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Architettura,
Società e Innovazione 4
AMBIENTI
FLESSIBILI
Creatività, inclusione, ecologia, reale/virtuale
Teorie e buone pratiche
per l’architettura
a cura di
LAURA FARRONI
MATTEO FLAVIO MANCINI
2025
Gabriele Carmelo Rosato
Istituto di Antropologia, Ponticia Università Gregoriana
g.rosato@unigre.it
Gabriele Rosato è un antropologo culturale e studia gli eetti che le esperienze traumatiche
producono sulla sfera abitativa delle persone. La sua ricerca integra interviste in profondità
e la pratica dell’etnograa visiva per documentare l’esperienza domestica delle persone
sopravvissute ad abusi infantili, specialmente analizzando il concetto di casa, che per molti
survivor è intaccato dalla memoria traumatica.
111ASI - Architettura, Società e Innovazione
Abstract
Parole chiave
Empathic Architecture for Safe
Spaces: An Ethnographic Approach
to Trauma-Informed Design
Gabriele Carmelo Rosato
La ricerca analizza l’importanza di progettare spazi sicuri che tengano conto
delle esigenze speciche delle persone sopravvissute ad abusi in età infantile. In
continuità con i presupposti dell’inclusive design, vengono presentate le principali
intersezioni fra trauma e spazialità, con la nalità di informare i professionisti e
le professioniste dell’ambiente costruito delle conseguenze sullo spazio dovute
all’esposizione prolungata ai traumi. Integrando interviste qualitative ed etnograa
visiva, lo studio propone l’applicazione di alcuni principi per una progettazione
architettonica consapevole sugli eetti dei traumi psicologici, in particolare nella
creazione di edici residenziali.
e research highlights the importance of understanding how spaces can be designed
to accommodate the needs of survivors of child sexual abuse and promote inclusive
design. By exploring the intersections of trauma and spatial design, the study seeks
to inform practitioners of the built environment in creating residential architecture,
prioritising a holistic approach to safety and accessibility. Incorporating qualitative
interviews and visual ethnography, this study explores how trauma-informed design
principles can be implemented into collaborative practices to re-envision place-making
through a lens of trauma awareness: sensory modulation zones, layered spaces, and
self-connection points
Abusi sessuali infantili, Inclusive Design; Signicato dei luoghi; Spazi sicuri;
Trauma-Informed Design
Child sexual abuse; Inclusive Design; Place Meaning; Safe Spaces; Trauma-Informed Design
112 Gabriele Carmelo Rosato
Introduction
e perception and representation of spaces hold profound signicance for survivors
of child sexual abuse (CSA)1, inuencing their sense of safety and belonging
(Willis et al., 2015). Within architectural discourse, understanding these impacts
is essential to developing trauma-informed design practices that prioritise the needs
of survivors2. is study explores how childhood trauma shapes spatial experience,
aiming to contribute to bridging a critical architectural research gap (Allcock,
2019). e research examines how trauma aects spatial perception and seeks to
suggest architectural practices gathered throughout multiple participant observation
sessions. Findings argue that an anthropological approach to trauma-informed
design, through qualitative interviews and visual ethnography, can encourage
architects and practitioners to create functional, empathetic, and inclusive spaces for
those aected by childhood trauma.
Methodology
e method used was designed to thoroughly examine how trauma3, space, and
design are interconnected. e eldwork took place over a year and included monthly
online interviews and on-site observations with 30 participants aged 18 to 55 (two
male, twenty-three female, and ve non-binary). All the individuals are survivors of
childhood abuse, and half of them have been diagnosed with a form of disability. Eight
of them are members of ethnic minorities or have experienced a migration background.
Except for two Italian participants living abroad, all the rest are based in Italy. Subjects
were recruited through two calls for participants disseminated in dierent ways: one
among adult members of Meti Onlus (an association representing survivors of child
abuse) and another through the author of the research’s social media.
In-depth qualitative interviews provided rich, rsthand accounts of how childhood
trauma impacts spatial perception and the concept of home. is method was chosen
for its capacity to capture complex, subjective experiences that quantitative data
might overlook. Following the guidelines for ensuring safety (Alessi & Kahn, 2022),
written informed consent was obtained, and interviews were conducted individually
in Italian, so the quotes in this study were translated.
Complementing the interviews, visual ethnography was employed to observe
participants’ interactions with their spaces over the course of a year. is method
allowed for documenting their environments, capturing changes in spatial
arrangements and design elements contributing to their sense of safety and agency.
