The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has faced funding reductions since the 1970s, leading to increased reliance on public-private partnerships for affordable housing. Recent proposals to redevelop the NYCHA Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses into mixed-use complexes reveal tensions between affordability and the displacement of long-term residents.

We propose a new vision for public housing with a 148-unit project on West 128th Street in West Harlem. This project aims to redefine the value of public space and housing, emphasizing the importance of community in urban life.

Our design philosophy, ‘Sensing Each Other,’ seeks to transform the use of space in crowded New York City. With growing populations and limited space, the challenge is to create environments that promote meaningful interactions. Our solution involves compact yet expandable living spaces with areas that facilitate sensory connections among residents.

Instead of traditional layouts that strictly separate public and private spaces, our design integrates layers of interconnected spaces that encourage sharing and communication. Glass facades allow for natural light and views while enhancing connectivity between units. This project emphasizes the importance of publicness in urban living, fostering community through innovative architectural design.