Designing for Dignity
Elements of Practice
- The book presents state-of-the-art research and practice on Dignified Design (also referred to as Trauma-Informed Design), which has become a best practice in creating environments for vulnerable and underserved populations. Shopworks Architecture is a recognised leader in studying, defining, and implementing this approach in housing, shelters, and service settings
- The book features original, evidence-based findings resulting from a formal, grant-funded research process
- This is the most comprehensive guide of its kind, breaking down key considerations for thoughtfully executing these elements in a cohesive, balanced design
- The book features over 30 projects from the Shopworks Architecture portfolio, which together illustrate the evolution and maturing of our team’s interpretation of Dignified Design over the years
- The book has been assembled to support different reading styles and exploration paths for those who may want to casually page through photos, download detailed guidance on a specific design feature, seek design inspiration, or learn about a specific project type
Dignity is a state of being, a quality of humanness inherent to each individual. It describes a sense of value, worth, honour, and respect for one’s personhood—how we all individually navigate, independently experience, and uniquely perceive the world around us. It is the ultimate quality of being, a celebration of the human spirit, and the potential of each of us to live as fully as we define and determine.
Dignity in design, therefore, requires an intentional examination of the human experience—how we process information and connect with the world around us, how we fundamentally seek survival and pleasure in all we do, how we react in the presence of adversity and stress, surprise and delight. And with this understanding comes empathy for what it means to navigate the world as a complex, conscious, affectable human beings.
Designing for Dignity recognises the role of our built environment in supporting and fostering the health of individuals, neighbourhoods and communities. It acknowledges that nothing we design is neutral and that the places we inhabit shape our ideas about who we are and what we deserve. Drawing on broad multidisciplinary evidence and more context-specific lived expertise of end users in the spaces we design, Designing for Dignity aims to create places that protect, promote, and celebrate the dignity of life.
- Publisher
- ORO Editions
- ISBN
- 9781961856950
- Published
- 14th Oct 2025
- Binding
- Hardback
- Territory
- World excluding USA, Canada, Australasia. Asia non-exclusive.
- Size
- 235 mm x 229 mm
- Pages
- 200 Pages
- Illustrations
- 150 color
Distributed by ACC Art Books
Our Catalogues
Please log-in or create an account to see your recent items.