A101 Urban Block Competition

“4x+y = urban block"

IDEA.
The block is conceived as almost four separate residential buildings though technically part of the same structure, interlocked by the corners and sharing a central courtyard. Each one of the four buildings can be mirrored and varied in height or length. This system allows multiple configurations of the block.
The closed structure, controlled accesses and a strong separation of public and private space is loosened by the „Open Corners”. The perimeter block creates residential density while preserving sunlight, air and open space. The stepped articulation along the south and west facades work to break down the mass of the buildings and gives the design a degree of visual interest and urban scale.

CIRCULATION.
Each residential building contains a mix of 1, 2-, 3- and 4-room apartments topped by duplex penthouses. Several units are accessed by the same stairway on each storey. Smaller apartment groups will be partly or fully accessed through corridors to acchieve a more efficient circulation. That allows adequate variations in the apartment layout

RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.
Each residential building has a different apartment layout and a varied building envelope.
Two different facades of the building :
One facade is very open with floor-to-ceiling windows, porches (optionally open or closed) and shading. The other facade is more compact with punched windows and spaces for retrieve.
All of these paramaters allow to apply this design on almost every site, to all requirements and orientations. Different combinations will give a diverse appearance of the ensemble – even if it is repeated.

MIXED-USE.
The residential use can be supplemented by a different use (office, retail, etc.) of the ground floor on all sides of the block. The height of the ground floor is 4.5m which allows to accommodate retail or office space with an entrance at grade. The apartments on the ground floor will have an average height of 3m elevated on a 1.5m base. To keep the required 14.000 sqm in the mixed-use concept the building height has to be increased from 4/5 levels up to 6 levels.

PARKING.
Parking will be accommodated in a two-level parking garage above ground.
There are two possibilities:
1. Parking inside the block – perimeters will be clearly defined, low building height, disturbance of other uses on the inside by car traffic.
2. Parking outside the block – perimeters will be clearly defined, moderate building height, separation of traffic and residential/landscaped area, maximum use of the courtyard without any constraints.

COURTYARD.
The courtyard offers the opportunity for a variety of uses: park and play area, Kindergarten, terraces for units on the ground floor, small office lofts, etc. This open space will be a valued addition for the mix of uses within the block.