"IMPACTFUL INDENTATIONS"
Our thesis revolves around the idea that there is a need to address concerns of isolation and the lack of accessible resources in city housing. After researching the history of NYCHA complexes, we felt it essential to create a project that dismissed the normative approach to low-income housing (that is to say the tower in the park).
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By focusing on communal landscaping and organic spaces for the public good, we can strive to create a renewed sense of community. Through the use of custom scallop geometry, we designed a landscape that consists of low maintenance gardens for laid-back community gatherings, as well as a scalloped tower that offers essential resources to the local residents. We believe access to food, healthcare, childcare, and working and learning spaces will begin to aid an isolated community and result in a better standard of living.
Project Partner: Katie Gaines
Fall 2020
Arch 703: Urban Qualities
Professor: Carlos Arnaiz
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Course Description: This design studio addressed focused on contemporary aspects of architectural urbanity. We were introduced to the interrelationships between urban form and its material qualities. Designing from the outside in, issues as mixed land use, composite building use, transportation, and environment were coordinated through the specificities of a building enclosure and site.
Spatial Planning and Program
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Overall, we have a total of 82 residential units that are made up of one to three bedroom apartments. Our residential spaces account for the majority of gross floor area in our building, while the rest of the program accounts for nearly 12%.
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All the public and shared private spaces are located towards the ground. Both the food bank and the health clinic can be accessed from the street while the daycare and quiet study spaces and library are on the second floor. Residents are also able to utilize shared terrace spaces throughout the building.