Parsons School of Design
M.Arch Design Studio II: Housing
Instructors: Rachely Rotem, Adam Frampton
Community + Climate Centered Housing
This 50 unit affordable housing development sits on a formerly vacant 200’ x 180’ lot in the neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. It is located directly south of the Red Hook Houses, the largest public housing development in Brooklyn. The site, which sits within a 100-year floodplain, was the parking lot of an abandoned grocery store which sustained significant damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Over 10,000 people currently reside in Red Hook, with 40% of residents living in poverty, and 21% facing unemployment, more than double the average across New York City. The Red Hook Houses accommodate 2,545 apartments and around 6,000 residents. The neighborhood has seen an influx of luxury developments and increasing rent. While Red Hook faces a wave of gentrification, most of its residents live in public housing where they have little access to basic needs like food, financial services, laundry, or adequate outdoor space.
This proposal elevates residences above the water and provides spaces to gather and grow food even during the next flood. The public interior courtyard will not only house spaces for business and social gatherings, but also a bioswale. As storm surges increase, water will be welcomed by proper collection and drainage without displacing residents.
The ground floor is reserved for commercial space that will address the overlooked needs of Red Hook’s low-income residents. Commercial space will open up to a publically accessible central courtyard with room to gather. The outer corners of the property will be well-landscaped gardens and burms to mitigate flood water and to allow for residents and neighbors to socialize or wait for the bus.
Circulation wraps externally around the inner ring of the building. Elevators and stairwells are located every 4th unit. Elevated outdoor patios and gardens are located on the 3rd and 5th floors.