Designing for Dignity: The Transformation of St. Vincent de Paul's Ozanam Inn
At SNDBX, we believe that architecture should serve everyone, especially those who are too often overlooked. That belief guided our work on the recent transformation of St. Vincent de Paul's Ozanam Inn, a shelter serving veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness.
A Space Reimagined
The original facility had good bones, but it lacked the warmth, accessibility, and dignity that its residents deserved. Our goal was to create a space that felt safe, welcoming, and human, without requiring massive structural changes.
Here’s what we did:
Accessible Entry: We redesigned the front entrance to be fully accessible, ensuring that veterans and residents with mobility challenges can enter with ease and dignity. As a side note, this also makes daily intake flow more quickly and everyone's' experience is improved!
Daylight Where It Matters: By flipping the existing dormitory and lounge location, we brought natural light into the communal lounge, creating a brighter, more uplifting space for connection and rest. And, the dormitory now faces a more quiet area and receives only filtered norther light (most of the men in the shelter work, so sleep and rest are of paramount importance).
Comfort Upgrades: HVAC improvements now provide better air quality and temperature control, making the space more livable year-round.
Bathroom Renovations: Clean, private, and safe bathrooms are essential. We upgraded showers and fixtures to restore a sense of comfort and self-respect.
Safety Enhancements: The redesign also improves staff visibility and safety supporting those who support others. Fire safety and Egressing were also improved, making the shelter safer for the residents.
Why It Matters
When people are in crisis, the spaces they inhabit can either reinforce their struggle or support their recovery. At Ozanam Inn, we aimed to create an environment that says: You matter. You are safe here. You are seen. You are valuable.
Ozanam Inn provides a safe space and basic services for residents to begin rebuilding their lives within our community.
And this is just the beginning. Phase 2 will include the addition of an elevator, further enhancing accessibility and independence for residents.
Architecture as Advocacy
This project is a reminder that good design is not a luxury, it’s a responsibility. Especially when it comes to serving those who have served us.
We’re proud to partner with SVDP that are doing the hard, human work of care and community. And we’re honored to contribute through the lens of good design.