The proposed housing project seeks to address housing insecurity by offering individuals a place to call home, transforming 'nowhere' into 'now here.' This initiative confronts issues of gentrification, displacement, and neglect in underserved areas, working to counter disinvestment, minimize homelessness, and tackle challenges in public housing maintenance and management. Through the creation of an innovative affordable housing model, the project aims to contribute positively to the housing landscape of New York City.
The United States is experiencing a serious generational housing crisis currently. The high cost of living in NYC contributes to the lack of adequate housing resulting in constant rise of property value, zoning restrictions and gentrification. The neighborhood sorely needs more affordable housing. According to the Real Estate Board of New York, the city needs 560,000 new units of housing by 2030 to make up the deficit in new construction over the past decade and to accommodate expected population growth.
The inspiration was drawn from Herbert Bayer's research on the extended field of vision, investigating a fresh connection between exhibition spaces and those observing them. Within gallery settings, walls are frequently positioned at angles. Studies indicate that a 360-degree visual field gives the impression of boundless surroundings, leading observers to perceive the space as a coherent entity rather than isolated scenes. The exhibition system functions as an auxiliary mechanism, stimulating the gaze, inciting movement, widening the field of vision, and occasionally elevating the eye level beyond the ordinary.
Rooted in this initial idea, the journey embarked upon a path of development, guided by the exploration of diagonals at varying angles to ascertain the most optimal arrangement for the house. This strategy was selected for several compelling reasons: firstly, it allows for the optimization of panoramic views; secondly, it invites an abundance of natural light to grace the interiors; thirdly, the strategic placement of angles and corners ensures a heightened sense of privacy throughout the spaces; additionally, the deliberate design facilitates a sense of delight and gradual revelation as one steps into the residence.
Moreover, the maze-like effect created by these angles not only fosters creativity within younger occupants but also contributes to a dynamic spatial experience. Furthermore, the carefully crafted circulation flow converges towards the heart of the home—the living room—providing a sense of centrality and unity. Lastly, the decision to employ diagonal trajectories, which inherently demand more transit time than straightforward paths, serves to optimize the utilization of the available compact space.
Presented here is the apartment layout—a spatial arrangement that resists immediate apprehension in its entirety. A deliberate effort was made to situate the private quarters at the farthest opposing corner from the entrance, ensuring the utmost privacy and security. Additionally, a meticulous consideration guided the placement of all rooms, excluding bathrooms, along corner walls to maximize the utilization of sunlight.
Notably, the positioning of a powder room between the entrance and the kids' room serves both guests and children. The incorporation of an open kitchen and dining area not only enhances the sensation of airiness and exposure but also facilitates easy accessibility for all family members. Similarly, the living area, also designed with an open layout, maintains a semblance of privacy through its strategic geometry, sheltered from direct view upon entry.
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3D VISUALIZATION
