Layered Living PDX

Social Responsibility ~ Adaptation ~ Cohesion

Layered Living PDX is a system adapting with the people that make it up and revolves around enhancing their quality of life. I aimed to achieve an increase in social sustainability by creating a sense of place at various scales; through community engagement, access to green spaces, diversity in users, usable space and views, and allowing individualization. At the site scale, this building provides community engagement and access to green space. The building offers a variety of unit types: studios, one bedroom/bathroom units, and 3 bedroom/2 bathroom units, to maximize the family types able to live in the building. The units are set within a gradient of social spaces, offering different levels of interaction., such as individual balconies and porches, neighborhood pods, and community rooftop spaces. This aims to help foster a sense of ownership and encourage responsibility and connection to your living space.

Modular design leads itself to streamlined layouts and fenestration at the short ends for maximum efficiency. This is where the opportunity for individualization happens through layers of operability. There are three types of facades designed for these modules that give the residents the opportunity to choose what is important for their lifestyle: a double-sides counter with windows, a built-in seat with windows, and sliding glass doors. There are two layers of screen that make up the facade of the building. The outer layer functions as the facade of the building as well as the railing for each balcony. The inner screen functions as sliding doors for each unit that change the opacity of the overall facade and break down the scale of the building.