An integral part of this methodology was the use of “verbal maps”, a behavioural
experiment to collect sketch maps and verbal descriptions from participants. ey were
asked to externalise their spatial mental representations of their homes, combining
graphic and word descriptions. No specic cartographic expertise was requisite, and
no evidence of accuracy was sought. ese representations detailed areas associated
with safety or danger and explained the reasons behind these associations, providing
insights into how survivors structure their spaces. is activity has also been repeated
aer furniture and room layout changes or following a relocation.
Intersections of Trauma and Architecture
e theoretical framework of trauma and space reveals how distressing and disturbing
experiences impact perceptions of spaces and the concept of home (Willis et al.,
2016). Everyone undergoes trauma in their lives at some point or another. Many
people quickly recover, while for others, the persistent hauntings of the initial crisis
become deeply ingrained in their lives, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and lasting adverse eects on health. e likelihood of long-
term traumatic stress depends on various factors, such as the intensity and duration
of a crisis, an individual’s physical resilience, support systems, and preexisting
113Empathic Architecture for Safe Spaces: An Ethnographic Approach to Trauma-Informed Design
psychological conditions (Clemens et al., 2018). Whatever the case, experiences
of trauma can distort the sense of safety and belonging, transforming familiar
environments into sources of distress. Survivors oen reinterpret spatial elements,
associating them with their trauma and fundamentally altering their relationship
with their surroundings (Tucker, 2010).
Research indicates that trauma signicantly aects how individuals perceive and
navigate their environments (Adams-Hutcheson, 2017). Notable Judith Herman’s
work (2001) highlights that trauma disrupts an individual’s connection to space,
inuencing their need for safety and control. is is echoed in ndings that emphasise
the importance of safety and trust within spatial contexts, as these are fundamental
to trauma recovery (Arel, 2018). Existing literature on trauma-informed design
emphasises the need for spaces that are sensitive to these experiences (Schroeder et
al., 2021). Studies show that environments designed with trauma-informed principles
can promote healing (Owen & Crane, 2022): this involves physical safety and
creating spaces that evoke comfort and empowerment. For instance, architectural
designs that incorporate clear sightlines, access to nature, soothing colour palettes,
opportunities for personalisation, and exible spaces can transform spaces into
therapeutic environments that aid recovery (Bafna & Chambers, 2015). Architects
and practitioners can help reconstruct a survivor’s sense of home by creating inclusive
and supportive environments, turning spaces into havens of comfort and security.
Designing is not just about programming, space planning and project feasibility. It
is also about creating the right atmosphere, eect, and ambience (Asfour, 2019).
e goal is to make architecture a medium for processing human sensations and
experiences (Patria et al., 2018). A signicant body of research and discussion
has urged the architectural profession to move away from a purely technical and
visually-focused approach (Yazici, 2013). e theories and concepts of “atmosphere”
(Zumthor, 2006), “aective space” (De Matteis, 2020) and “ambience” (Pallasmaa,
2019) centre around emphasising the emotional and sensory aspects of space,
materials, and shapes (Rooney et al., 2017). By changing how we approach design and
construction, trauma-informed architecture emerges as a pivotal tool for addressing
mental health from an anthropological perspective and as a living entity that forms
a physical, cultural and sensory connection with the people using it. In individuals
who have experienced trauma, their bodies may perceive and signal “danger” before
their conscious mind has even registered the thought (Sherin & Nemeroff, 2011).
As a result, the body promptly initiates a range of physiological stress responses,
including the instinct to ght, ee, freeze, or exhibit fawning behaviour (Walker,
2003). is cascade of responses occurs rapidly and instinctively, oen without
conscious awareness, shaping the individual’s immediate reactions to perceived
threats (Zingela et al., 2022). An ethnographic approach to trauma-informed design
can leverage architecture and how trauma aects the space bodily.
Environmental Triggers in the Residential Architecture
For survivors of childhood abuse, the concept of home oen becomes complex and
paradoxical (Monnat & Chandler, 2015). is is even more evident in the light
of the increased likelihood that individuals who survived intra-family abuse4 were
exposed to harm and threats in or close to the same place they lived (Loinaz et al.,
2019). Rather than a refuge, home may serve as a reminder of trauma, complicating
the sense of safety typically associated with domestic spaces. is fractured sanctuary
challenges survivors to navigate environments that can evoke past experiences of fear
and vulnerability (Herman, 2001).
