Arcological Suburbia_Prelim2

A current preliminary design proposal to serve as an antithesis to the typical Mies Courtyard House.

The design started out from transforming and condensing a Mies Courtyard plan 1/16" = 1'-0" into a 3D diagram or form of 1/2 the original area. A new programmatic arrangement and community setting were formed from this condensed version(s) - implementing ideas of Arcology in the process, such as miniaturization, verticalization of the urban fabric, the omega point, and general principles of energy use and conservation.

Key features:

+ Private Courtyards for individuals and families
+ A continuous band of greenery that emerges from the landscape and permeates the building
+ Greenhouse Effect Heat can be harnessed from courtyards and used to heat the units during winter
+ Solar Energy can be harnessed by installing photovoltaic panels in the roof
+ Programs are divided mainly as:
1. Small Private Quarters and Courtyards/Terraces
2. Intermediate shared spaces (kitchen and living rooms)
3. Larger Public Spaces: Commercial, Recreational, and Services
+ Located near main transportation routes (train and highway)