Our project reimagines urban living by addressing complex social dynamics and spatial challenges through innovative design. Located on the boundary where Harlem meets the Upper West Side, the site embodies a convergence of diverse histories, cultures, and communities. It is here that we propose a transformative complex, weaving together spaces for conversation, community engagement, and modern living.
The design consists of four distinct zones arranged around a central forum, each fostering a unique mode of interaction. A bathhouse on the west provides a sanctuary for openness and relaxation. To the south, the transformed taxi garage becomes a serene tea house, the gateway to the complex. On the east, townhouses and a rooftop playground offer family-oriented living and recreational spaces, while the north features gardens inspired by local and historical precedents. These spaces are united by a red brick podium that harmonizes with the site’s context and grounds the project in its surroundings.
At the heart of the residential design is the Egg, a revolutionary living unit. Self-contained and egg-shaped, it prioritizes privacy, security, and space efficiency. By rethinking traditional bedrooms, the Egg liberates apartments for flexible, activity-driven layouts, balancing personal sanctuary with communal engagement in an evolving urban landscape.
