Home or Institution? Design Choices that Shape Belonging in Dorms, Care, and Transitional Housing

When I helped my son move into his university dorm last week, he looked around and said, “It feels like a prison cell.” That moment made me realize how powerfully design shapes our sense of home. From transitional housing to senior living, the same principle applies: thoughtful design often determines whether a place feels welcoming or institutional.
In my new article, I explore how choices around storage, lighting, corridors, and personalization can shape belonging across all kinds of temporary housing.