IRIS | WOMAN’S SHELTER

Colors, materials, and finishes (CMF)

Skills: Trauma-Informed Design · CMF for Wellness Spaces · Narrative Branding · Sustainable Materials · Safe Space Strategy · Cultural Advocacy · Logo & Color Symbolism · Social Impact Design · Design for Survivors · Restorative Design Psychology

IRIS Women's Shelter is a privately funded, safe and dignified space dedicated exclusively to supporting women who have experienced trauma, particularly survivors of assault, FGM, and women from immigrant backgrounds. The private funding structure ensures independence from government influence, allowing IRIS to maintain a women-only policy.

WHO IS IRIS FOR?

Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence.

IRIS. is a women’s shelter that caters to women living in abusive situations, but especially to women of color and immigrant women who experience danger at the hands of their family patriarch or partner due to differences in cultural values.

FACTS

  • FEMICIDE

    United States accounts for the deaths of more than five women daily, and more than 2,000 women murdered by men in one year.

    In 2017, 87,000 women and girls were killed globally. This means that 238 women are killed daily.

  • Sexual Violence

    There are 4.8 million sex trafficking victims. Globally, 99% of victims were women and girls.

    California consistently has the highest human trafficking rates in the United States, with 1,507 cases reported in 2019

  • Domestic Violence

    An estimated 736 million women have experienced physical and/ or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both in their lifetime.

    By October 2021, 52 countries had integrated violence against women and girls prevention and response into COVID-19 plans

Overview - IRIS

Colors, Materials, And Finishes (CMF)

IRIS Women’s Shelter: A sanctuary for healing and renewal, IRIS Women’s Shelter offers survivors of violence and hardship a space that prioritizes dignity and comfort. Designed with care, IRIS addresses the specific needs of women affected by trauma, creating an environment that is both comforting and empowering. At IRIS, women find safety, community, and access to comprehensive support, including medical care, wellness programs, and therapeutic spaces. As a privately funded shelter, IRIS remains steadfastly dedicated to creating an inclusive and respectful space solely for women.

IRIS Museum of Women’s Art: The IRIS Museum celebrates female resilience and creativity, showcasing art that speaks to the experiences and perspectives of women worldwide. As both an empowering space for IRIS residents and a cultural hub for the community, the museum features curated works from women artists, offering a unique lens into womanhood, strength, and survival. Proceeds from exhibits and events contribute to the shelter’s mission, blending art, therapy, and advocacy in a space that uplifts and inspires.

Colors, Materials, & finishes (CMF).

Colors, Materials, & finishes (CMF).

FUNDING STRATEGY


The main funding streams could come from partnerships with women-centered nonprofits, private donors committed to women’s welfare, and international organizations advocating for women’s rights.

The Museum within IRIS plays a dual role: it offers therapeutic engagement for residents through art and generates revenue. Art showcased could include pieces from the residents and curated female artists worldwide. This international curation adds appeal for visitors, ensuring sustained interest and support.

MATERIAL STORY

Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, Recycable

SUSTAINABILITY | WALKER GLASS AviProtek:
The AviProtek T pattern 701 glass brings together function and sustainability, crafted to create a safe environment for birds while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. The first-surface UV coating reflects light in a way that birds can detect but remains subtle to the human eye. Manufactured by Pilkington and transformed by Walker Glass, this environmentally mindful glass is EPD-certified, ensuring IRIS remains a sanctuary that protects nature, inside and out.

RECYCLABILITY | CHEMETAL Metawave Black Aluminum:
Chemetal’s 239 Metawave Black Aluminum highlights IRIS’s commitment to responsible material sourcing. With aluminum among the most recycled materials globally, this finish incorporates up to 85% recycled content, merging elegance with environmental consciousness. Builders and architects gain valuable LEED credits by using this recyclable material, keeping IRIS both beautiful and sustainable.

ECO-FRIENDLY DESIGN | BACKDROP Paint in Stromboli Chess Club:
Backdrop’s Stromboli Chess Club color lends a modern touch to IRIS, using premium, low-VOC, and low-odor paint to create safe, healthy interiors. As the first Climate Neutral Certified paint brand, Backdrop packages its paints sustainably in compostable foam and recyclable stainless steel, aligning IRIS with a design that respects both people and the planet.

Brand Identity

LOGO STORY

The IRIS logo draws inspiration from powerful symbols. The Venus symbol embodies femininity and strength, anchoring IRIS in its dedication to women’s dignity. The addition of the Pluto symbol represents transformation and change, a testament to the shelter’s role in helping women reclaim their lives. Finally, the eye motif signifies the IRIS name itself while symbolizing vigilance and resilience—qualities essential to women’s journeys of healing and empowerment.

COLOR STORY

The color palette for IRIS embodies both the strength and healing of its residents. Shades of green symbolize hope, growth, and new beginnings—a reflection of springtime’s promise of rebirth. Purple, historically associated with women and the lesbian community, speaks to the courage and solidarity in facing oppression. Red evokes the memory of sacrifice, justice, and resilience, while black adds sophistication and empowerment to the space. White brings purity, warmth, and an inviting sense of peace, complemented by subtle pink accents as a gentle nod to femininity in all its complexity.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Designed a trauma-informed shelter experience through holistic CMF strategy. Selected sustainable, low-VOC, and EPD-certified materials to align with ethical goals. Curated brand storytelling through logo and color symbolism rooted in feminist iconography. Developed eco-conscious surfaces and finishes tailored for comfort and resilience.

Synthesized CMF choices with narrative content to foster emotional safety. Collaborated with nonprofit-inspired frameworks to propose ethical funding strategies. Integrated healing practices with spatial psychology for vulnerable user groups. Championed the creation of a women-only space with cultural and safety specificity