During ethnographic observations that led to this study, participants described
the home as a site of both potential healing and re-traumatisation. For example,
they used specic language to carve out what they consider safe spaces: see terms
114
like «my sanctuary», «safe haven», and «my bubble», which are vivid indicators of
the emotional and psychological protection these areas provide. Conversely, the
language used to describe triggering or dangerous spaces is equally telling: see words
like «suocating», «dark», or «claustrophobic», which reveal the negative emotions
tied to these areas. is issue also includes re-experiencing traumatic stress due to
current situations that mirror past traumatic memories, such as entering the place
where the abuse occurred or encountering patterns, furnishings (g. 1) and designs
that recall that haunted place (Rosato & Campo, 2025). See the use of roundabout
phrases like “non-home”, reecting the need for nuanced language to describe the
opposite of “home” as a haven. Without sensitivity to trauma’s impact, buildings
may unwittingly perpetuate trauma by triggering individuals through common
environmental elements. Unpleasant scents like body odour, mildew, and smoke can
evoke traumatic memories, so proper ventilation systems and odour-neutralising
materials are crucial for well-being and stress reduction. is presents an opportunity
for architecture to heighten or calm the body’s response to perceived stressors by
modulating environmental stimuli and atmospheres.
Trauma-Informed Design Principles
Practical experience has shown that incorporating a trauma-informed design (TID)
into building design can enhance the decision-making process and ultimately improve
outcomes for residents without adding to the cost or complexity of construction
(Harte, 2019). In the context at hand, TID emphasises creating safe and inclusive
residential architecture that addresses the needs of childhood abuse survivors.
Understanding the inuence of spatial organisations is a prerequisite for designing
and managing spaces that prevent the conditions underlying abuse from arising; in
fact, building design can inuence the behaviours and performance of people using
those spaces (de Paiva, 2018).
Addressing trauma through design may initially seem niche, but it serves a large,
frequently silenced population (Briere & Elliott, 2003). Many survivors experience
persistent feelings of shame that impact various aspects of their lives (MacGinley
et al., 2019). Additionally, for those with visible or invisible disabilities, the eects
of childhood trauma can be exacerbated (Andrade & Redondo, 2022), making
Gabriele Carmelo Rosato
1/ Verbal map sketch from a participant
depicting the word ‘divano’ (couch). The
repetitive and swirling lettering reflects the
participant’s compulsive focus on couches, who
is reluctant to sit on couches due to past trauma.
This visualisation illustrates the participant’s
emotional turbulence and the complexity of their
sensory and psychological responses to this
piece of furniture.
115Empathic Architecture for Safe Spaces: An Ethnographic Approach to Trauma-Informed Design
trauma-informed design essential for creating supportive environments that cater
to diverse needs. e experience of trauma is deeply connected to the physical
body and its reaction to space even before it is consciously understood. erefore,
the architectural and structural elements of a building play a signicant role in how
trauma is experienced (Stoppani, 2016). While each person’s experience of trauma is
unique, research has identied common responses and stimuli in the home (Curry,
2017). rough visual ethnography and qualitative interviews, recurring patterns
in how participants respond to trauma have been observed. Given the existing
experience (Grabowska et al., 2021), further observations contribute to framing
three principles that accommodate CSA survivors’ peculiar experiences: sensory
modulation zones, layered spaces, and self-connection points. ese criteria outline
spatial responses to complex needs and are rooted in understanding how trauma
aects the body through space.
Sensory Modulation Zones
For individuals who have experienced trauma, heightened sensory sensitivity is
oen a challenge (Farley & Keaney, 1997). Sensory modulation zones should be
designed to manage stimuli that can trigger ght, ight, freeze, or fawn responses.
ey recommend modulation and ltration rather than mere subtraction or addition
of sensory information. On-site observation and regular interviews have shown how
these stress responses can nd relief through adjustable environmental patterns.
Providing outlets for physical activity can oer a safe release for those in “ght” mode,
allowing them to channel their energy positively. For individuals who tend to go into
“ight” mode, the environment should include secluded areas where they can nd
solace and comfort to alleviate their fear. On the other hand, incorporating elements
of excitement and stimulation can help individuals in “freeze” mode reconnect with
their physical being. Lastly, those who tend to enter “fawn” mode can benet from
clearly dened physical boundaries and warm social interactions.
