Haven is a proposal for a retreat center located at the site of Fort Martin Scott in Fredericksburg, Texas. There are historical places of refuge all over the world, and one can understand the obvious need for more physical refuges historically as threats posed in the past often had a more physical nature (wars, physical ailments, etc.) than they do today. As time has passed, technology, advancements in medicine, and cultural changes, amongst other things, have brought about a shift in how our society seeks and views refuge. As our society changes, so does the type of refuge it needs. With mental health struggles on the rise, technology limiting the physical separation of work and home, and other modern challenges, the need for mental refuge and respite is rising. While many physical facilities are being implemented across the country that provide care for specific groups of people, the goal of this project is to create an environment that provides a refuge for all people, even if only temporary, for their mind and spirit. Haven is built on the belief that the need for retreat is a universal need that is shared in different ways by all people. Historically, Fort Martin Scott provided a temporary physical refuge for countless groups of people as they sought security and community in different ways. Haven aims to provide a deeper connection to history by allowing its visitors to retreat and experience security in the same place.
