(curvi)linear collective
fall 2023
vassar street housing
The form of my project is derived from the idea of aggregation, the combination of a series of parts to form a cohesive, unified whole. Constructed of nine rectangular forms, rotated and stacked in a way that creates unique interior and exterior spaces, the building’s form creates a sense of curvature, despite containing no actual curves.
In this way, the building responds to the adjacent building, Howard Barnstone’s Vassar Place Apartments, in which many small, cubic protrusions form a strong crescent shape. While neither contains any curved walls, both buildings “curve” around the shared space between them, defining the physical and social center of the site.
In this way, the building responds to the adjacent building, Howard Barnstone’s Vassar Place Apartments, in which many small, cubic protrusions form a strong crescent shape. While neither contains any curved walls, both buildings “curve” around the shared space between them, defining the physical and social center of the site.
Focusing around this idea of shared spaces, each of the building’s 16 units is accessible either by the outside on the ground floor, or through a shared gathering space on the third floor, with no entrances on the second floor, and the aggregation of the rectangular forms creates an abundance of shaded areas from overhangs and easily accessible rooftop spaces for outdoor gathering and gardening. The units vary in type, from two-bedroom two-story apartments to studio style apartments that share a kitchen and a living space. Despite the interior variation, the facade follows a repeating pattern that dissolves the exterior division of the units, further unifying them.
Ground Floor Plan, with plan of Howard Barnstone's Vassar Place Apartments for context
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
East Elevations
West Elevations
