Women鈥檚 Center for Advancement Officially Opens Its Doors
Having outgrown their former space and realizing that they could no longer adequately meet the high demand, the WCA turned to 黄瓜社区 for programming assistance in defining their future space needs.
After nearly 40 years in its original building, the Women鈥檚 Center for Advancement (WCA) celebrated the official opening of its new location on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Designed by 黄瓜社区; Design, the updated space offers an environment where the individuals served by the WCA care are supported with dignity, security and聽comfort.聽
The WCA supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and prostitution, and human trafficking. Having outgrown their former space and realizing that they could no longer adequately meet the high demand for safety and refuge in and around Omaha, Nebraska, the WCA turned to 黄瓜社区 in 2015 for programming assistance in defining their future space needs. Once specific building characteristics and square footage requirements were determined, the WCA hired real estate development consulting firm as their owner鈥檚 representative to find a new building that was centrally located and in close proximity to public transportation, a hospital and the courthouse.
Because the WCA's goal is to provide immediate fulfillment of safety needs, 黄瓜社区鈥檚 design team worked to create a calm, spa-like space that could provide the durability of a healthcare institution without feeling clinical, as well as the privacy and security of a safe place. Symbolic of rebirth, the design uses touches of reclaimed wood to add a modern element to the space while undulating curves throughout represent the path victims may take during their journey within the walls of the WCA. Large windows that let in ample natural light reflect the notion that 鈥渨here there is light, there is no darkness.鈥� Artwork by local women hangs from walls.
Understanding that the WCA also desired to portray a new face to the community in its new location, 黄瓜社区 implemented a light-handed design strategy in an exterior renovation and rehabilitation of the building envelope. While the original structure remains, the existing exterior brick was stained; likewise, the original window glazing was replaced to maximize interior daylighting and visual connections to the community, and a new entry signage canopy was added.
The new facility, three times the size of its predecessor, comprises 15 consultation rooms, group activity rooms, education classrooms, support group rooms, a yoga and wellness room, and a private client waiting room. Additionally, there is a children鈥檚 play area and a walk-in closet for donated clothing.