WEB

COURSE: URBAN ECOLOGIES

TYPE: RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

SITE: WEST END, PROVIDENCE

PARTNERS: ASHUR CLARK AND MICHAEL HOTHAN

“Affordable housing is not a ‘niche’ or a ‘specialty.’ It’s not a ‘poor relation’ of conventional housing. It’s a fundamental right and an essential component of any civilized society.” - Richard Rogers,

The web project is a neighborhood research project focused on addressing the affordable housing crisis in the West End of Providence. The project team identified a key site located on the intersection of Wilson and Fuller Street, which is currently occupied by a homeless camp. The team’s goal is to design an apartment complex that addresses the needs of low-income individuals, particularly young employed or unemployed adults. The complex will consist of 24 units to accommodate this population, providing safe, affordable and sustainable housing.

One of the key focus of the project was to improve the residents’ mental wellbeing. The design process was guided by the principle of creating spaces that foster a sense of community, connection and tranquility. The design features multiple communal spaces, including a community garden, shared living room, and a rooftop terrace.

Additionally, the project team also developed a master plan that includes pathways connecting various programs and community resources. These paths have been designed to incorporate pocket spaces for vegetation, creating a sense of greenery and tranquility. These pathways also promote walkability, encouraging residents to explore the neighborhood and foster a sense of community engagement. The project is aimed to not only provide housing for the low-income individuals but also help improving the community and overall wellbeing of the neighborhood.

The path feeds into various units, with the primary housing at the intersection of Warren and Fuller St. This is where both the homeless population and low income individuals, especially young employed or unemployed adults like ourselves, reside as well as vital support centers to prioritize their wellbeing. There are 24 units in total. The external path flows into the central housing complex where it circulates into the courtyard and through a corridor which feeds into Fuller St. The language of the path feeds into how the units are laid out. Units generally engage public spaces through direct entrance from the path or the public street. In upper floors many of the units open to a balcony or corridor which engages the courtyard below. The ground floor supports ADA groups and utilizes entrances open to communal and public spaces to enhance neighbor interaction. In the section model the left unit engages Warren st. while the right unit engages the courtyard and the path. Therefore, there are connections of houses to programs, walkways to nature, extension of borders, and sidewalks to roads.