PANORAMIC COMMUNE

by Jacqueline Rosales

The proposal in London was developed from a reflection and re-imagination of the traditional housing context on site, alongside the integration of curved internal courtyards to create panoramic views. By reimagining the varied vernacular architecture on this site, various problems have been addressed to provide better housing developments. This project takes into consideration the local activities that create a sense of community and integrate it to the architecture. This London housing scheme responds to the urban context through a continuous flowing volume that creates internal courtyards with internal and external panoramic views in every housing unit, taking inspiration from the traditional Chinese Hutong's. This shape morphs devoid of corners creating an immersive experience to the inhabitants and new visitors; while catering for all users, ranging from a nursery to cafes and shops at ground level as well as housing and a sky garden above. The housing project in Beijing takes the same approach learning from the Hutong’s internal courtyard and inverting it in order to create distinct green public spaces, simultaneously providing levels of privacy through height. This project just like the London project consists of housing above a public realm, providing a canopy to shelter public activities but also create a green landscape for visitors and residents.