Some concrete applications observedemploy textured walls and oors to boost
visual appeal and engage multiple senses by absorbing sound, providing tactile
experiences, and stimulating visual interest. is approach allows smells, sounds,
sights, and kinetic potential to vary in intensity and quality. Including rocking chairs
or swings introduces rhythmic motion, calming the nervous system, alleviating
anxiety and promoting relaxation (Houston, 1993). Using membranes like interior
windows, perforated screens, or partial walls maintains openness while modulating
sensory experiences, fostering connectivity without overwhelming the senses. Lastly,
keyless locking mechanisms for doors, such as digital locks or simple latches, ensure
individuals can secure their spaces independently. is is particularly signicant
because many survivors may have experienced situations where access to keys was
controlled or denied by parents or caregivers.
Layered Spaces
As survivors heal, their requirements change and layered spaces accommodate
their evolving needs, oering exibility and allowing individuals to choose varying
levels of social, physical, and sensory engagement over time. ese spaces foster the
discovery of grey zones between extremes, like compression and expansion, and
personal and professional environments, which are more commonly coexisting
post-pandemic. Oering a gradient provides kinetic options, allowing areas to serve
multiple purposes without limiting them. is versatility maximises limited space
while maintaining privacy and personal comfort within a shared environment.
Breaking large spaces into smaller, manageable sections with design elements like
dropped ceilings or area rugs creates a welcoming atmosphere, making them feel
more intimate. Modulating spaces are also apt to be adjusted according to the
116 Gabriele Carmelo Rosato
season: for example, in the summertime, the intense heat and sweating are not only
uncomfortable, but the odour can also elicit traumatic memories of abuse. Private and
shared bathroom spaces, designed with attention to sensory triggers and adequate
soundproong, help maintain privacy. For survivors who nd mirrors triggering,
using adjustable or concealable mirrors allows individuals to choose when and how
to engage with their reection.
Niches and nooks, such as alcoves or window seats, oer quiet spaces for rest and
reection while maintaining a connection to the larger environment. Survivors oen
nd comfort in small retreats that resemble places they used to hide during abuse,
such as wardrobes. Establishing the space to pitch a tent temporarily (or anything
resembling it) can provide implied shelter, contributing to a balanced sense of privacy
and community. Lastly, biophilic elements, such as natural materials like wood and
bres, improve acoustics and provide a calming eect through sounds like owing
water. Resorting to nature also seems motivated as it recalls ‘untouched’ things and,
therefore, uncorrupted by anyone.
Self-Connection Points
Establishing a sense of self is a pivotal component in the restorative process for
trauma survivors (Quas et al., 2003). Self-connection points can foster a more
profound sense of belonging and help to counteract feelings of isolation (Escalera-
Reyes, 2020). ese points are particularly vital for those who have experienced
marginalisation. For instance, environments that respect personal boundaries are
essential for disabled individuals, as the presence of caregivers or family members in
all aspects of life can evoke feelings of scrutiny and reduce personal autonomy. It is
incredibly even more hurting if a caregiver is a perpetrator of abuse.
A suggested approach involves creating a constellation of touchpoints that cater
to various identities. is allows individuals to see reections of themselves and
their experiences within the space. Accommodating rooms for personalisation is
paramount for those prohibited from doing so at the time of abuse. Features like
tapestries and murals are not only merely decorative but serve to extend the view
of the domestic space and can also cover parts of the room that evoke trauma. In
addition, ensuring the authenticity of materials and avoiding faux nishes or
articial plants conveys honesty and continuity, reinforcing trust and stability within
the environment. Dedicated areas for activities like journaling, smoking, praying,
meditating, exercising, creating art or self-pleasure can support emotional and
spiritual needs, allowing individuals to engage in personal rituals that bring comfort
and peace. Furthermore, designing spaces catering to dierent genders’ diverse needs
ensures all users’ safety, connection, and condence. Lastly, cultural resonance spaces
reect and celebrate diverse cultural identities, fostering inclusivity and respect for
varied backgrounds.
Discussion and FutureDirections
By integrating qualitative insights with visual documentation, the study – grounded
in cultural anthropology – focuses on the interplay between trauma and space. In
particular, trauma-informed design emphasises its role in creating safe and inclusive
residential architecture that addresses the needs of childhood abuse survivors.
e mixed-methods framework implemented for this research detected a range
of actionable insights that merge into the following concepts: sensory modulation
zones, layered spaces, and self-connection points. ese principles are meant to
recontextualise design decisions rather than serve as checklists. e provided
renderings (gg. 2-7) are not proposals for furnishings but practical illustrations of
such concepts.
