Social Housing

Studio Krueger| Spring 2023

programs: rhino, indesign

materials: wood

concept: incomplete / partial

Located in the districts of Los Angeles, this project aims to address the growing need for affordable housing. The concept I went with was incomplete or partial. While the individual blocks themselves form a complete building shape, intentional gaps and strategically placed overhangs create an illusion of missing sections within the structure.

The configuration of my building is similar to a pinwheel. Each structure comprises four units, strategically positioned at the corners and rotated by 90 degrees. On the second floor, undergoes an additional 90-degree rotation. The building is rotated another 90 degrees from the previous one, resulting in a dynamic composition.

By opting for relatively smaller units, I intentionally created gaps and voids within the building to generate a spacious and inviting courtyard as a central focal point. Considering the empty spaces that emerge on the second and third floors due to the rotational arrangement, I made these areas into additional communal spots. These open spaces serve as extensions of the courtyards, offering residents various opportunities for interaction and engagement. The size and layout of these spaces can be tailored to accommodate different types of interactions, ranging from more public and lively gatherings to more intimate and private settings.

When visiting the site, I noticed that the buildings around it are all residential and not that tall. With the aim of seamlessly integrating my design into the existing context, I sought to ensure that my building would not stand out in terms of overall height. To avoid creating a singular, monolithic building, I used the property lines of the houses as guidelines to create 3 separate structures. By dividing the project into three separate buildings, I aimed to foster a sense of diversity and avoid overwhelming the surroundings with a single massive construction.

To further reinforce my concept of partiality, I decided to incorporate a courtyard within the design. This courtyard would serves as a central gathering space for the residents and allow ample natural light to filter into the surrounding areas, enhancing the overall livability and comfort of the development.