Creating Stability and Transformation for the Invisible Culture of Young Adults Who Age Out of Foster Care

Invisible design, like a Lucite chair, is strong but allows you to see through the chair almost as if it does not exist, as well as allowing you to see everything surrounding the chair, while it still creates a physical footprint in the world. By creating an invisible or transparent design, however, we can actually create a design that is striking and becomes visible because it is unusual and people notice it more. Analogously, individuals who age out of foster care have a culture that is almost invisible, similar to an invisible design. Like an invisible design, those who age out of foster care can be overlooked and as a result underserved, neglected, and unstable. These individuals could benefit from a space and program that helps them heal from the flaws in the foster care system and the process of aging out of it. These young adults will gain emotional and practical stability through programming and spatial design that promotes understanding, reflection, and transformation within a structured community. The invisible culture of individuals who age out of foster care will gain visibility through the personal, educational, and professional growth brought about through spatial design and comprehensive programming tailored to their needs.

Author

• Laskow, Gabriella

Language

• en

Keyword

• Interior Design
• Foster Care Alumni

Date created

• 2017

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Interior Design (Corcoran legacy students only)

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Schlesinger, Christy

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/2n49t173w