Thesis Defense Announcement

College of Communication and Fine Arts announces the Final Thesis Defense of

Jeevan Thapa

for the Degree of Master of Architecture

February 25, 2020 at 11:30 AM in Jones Hall, Room 107

Advisor: Jennifer Lynn Barker

Center for hope, an architectural typology for social integration

ABSTRACT: This thesis engages the issue of homelessness in the City of Memphis and to suggest a realization that the problem of homelessness is not only in providing basic facilities and emergency, transitional and/or permanent shelter, but the challenge is to empower them from within which will help to revitalize their dignity and social connection. Also, the intent of this thesis is to propose an architectural typology for a common place that can inspire social change. It not only serves the homeless population as a hub for a large network of support, but it also encourages social mixing as a platform against segregation, stigma, and exclusion through a sustainable urban renewal process. The existing urban structure lacks the neutral ground where all people can intersect, interact and blend together regardless of their social, gender, or economic status that encourages counter segregation, stigma and exclusion. The approach for this thesis is to find the strong relation between physical space and civic life, human connection and social inclusion through architecture, to reinstate their dignity.