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Serena Gardiner

Serena Gardiner

Seattle, WA, US

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Street Level View
Street Level View
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Vertical Forest

In an era where affordable housing is in short supply, a serious issue affecting both architects and developers is how to create delightful and sustainable spaces without sacrificing efficiency and economy. This project explores the simple variations and patterns in a common building type that can result in beautiful and unexpected arrangements. By designing a simple floor plate consisting of small, efficient units, one unit per floor may be removed to give each level outdoor access and provide community gathering space. Furthermore, the slabs can be designed to allow for vegetative growth at these locations, allowing potential for trees, plants and gardens to flourish and create a vertical urban forest for all to enjoy. Because of the simplicity and flexibility in the floor plan, this theory could be applied in almost any climate, location, and extended to almost any size building needed. A multitude of patterns may arise based on the location and height of the voids, adding dynamicism and organic beauty to the urban landscape.

 
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Status: School Project
My Role: Designer

 
Concept
Concept
Typical upper level plan
Typical upper level plan
Ground level plan
Ground level plan