Due to gentrification and potential displacement in the Wynwood Norte neighborhood, we were asked to create small scale medium density living spaces for local residents. Keeping this in mind, and the low percentage of home ownership, I sought to create a series of playful yet practical affordable microunits centered around privacy. Beginning with study models and site analysis, as well as a group exercise in urban planning, we individually designed a solution.

The program includes twelve units and a covered bus stop. Breaking up the traditional bar typology into four main volumes was important in order to create a feeling of ownership or attachment to that particular massing, particularly due to an aging population in this area. The balconies alternate directions to frame different views as well as creating an aesthetic variation in the façade. These balconies all feature full height concrete screens constructed out of vertical CMUs. These enclose a glass wall which can be opened to create indoor-outdoor feeling in living and sleeping areas and provide cross ventilation. The perforations in the screens also alternate to become more dense in areas of public space, such as living rooms, and more sparse in bedrooms to allow for privacy.