Layered Living
Columbia GSAPP / Core 3 Studio / Fall 2024
Instructor: Eric Bunge / Studio Partner: Chejin Lee
Design Process
Talent shows were a key part of Harlem’s cultural life, fostering self-expression and community connection, especially among local residents. Jazz, central to the Harlem Renaissance, was more than music—it was a form of expression that transcended racial boundaries, giving African Americans a voice in a marginalized society. This influence extended beyond formal venues, with casual jazz performances and talent shows taking place in private spaces like courtyards, basements, and hallways, transforming homes into cultural hubs. While these performances built community, they also raised privacy concerns. Our design draws inspiration from these informal movements, incorporating them into housing on a larger scale. The building consists of four interconnected slabs of units, recreating the experience of city streets within the structure. This arrangement integrates the flow of Harlem’s urban corridors into the building’s fabric. The slabs expand and contract, forming dynamic spaces between units that encourage interaction among residents. These figural connections create opportunities for theatrical activities, amplifying the communal experience. The structural interruptions at these intersections enrich the in-between spaces, as shown in the diagram.
isometric diagram
plan diagram
Intertwining Public and Private Space
Public Space as a facilitator for interaction
Scale 1
Scale 2
Scale 3
Scale 4
Different Scales of Public Spaces
Greenery, which is closely tied to many aspects of the regional society, is sparsely distributed within and around the site. Therefore, our goal is to incorporate more greenery and public spaces that welcome not only residents but also neighbors from the surrounding area, fostering a healthier and more cohesive community.
Structural Reinforcement as a Design Opportunity
Structural reinforcement by differently shaped beams of the intersecting spaces creates various spaces, enabling diverse interactions.
The lower levels, 1st and 2nd floors serve as public space for both the general public and residents where programs such as artist studio, kindergarten, dance and music practice rooms are positioned. The figural connections located on the upper level mirrors to its ground floor, puncturing to each of the slabs. This movement creates this semi-enclosed space to the ground floor programs through its curved out alcove and plazas above functioning as a roof.
Public & Private
Overall, the sectional and plan interruptions created as a result of the units repeating and delaying create an eclectic environment where different interior/exterior conditions exist throughout the building. Opening up various opportunities for residents to interact with each other. Additionally, the permeation of the public spaces, plazas positioned in various levels, urban landscape - urban plazas in positioned in different levels throughout the building can be seen in section rior conditions exist throughout the building.
Spaces of Different Conditions
Plaza Figures As Both a Stage And Connection
Plazas above cast shadows below, creating a sense of an enclosed space at the ground floor
Section Perspective
The permeation of the public spaces in different levels throughout the building, plazas positioned in various levels
Spatial Organization Design
The design system is based on a grid structure, ensuring efficient and livable units for residents. After positioning the core, units are arranged along a single-loaded corridor, placed on one side or the other, depending on the strips they face to maximize interaction. Following this, alcoves are introduced to encourage interaction among residents beyond the floors where plazas are located. On certain floors, plazas and openings are incorporated to allow sunlight to penetrate the strips on the south side. The form of the plazas shapes the design of the units, creating diverse spatial experiences and encouraging interactions within these shared spaces. Programmatically, resident facilities are strategically positioned near the plazas, turning them into vibrant, theatrical hubs of daily life.
Juxtaposition of Public and Private
Openings such as sliding doors offer added flexibility in defining public and private spaces, adapting to the residents’ needs.
Alcoves placed in between units act as a gathering space where floors that are not connected to plazas can also have a community space
Public and private spaces layered upon each other create a eclectic landscape where people are connected together
The plazas can be a place both for activities and bleachers
Elevation
An eclectic array of elevation portrays different layers of public and private juxtaposed onto each other
Weaving of Public Spaces
Public spaces contract and expand throughout and penetrate the strips, creating diverse opportunities for residents to engage and interact with one another
