This design presents a community that can be marketed to attract a specific residential focus group - artists and artisans of various media, be it visual, literary, musical, performing arts, botanical, culinary arts, etc. By establishing a live/work relationship between the residential units, the boutique retail pods, and the community studio and gallery areas, we envision a creative epicenter which will provide the residents with collaborative opportunity and a focal marketplace for their work. Additionally, the community will engage the public through exhibits, classes, outdoor performances and food & beverage establishments.
Our effort involves the incorporation of shipping containers, in whole or in part in a manner which we believe is not oppressive or overtly compartmental. The systematic break-down and reassembly of the components of the containers have resulted in a typical living unit. When multiple living units are aligned, the resultant interstitial spaces established a structural spine of diamond shaped piers, upon which the living units are stacked. These structural spines have been rotated, hinged together, or pushed apart in response to varying contextual influences. Prevailing weather conditions, traffic patterns, parking, and pedestrian concerns have determined building orientation. Views (i.e. - to the Broad Street Train Station) have been preserved or reinforced and new views have been created. The eroded urban edge has been reestablished and anchored at significant corners. Consistency of the structure’s height and massing with the existing structures of significance were factors driving the building form, and the resultant voids have allowed for appealing public spaces. |
