The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving support, resources and hope to victims and survivors of domestic violence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since 1996, The Hotline has received more than 3.5 million contacts from people across the country at their Austin, TX headquarters, which will move to a new home in April 2016.
Page approached this project in a very different way than we would for our corporate clients. Our design for The Hotline’s new home will better support the employees and advocates who work so hard to provide these valuable services. This new home will provide both mental and physical comfort and support on the job for the people working at The Hotline. There will be several outlets for staff members to recharge, decompress and relieve stress:
Open, active workstation layouts. These spaces encourage walking while advocates are on the phone. They are free to walk the floor or sit in designated “rest areas” facing a wooded area outside.
Large, naturally lit break room. This community space also features a flat panel display, mission statement graphics and traditional vending amenities. It encourages supportive engagement between staff members during breaks and lunches.
Intention spaces. Difficult conversations with victims may weigh heavily on advocates afterward. The two intention spaces are areas where advocates can leave a prayer or note on whiteboard walls or light a candle in a niche with a built-in Zen shelf and floating shelves above.
Wellness rooms. These rooms offer a variety of ways to decompress from stressful calls. Page designed a meditation room with soft lighting and music, a quiet reading room and an art room. These spaces encourage advocates to keep their minds and hearts balanced.
Gym and spa showers. The Hotline also offers an on-site gym for staff with treadmills, recumbent bikes, free weights and yoga spaces. The shower rooms were designed with a peaceful, spa-like feel to encourage relaxation after exertion.
The Link. The Hotline is not only the vital link between a victim and safety, but also between the community and awareness. Donors are highlighted throughout the space with metal links, which will continue to expand as new supporters join The Hotline’s community.
Reminder wall. Words of appreciation and affirmation from The Hotline’s staff are recreated on a wall tile outside the community break room where staff members, some of whom are survivors themselves, find continuous reinforcement of the impact of their work.
