Bx house
New paradigms for affordable housing in the Bronx that supports diverse family types through community focused amenities-sharing
Group work with Jesse Jihae Park
Located in Melrose area of the Bronx in New York City, BX House proposes an answer to the question: How can we promote sharing with our neighbors?
When designing for affordablity, it is important to understand the local community whom the building will serve. The local demographics include a noticeably large proportion of single-parent families, people without college degrees, and people with low income. This is a community that has historically leaned on one another to provide support when institutional support was not available.
This project aims to serve the local community by promoting maximal affordability through the minimization of private space and maximization of public shared space on site, including shared kitchens and wet spaces. Micro-units, rather than conventional unit typologies allow for more density and come equipped with a wet column providing possible flexibility for residents who want more privacy. Residents can choose to have in-unit bathrooms and kitchens instead of using the public ones if they want.
As families expand or incomes rise, residents can occupy adjacent units to expand their homes to complete 1-, 2-, and 3-bedrooms. The arrangement of micro units allow for possible expansion as families and communities expand.
As families grow, units can expand to accommodate them. As older children move out or occupy their own units, larger units can be re-subdivided to provide space for newer residents. Every third or fourth unit within the grid adjoins a public leisure-room, kitchen and wet spaces, promoting community growth and cohesion through shared experiences. These dormitory-style public spaces also ensure the units remain affordable for the all types of residents.
BX House also incudes larger shared amenities such as a daycare, community center, rooftop garden, gym, public library, a senior center, and laundry facilities. Residents are encouraged to work in these facilities or in the weekend markets happening ground floor every week. The daycare center provides a place for kids when their parents are at work and the senior center provides needed space to support those displaced by the demolition of the neighborhoods previous the senior center. These amenities are designed to promote multi- and inter-generational communities to grow together long-term.
BX House aims to enhance community cohesion through affordable and shared commodities that promote local growth and social sustainability.