The Site Analysis: Building Typology + Housing

Although Phoenix’s population grew by approximately 820,000 people between 2000 and 2018, housing production was significantly slower, particularly following the 2008 mortgage crisis. The City’s 2018 Housing Plan identifies this housing shortage as cause for rising housing costs. Over one third of the City’s population is housing burdened (pays more than one third of their income on housing), and low-income households are most impacted as there are extremely limited affordable options available to them. Prices have continued to rise rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fear of gentrification feels real to longtime Central City residents, particularly those who have been impacted by disinvestment, urban renewal, and gentrification in the past. As affordable housing accessibility dwindles, Phoenix has seen a subsequent rise in homelessness in the Inner Loop, where multiple service providers and shelters are concentrated. Homelessness is a complex issue and these residents are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. Until homelessness can be solved, public realm designs should plan for comfortable coexistence between housed and unhoused residents. Strategies include zoned lighting, private pockets, programming that connects homeless. Users with social work services and/or fosters empathy between housed and unhoused park goers, and basic amenities like public restrooms, water fountains, and benches.

Building typology map

Source: Sarah Lohmar, Wladyslawa Kijewska housing typology single family - horizontal grid single family - vertical grid single family - row, attached mid rise - 3-4 floors mid rise - 5-10 floors housing towers other