Competitions

Urban Habitats Competition

Intent

Characterized by interwoven threads of open park space, plazas, parking, high density mid-rise, and habitat housing, Slip-Stitch is a mechanism for transforming the typical low density urban fabric of Belmont into a high density mixed use city block. A highly contextual response, the motive is to maintain the small scale residential street character of adjoining neighborhoods while propagating commercial and multifamily residential within the block. Necessary automobile infrastructure too develops inward along existing alleyways, creating a new locus of activity within the site, spawning future development in adjoining blocks, and encouraging a new way of navigating a denser neighborhood.

Realization

Alternating swaths of four story condo units and interwoven strands of plaza and park space tie into two and three story units at Carlton and Midland . Intersections of the threads create larger park and plaza spaces, each defined uniquely by surface type and landscape elements. The sun and view have a phototropic affect on the ideal diagram, allowing it to deform towards views and oppor- tunities for passive solar heating to the south. Wood screens provide shade from summer sun and create the primary character of the buildings. Parking occurs at the block perimeter and along the new east-west street weaving midway through the site. Commercial space develops along Carlton while also expanding inward to the upper plazas, encouraging activity deep within the site. A primary park space in the southeast corner of the site preserves views and provides a community space for the neighborhood.