CHEN SU Works 2016-2024
Low Rise High Density Housing
Location: Philadelphia
Date: 2023 Fall
School: UPenn
Tutor Brian Phillips
Introduction:
The Frankford neighborhood is characterized by Rowhouse blocks that have the shape and scale of courtyard buildings. However, these blocks look outward to the street rather than inward to a common shared space.
This project looks to invent a hybrid Rowhouse courtyard typology that achieves the density, circulation.and social advantages of both. Between the rowhouses, are mini-courtyards for informal activities and bigger open courts be between clusters for recreation and landscape.
This project has established three rowhouse types on the site linked together by common design elements that make the variety a coherent whole.The project also picks up on the mixed program history of the neighborhood fabric by including shopping and commercial activities.
A specific unit type that faces James Street connects a dwelling unit with a street-level storefront creating a "shop house" typology. Other existing building spaces of the old factory become neighborhood amenities.
