If society is willing and able to change its mentality towards these issues, then there are tremendous opportunities, of which one has been elaborated in this project. The transformation of the Glebe Island silos showcases the possibility to make a homeless accommodation a destination for others to go to, enjoy, and spend their free time as well. In that way, not only the homeless people benefit from the system, but also the visitors visiting the building. To achieve this, several functions are added, all contributing to the whole system. A viewing platform overlooking the Sydney skyline with a restaurant, bar and rooftop garden attract people from all areas. As the system for this homeless accommodation is based on Emmaus, there is an additional focus on their impact on the environment. Therefore, a thrift store functions as a way how the companions living here, directly contribute to a better environment. By reselling products that would otherwise get thrown away, they help to deal with Australia’s throwaway culture and give all the companions a shared purpose to work for. Locating this thrift store in a ‘floating box’ suspended from the Glebe Island Silos, make for an interesting architectural project housing a fully functioning rehabilitation system for homeless people with Trauma Informed Design principles implemented in its design.

Student: Rick Wassenaar
Tutor: Jacob Voorthuis, Maarten Willems, Ady Steketee