Palmira, Valle del Cauca, the lack of specialized infrastructure for the comprehensive care of GBV victims has created a void in the urban environment, where public and private spaces fail to consider women's safety and well-being. Based on this issue, the project proposes the design of an Integrated Support Center for Women in Vulnerable Conditions, an architectural space that provides shelter, psychological, legal, and social support, enabling their recovery and reintegration. The project is based on the premise that architecture not only shapes the physical environment but also influences the behavior and well-being of its inhabitants. To achieve this, references in inclusive design and social architecture have been analyzed to establish spatial strategies that promote security, accessibility, and social reconstruction. Through a qualitative methodology, including documentary review and case studies, essential architectural elements were identified to ensure a protective and functional environment. The center's design is based on principles of urban resilience and a gender perspective, incorporating welcoming spaces, therapeutic areas, and environments that foster the autonomy of its users. As a result, the proposed infrastructure goes beyond emergency response, aiming to educate and raise awareness about GBV, promoting a culture of equity and prevention. This work contributes to the field of inclusive design and social architecture by offering a replicable spatial intervention model that addresses a critical need in the city.