Viv's Place
Project Details
Point of Difference
Australia’s first trauma-informed social housing complex and activation plan
Location
Dandenong, Victoria
Traditional Custodians
The Bunurong People
Client
Launch Housing
Year
2021 - 2022
Context & Place of Vision
Context
Viv’s Place is a social housing initiative by Launch Housing, supported by ARM Architecture and Village Well. Providing 60 units of long-term, trauma-informed housing for mothers and children.
Village Well was engaged for our expertise in community engagement, placemaking, and trauma-informed activation plans to shape Viv’s Place into a safe, supportive community where families can rebuild their lives.
Place of Vision
"A safe, supportive, and empowering community where families rebuild their lives, find stability, and thrive"
Impact & Result
Impact
Place Activity Plan ensures gradual participation within Viv's Place and then in the community.
Extensive engagement with local services ensures long-term support for residents.
Shaped by trauma-informed thinking and engagement.
Village Well’s work resulted in a place vision resulting in a comprehensive Place Activity Plan and trauma-informed engagement strategy that informed the design of Viv’s Place. Our approach successfully engaged 48 local service providers and ensured the spaces met the needs of residents, fostering a safe, supportive community.
Winner: Modernisation of a Built Form Development Award, PowerHousing Australia Constructing. Shortlisted: Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing, UDIA Victoria
Testimonial: “It takes a village to raise a child. And look at the village we’ve all made – it’s absolutely wonderful.” - Dr Alberto Furlan, The Ian Potter Foundation’s Senior Program Manager for Community Wellbeing.