The Next Stop

Reentry services center and supportive housing
Project Overview
The Next Stop is a reentry services center with supportive housing for returning citizens. This center provides resources for adults and juveniles to create an environment that empowers individuals to realize their own abilities and strengths through self-agency and advocacy. The goal of this project is to create a transformative and healing environment that promotes pro-social behavior and provide a sense of community.
Exterior view of the project site, the Boyer Campbell building in Detroit, MI.
Location
The site is located in Detroit, Michigan. With one of the highest crime rates in the United States, Michigan’s total incarcerated population was over 58,000 in 2015, with 35% of those former offenders returning to Detroit, meaning many of Detroit’s citizens are in need of holistic reentry services.
Concept board titled "Connection" showing images of crossing paths, roadways, and textural imagery.
Schematic Design
After interviewing experts in the field of reentry services, analyzing case studies of supportive housing projects and reentry service centers, and examining the principles of Supportive Design Theory and Emancipatory Research-Based Design practices, I utilized this extensive research to inform the program, floor plans, and material selections.

As part of the schematic design phase, a parti diagram was derived from the site's connection to the nearby railroad that informed the development of the spatial arrangements and separations of the floor plans. The scope of the project focused mainly on the first and second levels with a more conceptual design for the residential areas.
Axonometric view showing the circulation between first floor of the community center and the second floor reentry services center.Diagram showing site analysis of existing building including circulation, plumbing walls, fire prevention, and mechanical equipment locations.Site analysis diagram showing sun path, views, and important adjacencies.Section view of the reentry center showing the specific spaces on each floor.
Design Development
Through the use of diagramming, case studies, and site analysis, a clear arrangement of public and private space adjacencies developed. The circulation through the building is defined by the interconnected catwalks of the second floor that guide visitors through the community spaces of the first floor and maintain a sense of transparency and visual connection to the reentry service center.
Customers sitting at the community center cafe.
First floor plan showing the reception area directly in front of the public cafe and adjacent to the secure entrance to the upper floors. Acoustic floor coverings in geometric shapes are divided by main walkways and lead to the enclosed patio and other community spaces. Flooring materials and furniture shown.
Community Center (First Floor Plan)
Second floor plan showing intersecting walkways that connect the different community resources and offices, crossing above spaces open to the first floor below. Flooring materials and furniture shown.
Supportive Services Center (Second Floor Plan)
The first floor is separated into public, private and semi-private spaces, with a strong physical and acoustical separation between them. With the main public spaces in the center of the floor plan, the semi-private and more secluded spaces flank the large open areas. The design utilizes frosted glass to maintain privacy for the classrooms and keep a connection to the community areas.
Glass block and frosted glass design elements were used to maintain the historic character and privacy between spaces. The original hardwood floors are celebrated in the design where it is an appropriate material choice. The rest of the building utilizes resilient, durable flooring, such as Forbo Marmoleum, and acoustic furnishings to help reduce noise in the double height public space.
Visitors and residents using the community center's enclosed patio. Large circular acoustic light fixtures are suspended over the unfixed furniture. Hexagonal wall panels cover some of the original brick walls with frosted glass on the semi-private meeting areas in the back.
In the covered patio, the acoustic ceiling light fixtures work in tandem with the wall panels to reduce sound travelling up towards the private offices on the floor above. The furniture is easy to move and rearrange to suit the needs of different users to allow a sense of control over the environment. Users can control the temperature and their own comfort level by opening or closing the sliding doors to the outdoor area.
Floor plan of typical residential units. Studio apartments all have private bathrooms, a small kitchen, living area, and bed with closet. The two bedroom apartments share one bath but contain a larger living area. The flooring and furnishings are wood, earthy greens and blue tones.
Typical Residential Unit
On the third and fourth floor, there is supportive housing for reentering citizens. Maintaining a sense of privacy and individuality for residents was prioritized in the design of each unit. The studio apartments maximize space but provide a visual barrier of the bedroom area from the front door. The safe and secure Nemschoff behavioral health furnishings are durable and hard-wearing against high usage, but their Certified Green wood finishes and the other natural tones within the apartment provide a comforting feeling without seeming institutional. Accessible units are also included on both residential housing levels.