Designing

Abstract

The purpose of this study article is to examine the significance of creating inclusive environments for transgender people and females, with an emphasis on hostel settings. The study addresses the difficulties transgender people encounter in conventional hostel environments, such as insufficient privacy, prejudice, and awkward social situations. In order to promote social interaction and respect individual boundaries, the \"Unity Haven\" hostel aims to establish a secure, welcoming, and encouraging atmosphere. With a focus on privacy, comfort, and utility, this study looks at the design components, process, and planning considerations required to create such a place.

Introduction

A. Interior Design Definition

Interior design enhances the aesthetics and functionality of a building's interior. It focuses on creating environments that are aesthetically pleasing, practical, and supportive of the occupants' needs, ultimately improving their quality of life.

B. The Concept of Hostels

Hostels, originating from the French word ostel (meaning inn), are affordable accommodations where guests share spaces such as rooms, restrooms, and kitchens. Hostels, initially created in 1909 by Richard Schirrmann, have evolved to serve a diverse range of guests, including workers, students, and travelers.

C. Transgender Identity and Its Significance

A transgender person’s gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. These individuals often face challenges in shared housing environments like hostels, where their safety, privacy, and respect for identity are at risk.

D. Role of Color Theory in Interior Design

Color theory is crucial in interior design as it helps create spaces that evoke desired emotional responses. Colors like green and blue promote calmness, while warm colors like red and orange energize. A thoughtful color scheme can promote inclusivity and comfort for transgender individuals.

II. Review of Literature

• Chou Shu, Gunasagaran Sujatavani, Zainal Abidin Siti (2021): Interior design is increasingly focused on creating beautiful and functional spaces for clients.

• Poyner Christopher & Kjellgren Richard (2018): This paper discusses the homelessness and housing challenges faced by LGBT+ individuals in Scotland.

• Dasari Twinkle & Reddy G. Chenna (2018): The paper compares the struggles and achievements of transgender figures in India, such as the first transgender principal, Manobi Bandopadhyay.

• Turpin John (2007): Highlights the underrepresentation of female designers and the gender biases in the history of interior design.

• O'Connor Zena (2011): Explores how color effects, like energizing or calming responses, are not universal and depend on cultural and individual factors.

III. Purpose and Need for Unity Haven

• A. Issues Faced by Transgender Individuals in Hostels: Transgender people in traditional hostels face challenges such as the lack of gender-neutral restrooms, discrimination, uncomfortable roommate situations, and the absence of private spaces.

• B. Importance of Providing a Safe Space for Transgender Individuals and Girls: Safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces are essential to promoting the wellbeing of transgender individuals.

• C. Goals of Unity Haven: Unity Haven seeks to provide transgender individuals and girls with a safe, inclusive, and private environment that balances security and social interaction, promoting dignity and comfort.

IV. Objective and Design Goals for Unity Haven

• A. Design Goals: The goal is to create private, soundproof rooms with flexible layouts, welcoming communal spaces, and calming aesthetics. The design will also focus on neutrality, privacy, and inclusivity.

• B. Features of the Hostel Design: The hostel will offer gender-neutral restrooms, soundproof rooms, a neutral color scheme, accessible design, and natural materials to create a peaceful atmosphere.

V. Hypothesis and Benefits of the Design

• A. Benefits for the Owner: The design of Unity Haven can tap into a growing market for inclusive accommodations, enhance profitability, and improve the owner’s brand image by serving underserved communities.

• B. Benefits for Transgender Individuals and Girls: Unity Haven will offer a secure, comfortable, and supportive environment that fosters emotional well-being and reduces stress, allowing residents to focus on personal growth.

VI. Methodology

• A. Understanding the Needs of Transgender Individuals: Interviews were conducted with transgender individuals to understand their needs, including issues related to privacy, safety, and roommate compatibility.

• B. Design Process: Site visits and consultations with hostel managers and residents helped inform the design, which was inspired by the concept of a clothespin, symbolizing a safe, neutral space for transgender individuals.

VII. Site Analysis and Planning

• A. Location and Urban Context: Unity Haven is planned for cities like Bhopal and Indore, which have diverse populations and growing awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.

• B. Site Constraints and Opportunities: The main challenges include limited space and budget, but these can be addressed with economical design solutions and careful space planning.

• C. Environmental Considerations: The design prioritizes sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient materials, water-saving fixtures, and natural lighting.

VIII. Design Process and Solutions

• A. Layout and Floor Plans: The hostel will feature adaptable, well-lit rooms, with communal areas strategically placed to encourage interaction while maintaining privacy.

• B. Interior Design Elements: The design incorporates modular furniture, ambient lighting, and natural materials like wood, stone, and cotton to create a cozy atmosphere.

IX. Limitations and Challenges

• A. Design Limitations: Constraints like time, space, and budget will be addressed by prioritizing key features and finding creative solutions.

• B. Social and Cultural Challenges: The design may face resistance in conservative communities, requiring engagement and education to overcome cultural barriers.

Conclusion

Creating a hostel that is welcoming to transgender people entails giving comfort, security, and inclusivity first priority. In shared living situations, transgender people frequently have particular difficulties, including worries about safety, respect for their gender identity, and privacy. Hostels must therefore be designed to meet these needs while creating a friendly atmosphere. The interior design of such a hostel should prioritize solitude, which can be accomplished through clever room layouts, soundproof rooms, and neutral hues that encourage inclusion and relaxation. Soft, peaceful hues like green and blue can be used to create a calming environment and make transgender individuals feel comfortable. Careful thought should be given to the materials, textures, and furnishings that represent the diversity and demands of the people who will occupy the space in order to create a warm and respectful atmosphere. Along with aesthetic considerations, the plan should put practicality first, paying close attention to places like lounges, restrooms, and communal areas to make sure everyone can use them safely. Since hostels are frequently public places where people can connect, design features should also encourage engagement and socialization. The ultimate objective of creating a transgender-friendly hostel is to offer a setting where transgender people can experience support, respect, and worth. Hostels that combine inclusive design with an emphasis on comfort and safety can provide a supportive and empowering living space for everyone.

References

[1] CHOU, SHU, SUJATAVANI GUNASAGARAN2, SITI NORZAINI BINTI ZAINAL ABIDIN3(2021) A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN DEVELOPMENT IN TAIWAN: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES, Journal of Engineering Science and Technology 265 – 278. [2] POYNER CHRISTOPHR& KJELLGREN RICHARD (23 Oct 2018)Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer experiences of homelessness and identity: insecurity and home(o)normativity,International Journal of Housing Policy Volume 19, 2019 Pages 232-253. [3] DASARI TWINKLE & REDDY G. CHENNA (31 May 2018) transgender literature in India: a comparative study of I am vidya and a gift of goddess Lakshmi, International Journal of Research in Humanities, Vol. 6, Issue 5, May 2018, 359-366. [4] TURPIN JOHN, (September 2007)Journal of Interior Design, Volume 33, Issue 1.The History of Women in Interior Design: A Review of LiteratureFirst published: 02 June 2008. [5] Zena O\'Connor Colour psychology and colour therapy: Caveat emptorFirst published: 11 April 2011 Volume 36, Issue 3.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Yasmeen Khan, Sucheta Nigam. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.