One key concept involves the creation of ‘sensory modulation zones’, which aim to
117Empathic Architecture for Safe Spaces: An Ethnographic Approach to Trauma-Informed Design
2/ A conceptual rendering illustrating the
creation of safe and adaptable spaces
through defined physical boundaries and
the modulation of spatial compression and
expansion. This design approach allows for
varied uses, including temporarily establishing
a tent-like structure and fostering a balanced
sense of privacy. The design caters to multiple
identities and personal connections within the
environment by incorporating a constellation of
touchpoints.
3/ The use of textured walls enhances visual
appeal and engages multiple senses. They
are strategically employed to absorb sound
and provide tactile stimulation, contributing to
a calming environment. Additionally, the bed
is partially integrated into the walls, offering a
sense of protection. This integration serves as a
refuge and includes soft sensory elements that
aid individuals in freeze mode, helping them
reconnect with their physical presence in the
space.
118 Gabriele Carmelo Rosato
4/ Dividing large spaces into smaller, more
manageable sections. Use elements like
dropped ceilings and area rugs to create a
welcoming atmosphere. Incorporating biophilic
elements such as natural wood and fibres
enhances the space, improving acoustics and
calming. Using authentic materials and avoiding
faux finishes or artificial plants conveys a sense
of honesty and continuity, contributing to a more
grounded and soothing environment.
5/ Personal environments should include
secluded areas where residents can find
solace. Niches and nooks are integrated
to offer quiet spaces for rest and reflection
while maintaining a connection to the larger
environment. The design also incorporates
dedicated areas for personal activities or simply
seeking moments of solitude, emphasising
spaces catering to a wide range of emotional
and individual needs.
119Empathic Architecture for Safe Spaces: An Ethnographic Approach to Trauma-Informed Design
6/ The use of membranes like perforated
screens can maintain a sense of openness
while modulating sensory experiences. These
elements serve as outlets for physical activity,
offering a safe and controlled release. The
inclusion of adjustable or concealable mirrors
empowers individuals by giving them the
choice of when and how to engage with their
reflection, thus creating a more adaptable and
personally supportive environment.
7/ Implementing keyless locking mechanisms
for doors can ensure that individuals can secure
their spaces independently, offering a sense of
autonomy and control over their environments.
This approach is incredibly empowering for
those who have experienced situations where
access to personal spaces was restricted or
controlled by others.
120 Gabriele Carmelo Rosato
provide spaces that can help regulate sensory experiences and support individuals
in managing their responses to stimuli. Another essential principle is the integration
of ‘layered spaces’, which can oer varying levels of privacy and control, allowing
individuals to adapt their environment to their specic needs. Additionally, the concept
of ‘self-connection points’ emphasises the importance of creating spaces that support
traumatised people in connecting with themselves and their surroundings, fostering
a sense of agency and self-validation. Empathy is explored as an emotional catalyst in
architecture (Pall a smaa et al., 2015), emphasising its importance in promoting an
emotional connection between users and spaces (De Botton, 2006). Empowering
survivors by giving them control over their environment is a key aspect of recovery.
is can inform design choices that prioritise autonomy and personal agency.
When interpreting the study results, it is important to consider limitations. Childhood
maltreatment was assessed retrospectively and through self-reported measures,
which can introduce bias. Although all participants could recall detailed memories
of the CSA event, distortions may have impacted data collection (Loftus et al.,
1996). Additionally, the study had a small sample size. Further prospective studies
are needed to conrm the extent to which the application of the TID principles is
reasonable among the survivors and their housemates. ese ndings pave the way
for future research on comparative studies across dierent cultural contexts, which
can help integrate trauma-informed design principles into mainstream practice and
training programs.
Notes
1. e denition of CSA chosen for this study is based on the DSM-V-TR,
encompassing «any sexual act involving a child that is intended to provide sexual
gratication to a parent, caregiver, or other individual who has responsibility for
the child» (American Psychiatric Association, 2022: 824).
2. is paper aims to convey a sense of optimism by refraining from using the term
“victim” and opting for the term “survivor” when suitable.
3. In this text, “trauma” refers to experiences that cause intense physical and
psychological stress reactions.
4. Intra-familial child sexual abuse is generally recognised as including abuse by a
relative, such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent, as well as abuse by individuals
closely linked to or considered to be part of the family, such as a foster carer or a
parent’s partner (Gekoski et al., 2016).
121Empathic Architecture for Safe Spaces: An Ethnographic Approach to Trauma-Informed Design
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Empathic Architecture for Safe Spaces: An Ethnographic Approach to Trauma-Informed Design
