multigenerational cohousing - gowanus, ny
professor: beth o’neill
partner: weilin berkey
arch 301 (fall 2021)
SHORT SECTION/SITE AXONOMETRIC
This project, situated in an industrial Gowanus, New York, accomodates for 100 inhabitants. The inclusion of playrooms, green space/roofs, and shared living rooms/kitchens accomodates for the lack thereof in the surrounding area.
Main thematic elements of the design include channels - openings that allow for both uninterrupted physical and visual space - in order to foster connections and a sense of closeness despite possible distance. These channels also allow for natural ventilation and lighting to enter and flow as necessary to individual housing units.
FLOOR PLANS
On the first floor, the project includes both single units, intended for older generations, and the first floor of double units, intended for families. The parking garage is accessible on the first floor, as is the laundry room, one of two playrooms, the mailroom, the library, a shared kitchen area, a large atrium, and a shared living room.
The second floor includes both single units and the latter half of double units. Additionally, there are two shared kitchens and four shared living rooms. Part of the library is also accessible from the second floor.
The third and fourth floor continue the pattern expressed in the previous two floors, slightly altering in square footage.
CHANNEL DIAGRAM
This diagram exemplifies the continuous channels - and their further subsets - as they flow through the project and inform the placement of the majority of the structure. There are channels that can be physically traversed through, while some provide channels of continuous vision. This diagram also explores vertical circulation placement and shared services.
This diagram exemplifies the continuous channels - and their further subsets - as they flow through the project and inform the placement of the majority of the structure. There are channels that can be physically traversed through, while some provide channels of continuous vision. This diagram also explores vertical circulation placement and shared services.
MATERIAL/MEP DIAGRAM
This diagram enumerates the variety of materials used in the project and displays their application to a fully furnished double unit and wall section. The project has bead-blasted louvres on the facade to allow for the facilitation of natural light, which contrasts with channel glass on other portions of the facade. The alternation of these materials on the exterior poses an exploration of gradients of openness. The roof system is an alternation of angled photovoltaic panels and green roofing. The project itself is a Living Machine - a system of a variety of tanks that break down waste and recycle water.
This diagram enumerates the variety of materials used in the project and displays their application to a fully furnished double unit and wall section. The project has bead-blasted louvres on the facade to allow for the facilitation of natural light, which contrasts with channel glass on other portions of the facade. The alternation of these materials on the exterior poses an exploration of gradients of openness. The roof system is an alternation of angled photovoltaic panels and green roofing. The project itself is a Living Machine - a system of a variety of tanks that break down waste and recycle water.
phase I (midterm)
The midterm state of the project focused on space, massing, and placement. The ability to develop the channels stemmed from initial massing studies to be carried throughout the process of designing, as illustrated in these earlier drawings.
INDIVIDUAL UNIT PLAN
The individual housing units created for this project remained relatively similar throughout. There is a major emphasis on fostering movement within and without, by the creation of transitionary spaces, gaps, and continuity in space. There are specific portions that serve as enclaves that may hold furniture or a small courtyard area depending upon the inhabitant’s wishes.
The individual housing units created for this project remained relatively similar throughout. There is a major emphasis on fostering movement within and without, by the creation of transitionary spaces, gaps, and continuity in space. There are specific portions that serve as enclaves that may hold furniture or a small courtyard area depending upon the inhabitant’s wishes.
VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL DIAGRAMS
The accompanying diagrams illustrate major concepts, such as the continuity of vision, movement, and airflow through channels at a variety of scales - both on the basis of an individual unit and the clusters as a whole. The horizontal diagram contextualizes an unfolded section with the placement of perspective views.
The accompanying diagrams illustrate major concepts, such as the continuity of vision, movement, and airflow through channels at a variety of scales - both on the basis of an individual unit and the clusters as a whole. The horizontal diagram contextualizes an unfolded section with the placement of perspective views.
