What’s in a Floor?
“The acceptance of certain realities doesn’t preclude idealism. It can lead to certain breakthroughs.”
Metaphorically and literally, what’s beneath our feet—or wheels, crutches, scooters, or canes—shapes our sense of safety and security.
At Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach, we value the physical spaces where we live, work, and heal. These spaces profoundly affect the health and well-being of our staff, residents, and even the animals we care for. It’s not just about creating a visually appealing environment (though that certainly helps!); science tells us that our surroundings directly influence our well-being.
A key principle of trauma-informed care (TIC) is the role of the physical environment. In fact, there's an entire field dedicated to this concept, called Trauma-Informed Design.
“The physical environment can impact our attitude, mood, health, and well-being. Spaces that are poorly lit or closed off from the surrounding area can trigger past trauma or contribute to stress. Spaces that are warm, bright, and flexible can promote a sense of safety and calm.” [Source]
Trauma-informed care provides a framework for addressing individual, historical, and systemic trauma by emphasizing values such as safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. It’s about more than avoiding re-traumatization—it’s about fostering healing.
At Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach, we integrate these principles into our work, including through thoughtful attention to physical spaces. This approach is reflected in simple but impactful choices, something as simple as a lamp rather than an overhead fluorescent light, or encouraging autonomy over personal spaces by providing tools and supplies for decorating and personalization.
"Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design."
-Charles Eames
Recently, we made improvements to the flooring in both Nielsen House and Jennifer House. At Nielsen House, residents played a huge role in updating the basement, eagerly participating in painting both the floors and walls. Now, we have a beautiful cardio room. Their enthusiasm and collaboration transformed the space into a vibrant exercise area—a testament to the power of community effort and ownership.
“For me, architecture is a social act.”
At Jennifer House, volunteers installed beautiful new floors in the office and bedrooms, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. They also refinished the wooden floors, polishing them to historic beauty.
These changes may seem small, but they represent a larger commitment to creating environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported in their journey of healing and growth.
Even the floors beneath our feet are a testament to our belief in the transformative power of care and community.
And so I ask of you,
noticing the ground upon which you currently stand, sit, or lay:
What’s in a floor?
“Buildings are deeply emotive structures which form our psyche.”
