07 Shared Living
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a different dimension of shared space
The shared living system explores and builds on the implementation of equal care, with its main protagonist being the flora element. This protagonist aims for non-destructive and integral co-existence and exchange with fauna, water, and humans.
At the location of the former car park, existing vegetation will serve as this main protagonist. To establish a relationship of mutual care and eye-to-eye existence with one another, the first strategic step ensures that no existing trees or larger vegetation are demolished for new construction. Instead, the vegetation’s density will increase and expand, overlapping into typically human spaces, following the principle of re-allocation of space and adopting a new aesthetic.
This aesthetic will be adapted as the strategic implementation breaks up the conventional volume of a housing unit, leaving the frame as a structural shell and marking the transition zone from outside to inside spaces. Humans will coexist with vegetation under one roof. This new aesthetic aligns with surrounding built structures in urban volume but differs structurally from typical facades.
In the transition spaces and layered community zones, vegetation can flourish, providing shelter, shade, privacy, and fostering community through its structure and natural properties.
Accompanying the vegetation, fauna will increase with birds, insects, and urban wildlife finding space in the structure and facade niches as well.
The bioswale network will enable ponds to perform variably based on climate and weather conditions, mitigating the urban heat island effect and reducing stormwater runoff, as the ground will be dismantled. Following the old patterns of already paved ground, the newly implemented structure will only touch these pre-sealed spaces, while unsealing the remainder of the old carparks.
The housing will include community spaces and plazas, as well as private and semi-private spaces, developed within the structures of mixed-use living flats. With surrounding boardwalks on various levels and infrastructure hubs featuring necessary elevators, the entire area will be accessible and integrated into the neighborhood and the city. This integration extends to neighboring systems such as the multi-species garage with urban farming and the communal space of the Backhaus.