Can Affordable housing have dignity and Identity?
Neighborhood 34.87 is an affordable housing project located near the Fulton Cotton Mill lofts in Atlanta Ga. The project has a heart for those less fortunate, understanding that many people who qualify for affordable housing are not where they are because of a lack of capacity but rather a lack of opportunity.
A meaningful Street Edge.
A common problem in affordable housing projects around the world is a lack of engagement with the street edge. In Neighborhood 34.87 a meaningful interaction with the street and public became very important to creating identity. The street edge retail houses a barber, coffee shop, restaurant and other community friendly programs.
Creating Internal synergy.
A strategy to help the create community within the project was the grouping of programs and circulation to create synergy. A single loaded corridor surrounding a courtyard allows for increased visibility and “chance encounters”. These chance encounters with your neighbors over time will create relationships and a stronger internal community. This stronger internal community will create a deeper sense of identity and overall dignity for residence.
The three strategies implemented to help with internal synergy are visible circulation, a synergy hub, and celebrated entries. The circulation around a courtyard allows for greater visibility and interaction with the other residence. The “synergy hub” houses programs such as a day care, laundry room, bike repair shop, and even a communal kitchen. The grouping of these programs dramatically increased the residence chance encounters. The entries and exits for the community are housed in communal lobby spaces. A group of residents could be watching the falcons play, you may get home from work and see the activity on your way to your unit. This visibility of activity might prompt you to join, increasing communal engagement.
Bedroom/Sleeping Layout
View from bed
Looking into Living Room/Kitchen
Living/Dinning Configuration