Program

The Client was the contractor commissioned on a design-build delivery method. The owner of the project has engaged other architects on the project to produce the maximum residential units possible with a one retail as per city requirement. The Client engage me to study other architects plans and analyze the feasibility of their design within 48 hours. The result of the study was not favorable to their design as it had many logistics issue on deficiencies in owner program objective that rendered the design far from adjustable. Within the 48 hour, a new conceptual design was to be produced for owner review, and city staff meeting. 

Other program criteria:

- The site is located of a major city streets near the city hall, thus the project is a sensitive to city review.

- The project is surrounded with multi-family residential mix use.

- The city is moving toward centralizing the city around the city hall, thus pedestrian circulation becoming of an importance. The design must encourage “Leave your car and walk”

- Trash pickup path

- Gas station to the west side is the only gas station within the city center, and hold value to the city.

Design approach

Garage level:

It trade of the subterranean two level garage of the previous design, with a multi-story garage on the east side of the building capped with a residential units and garden roof. The west side to will constitute a high roof (25’ high) vehicle entry point, where the trash truck maneuvering is possible and create a void to remove the atmosphere of garage from entry. Such will capped with two residential town home with garage to create the atmosphere of street living. Landscape was to brought in to such space to produce and enhance outdoor living atmosphere and to step away from the garage feeling. The Ramp was to be traded of with vehicles elevation to produce security of privet garage entry to the east die of the building, thus the entry point will house the guest parking only and open parking stall to the public, while the remaining parking stalls will be for residents only. Also, the elevator will produce and enhance the speed of existing in contract to the conventional ramp. 

Street level:

The encourage city living without a car; A space was provided for residents bike storage, and a straight access to the street form the elevator to encourage. The fitness center, muti-function room with a kitchen, and residential storage facilities was added to the program, where it is now possible to introduce those as the need design allow and encourage such. The management office is in more control and over seeing the garage level entry level and the other facilities gives an enhance security of the living place.

Residential levels:

The design will consist of 4 levels or 7 units on the west side of the building and one 6 residential units over the four story garage to the east. In sum, the project will house 36 two and three bedroom units, as mandated by the owner. Residential units are now linked in level with slight drop to there car location, where park where you live concept was answered by the design.

Movement Tower:

The centralization of the tower shaft that house all elevators and stairs plays a major role in organizing movement through the entire project. It also allow the sun light to penetrate to the first garage level to enhance the atmosphere as the forgone explained in the garage level paragraph above. As well as it allow air movements and sun light through the interior residential hallways.

The city senior planning staff review of the project:

A city was more than please of the project new design, and encouraged progress forward in design phase. The city encouraged the contemporary design with the roof top open space. However, the design allows for future modification to Greek classical facade as the neighboring multi-family building. The city encourages both approaches and looking forward to see the design development. The city also enjoyed all aspect of the design as it answers all city concerns about the previously submitted designs by other architects and superseded by given an enhancement toward city outlook of the future anticipated city urban design.