Splendid Ray

The SPLENDID RAY is a community in Columbia, SC that supports, cares for and protects its inhabitants, mainly refugees and homeless of all ages. SPLENDID RAY provides users with spaces for rooting themself in the place and supporting each other for mutual growth. Additionally, SPLENDID RAY will be a new architectural language for spatially underprivileged groups and promotes the abolishment of unhealthy spatial practices.

Around 3.5% of the world's population crosses their country borders to seek better living conditions. During the asylum-seeking journey, exposure to stress affects their mental health and well-being in the long term. Furthermore, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder are prevalent in the migrant population. Studies say that displacement causes rootlessness. Rootlessness causes psychological disorders like PTSD, bipolar and schizophrenia, which are also high in houseless people. Specifically, to the site, Richland County is one of only three areas in South Carolina with an estimated homeless population of more than 500 by county. The homeless population and refugees face the same challenges of life due to the factor of rootlessness.

Architecturally, the community has a Family Health Resource Center (FHRC), Community Design Center (CDC), Community Art House, Business spaces and Cafes to support them. FHRC and CDC take forty-five thousand square feet and have designated eighty-five parking spots. Next to the FHRC & CDC is an ample open space, which is the heart of the community and has the flexibility to be a market, performance space, community cinema area, gathering space or space for playing.