Sadan Almudhaf

This thesis explores a prototype attempt of a low-rise social housing project developed through intertwining volumes as a conceptual strategy. The primary objective is to elucidate the universal principles underlying the pressing need for socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable housing solutions. It looks to expand and test this design strategy through developing a prototype that could be adaptable in multiple cities. This allows the project to be more of a conceptual solution to the broader problem of housing rather than a site-specific designed structure. This is achieved through looking at the design problem volumetrically as well as circulatory. Achieving a clear flow through either device.  

A strong focus is placed on understanding and facilitating a space that recognizes the social dynamics of its' residents along with their routine throughout the site. This is where the prototype stemmed from. Straying away from basic rectangular forms of housing projects that lack privacy and multidimensional viewpoints throughout the project, and instead generating a prototype to work form. 

A series of single-fold forms is curated that achieve less autonomous structures overall as well as units with more exposure given there are more outward facing walls. Some units also have cross ventilation as well as pocket spaces that are generated from the different inner corners or crevices the final form generates. The second key design focus of the prototype was based off circulation. Specifically, its’ capability to incorporate varying circulation systems even in one singular prototype form. 

This project creates an outside illusion. A community based project that's actively part of the neighborhood rather than current detached housing projects. Maintaining a low-rise structure allows the massing to not completely abrupt the surrounding site. An interesting form of circulation comes to develop through working on these intricate configurations of massing's on the ground. Given the multi leveled chunks within the site, circulation paths take on some substructures roofing as part of the circulation through the site not limiting them to the enclosed space of the building. The eventual housing project is made to transcend the boundaries of traditional housing units, fostering a network of varying scales and types of accommodations set within an open environment enriched by communal green spaces. This design approach aims to create a sense of community, bridging the gap between private and shared spaces while attending to the intricate dynamics of urban living and meticulously examining the interplay between human habitation, ecological sustainability, and the overarching urban fabric.