Abstract:
Sex trafficking is a form of trafficking in human beings that is prevalent around the world. It has a detrimental effect on society, as this form of slavery is sold, exchanged, and stolen from human’s especially little girls and women. This type of trauma, a continuum of trauma, has an immense impact on the girls both physically and mentally, an impact that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. This thesis aims to use architecture as a medium to rewrite the narrative of these women lives. The thesis puts down design strategies for sex
trafficked victims which goes through many layers starting from the individual to the physical structure. A solid understanding of the phenomenon of the process and its psychological, biological, and social dimensions are essential in relating to victims and creating a suitable environment to heal them. The strategies constantly kept in mind in design of the rehabilitation centre, are that one should understand the mentality and behavioural
psychology and try to walk in their shoes and get in touch with their circumstances, feelings, and agony, through studying their experience and the way in which space can heal. This thesis aims to design a rehabilitation shelter in which girls can live together, affirm and understand each other's pain, and heal together. It is a place in which girls can learn skills that they have missed out on their whole lives: life skills, work skills academic education, and discover a new sense of self. While the memories of their past will remain with them
forever, this shelter hopes to be a safe space in which they can build a new normal and prepare them for a better, empowered future.
