2026 AIA MARYLAND EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARD WINNER: MERIT GRADUATE/BEGINNER

No wings, no claws, no shells…

Humans are not born with natural defenses. As infants, our survival depends upon attachment to caregivers for safety, comfort, and emotional regulation. When those relationships are disrupted by neglect, instability, trauma, or loss, the effects can extend into adolescence and adulthood, often impacting a person’s ability to trust, self-regulate, and feel safe within unfamiliar environments.

Youth homelessness in the United States affects an estimated 4.2 million young people annually. Many displaced youth carry the lasting effects of trauma while also navigating educational, social, and economic challenges. In response, the Coalition of Community College Architecture Program’s 2026 Student Design Competition called for a Youth Transitional Housing and Support Center that provides both shelter and supportive services for homeless youth.

This project translates the psychological theory of attachment into architecture through the guiding framework of theta brain waves. Associated with relaxation, emotional regulation, neuroplasticity, and healing, the calm cadence of theta waves shapes the spatial and sensory experience of the design. The building integrates trauma-informed and sustainable strategies to create an environment that promotes safety, dignity, and connection.

Gradual spatial transitions, layered levels of privacy, choice-rich social and restorative spaces, softened acoustics, and diffused natural light support emotional regulation and reduce sensory overwhelm. A secure healing garden, azumaya pavilion, green roof, native pollinator habitat, passive shading, and daylighting strategies strengthen the relationship between environment and human wellbeing.

By combining transitional housing, support services, and restorative design principles, the project reimagines shelter as a place of healing, stability, and belonging for displaced youth.

ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL 2026
ACH 212 ARCHITECTURE STUDIO 2 . 14 WEEKS
Professor Robert Lowe, III . Revit, Lumion, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

SITE ANALYSIS

INSPIRATION

ATTACHMENT THEORY: FOUR STYLES

PROCESS

FLOORPLANS & PROGRAM

SITE PLAN & SUSTAINABILITY

EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS

SECTIONS

Axonometric Renderings

GENTLE TRANSITIONS

LAYERED THRESHOLDS AND GRADUAL SPATIAL TRANSITIONS create a predictable progression from private to public environments. Changes in light, ceiling height, acoustics, and enclosure help establish a calm cadence of movement that supports comfort, orientation, and emotional wellbeing.

CHOICE-RICH SPACES

MULTIPLE PLACES TO BE—social, semi-social, and alone-but-not-isolated—gives a sense of control over environment. Small “reset” nooks near common areas feel close, not isolating.

CALMING OUTDOOR SPACE

SECURE, ZEN-LIKE GARDEN offers a variety of semi-private and public spaces. Azumaya doubles as covered pavilion.