FUTURE HOUSING TYPOLIGIES

Anhalt university of applied sciences, Dessau

Project idea

The development of Berlin’s Housing Provision:

Since the end of the 1990s, Berlin’s housing has been described by a transformation from state- to market-led provision, creating more socially and spatially segregated neighborhoods. The underlying processes exacerbating and reproducing these inequalities have however rarely been addressed. This project will explore the possibility to bridge the community while respecting the private living conditions.

In relationship to the Tower of Babel, no one knows what is really inside and the only way of discovering it - is to be part of that community. The inner space is sacred and could only be revealed by going beyond the wall. Similar, a courtyard has the same effect, but what makes an urban Housing courtyard different?

“An Oasis within” is a concept of having a forest garden inside the bounded perimeter of the housing blocks, where residences and visitors can gather and experience a different urban environment. The strategic porosity of the blocks will give a sense of curiosity from outside, thus attracting visitors to discover the oasis.

Project description

As Part of the "Future Housing Typologies" Studio in Dessau International School, Students were given a particular site and collectively analyzed it. Within the semester program, we were asked to develop a design idea individually in relation to the tower of Babel. (As reference)

For my project, I went from being interviewer to an observer around the neighborhood - Identifying why was lacking in the area and why there is no sense of community. Thereafter, I studied some housing marketing strategies and it says that the best and most valuable units are always along the riverfront. And I wondered what if I can find a strategy so that most of the units can face the waterfront.

The project went through lots of massing model iteration, which eventually ended as being a diagonal block facing the waterfront - allowing an "Oasis" within the perimeter.

Technical information

In relation to the context, the project was developed based on the society's need - which is a place where they can live together as a community.

Detailed drawings of the individual units were explored and 4 housing typologies were proposed. Each of them caters different desire and sense of community.
Eventually, the ground floor was been freed for public generosity and a linear roof bridging the blocks allowing for community activities.