|
Housing DevelopmentArchitect:
Dietz, Joppien, Frankfurt am Main Client: Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Hessen · Frankfurt/M Completion: 2001 Usable floor area: 5.767sqm In what ways does this project encourage inter-generational living? The units have the potential to work well for different people at different stages of life, and the units facilitate relationships between young and old. The flexible unit design could accommodate a family with young children or an older couple whose children have left but are taking care a grandparent that needs looking after. How does this project demonstrate Universal Design or Barrier-Free living? The units are designed to be flexible; the opening between rooms are specifically designed so that certain spaces could be closed off and work well as bedroom or opened up to be an extension of the living space. As a result of this flexibility, one mode the apartment can take is to very open, minimizing obstacles if that is desired. In addition, the small scale and simple layout can also aid those with limited movement. What other amenity does the project feature that cater to the residents? The form of the building creates an open green space in the center of the complex. Each unit has a private balcony that faces into a public garden, like this courtyard, providing residents access to plants and sunlight. How does the layout of the building enhance the users experience? The building provides a sense safety and security in that access to each unit is shared by only a small number of people; each stairwell accesses only eight units, two per floor. This consideration of what space belongs to the individual verses what belongs to the community can enhance a sense of ownership and comfort. How does the site enhance the project? The buildings focus is mostly on adjacent green spaces, providing pleasant views for the residents. The site is in a relatively dense residential neighborhood. The building’s layout takes advantage of pedestrian movement and access. The orientation of the facades considers daylighting strategies. What sustainable measures does this project employ? In terms of environmental sustainability, natural daylighting and an efficient envelope system were employed in this project. In addition, the flexibility of uses within each unit supports a social sustainability in that as families and residents change, so can the building. What public amenities are within the surrounding context of the project? Within a few blocks there is a school and a public park. These amenities seem to be in easy walking distance given the many pedestrian paths. Near the school is a public bus stop. Describe the interior, exterior, vertical and horizontal circulation. The units are accessed by several exterior but protected stairwells. Each stairwell accesses eight units, two per floor. How do existing and created outdoor spaces enhance the design concept of the project? Nature is made accessible to each unit through balconies that overlook green spaces. These spaces have features like trees that make them pleasant and beautiful. They also have paths residents can wander through and explore. What are the principal materials, assemblies, and structural system? The building appears to be lightweight frame construction, using metal and plaster and glass. The exterior is painted yellow, looking very clean and modern. The walls of each stairwell are likely the key structural elements, and the building is supported by those cores.. Describe the entry approach to the building. There is limited streets and parking around the complex. However there is a series of pedestrian paths that lead to the entrance of each stairwell. The north building is accessed from the courtyard, and the south building is accessed from a green space to the south of the complex. These paths connect to a larger network of pedestrian sidewalks, and to the streets. Works Cited .Joppien, Dietz, Architekten. "Social Housing Complex · Wiesbaden." Dietz-Joppien Architekten. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Sept. 2013. <http://www.dietz-joppien.de/projects/competitions/typ/wohnen-und-dienstleistung/residental-district-sauerland.html?L=1>. Schittich, Christian, and Peter Ebner. Housing for People of All Ages: Flexible, Unrestricted, Senior-Friendly. München: Edition DETAIL, Institut für Internationale Architektur-Dokumentation GmbH, 2007. Print. Wiersma, Natalie. "Precedent Study--Housing in Wiesbaden/Dietz Joppien." PD-5 Id Alive. N.p., 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. <http://nataliyu.blogspot.com/2010/10/precedent-study-housing-in.html>. Wohngebiet Sauerland/ Wiesbaden - Architektur Macht Schule." Yumpu.com. I-magazine AG, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2013. <http://www.yumpu.com/de/document/view/4744386/wohngebiet-sauerland-wiesbaden-architektur-macht-schule>. |