Beginning in 2024 we are going to share some of our thinking process in this section.
For a new client who is seeking a solution to provide affordable housing in northeast Florida, the design assignment involves some very un-residential building footprints we have been asked to convert into residential footprints. It's funny how unique housing is for architects; some architects do not feel housing is actually architecture.
Architecture's a big word, one of the biggest. Housing claims its space in architecture, as much as it claims a space in society, history, and many other facets of human existence.
The host site will need buildings that will withstand human and natural elements. Most of this can be accomplished with technology. Maintaining the structures, however, in decent condition that gives some sense of dignity to the residents will need some community engagement.
Like a blank canvas, the building represents an opportunity. To take advantage of views and express some of the individualism of each of the residents, the "box" is modified with irregular protruberances.
These will also provide shade for the units below. The idea is to commission an artist (possibly the architect) to create a color scheme for each of the three different structures, and the artist would engage the residents in a mural design on the first floor of the building.
The artist's commission would need to be borne by the client as a part of the construction process. The actual art supplies - paint - would be needed anyway so it would not affect construction cost.
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