Pratt Institute Graduate Architecture & Urban Design
JENNIFER
This design endeavors to forge a cohesive and vibrant community by bridging the gap between Farragut housing and the wider population. Paying homage to the architectural legacy of the 1950s, the project reverently celebrates the original brickwork. The towers amplify the striking verticality that defines the structure’s essence.
Jennifer Boswell
To foster integration and inclusivity, the original housing structure undergoes a transformation, as the removal of the bottom three floors creates communal spaces that invite the community to gather and engage.
The resolute verticality that characterizes the architecture extends throughout the super-
structure, maintained through the strategic placement of columns.
The structure employs cantilevered beams and floor plates to create an illusion of lightness, presenting a captivating contrast to the solidity of the original construction. This juxtaposition of elements infuses the project with a sense of
Enriching the community fabric, enclosed walkways gracefully trace the natural grid lines of the site, seamlessly connecting all house units. These structured walkways transcend their utilitarian purpose, becoming vibrant spaces for curated events and communal gatherings. They form the vital
SOFTWARE: RHINO, REVIT, ENSCAPE, PHOTOSHOP
FACULTY: JAMES GARRISON
CO DESIGNER: PURVI GARGAYAN
arteries that bind the community together, nurturing a sense of shared experiences and collective identity within the Farragut housing (including a library, outdoor amphitheater, makers-market, garden plaza, community garden, business facility and many green areas to promote social interactions.
In summary, this trans-forma-
tive project serves as a conduit for unity and cohesion. By celebrating the architectural heritage, re-imagining communal spaces, and fostering connections through carefully designed walkways, it paves the way for a thriving and inclusive community.
FARRAGUT HOUSING CONCEPT
The original Farragut design consists of gated off housing units, making the housing uninviting. In our design the bottom 3 floors are designed to reactive the social aspect to create a community.
The original core moved to the outer area of the structure. The original core becomes open circulation to provide fresh air and introduce light to create a inviting area.
The plates respond to the needs of the community by introducing spaces such as garden areas, community spaces, etc.
ORIGINAL FARRAGUT -COLUMNS
-REMOVAL OF GLASS -REMOVAL OF BOTTOM
FARRAGUT SITE CONCEPT
The site master plan aims to create a regenerative and harmonious community. It considers existing pathways for seamless integration with the environment by extending the original Farragut housing site to add new spaces like gardens, amphitheater, market area, maker space, and plazas. These outdoor areas are meticulously planned to encourage social interaction and community cohesion.
The 3 tallest Farragut houses act as the community’s gateway, connected by bridges to promote togetherness and engagement. This urban design reflects the community’s desires and serves as a testament to the potential of thoughtful planning in creating a captivating and sustainable living space.
FARRAGUT PROPOSED MASTER SITE PLAN
In response to the increased population density in the new design, we strategically integrated carbon sequestration systems to ensure a sustainable and clean air environment. Our focus on open spaces not only fosters social interactions but also enhances safety through improved visibility. By creating a more interconnected community, we promote a safer and more interactive living environment.
Moreover, our thoughtful design incorporates abundant natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The inclusion of extensive green roofs further enhances the well-being of residents by embracing biophilic elements that harmonize with nature. This integration of green spaces positively impacts health and contributes to a thriving and vibrant community.
APARTMENT UNITS
EXISTING CORE
ADDED RETAIL
Jennifer Boswell
CARBON SEQUESTRATION
NEW STRUCTURE OPEN CIRCULATION
GREEN ROOF
UPDATED CORE
EXISTING FARAGUT BUILDING CONNECTING BRIDGE BUSINESS CENTER
EXISTING CORE
RETAIL
EXISTING CORE
LIBRARY
RELOCATED CORE SHADED BELOW SHADED BELOW
GROUND LEVEL
EXISTING CORE
APARTMENT UNIT
BUSINESS CENTER
EXISTING (UPDATED) FLOOR PLAN
STUDY LOUNGE
RELOCATED CORE
EXISTING PATHWAY
EXISTING CORE
APARTMENT UNIT
BUSINESS CENTER
RE-LOCATED CORE
CIRCULATION APARTMENT UNIT
RETAIL
CIRCULATION APARTMENT UNIT
SHADED WALK-WAY VIEWBIRDS-EYE VIEW
Jennifer Boswell
ISLAND
This trans-formative design for Inujima Island, Japan aims to forge a harmonious union between economic vitality and ecological well-being; while addressing the island’s depleted natural resources and embracing the gentle undulations of its hill-scape. Drawing inspiration from geological formations, the design process delved into
the intricate stratification patterns observed within the captivating “Waves” Canyon of Arizona. Guided by a profound desire to seamlessly integrate the island’s existing topography with the new architectural intervention, seeking minimalist approaches to connect and preserve the existing hills.
Central to this design narrative
is the concept of a curvilinear experience that transcends throughout the main hills curating an ecosystem abundant with biodiversity while fostering economic growth. This green belt concept acts as an experiential guide, leading visitors on a captivating journey that not only revitalizes the island’s natural balance but also reinvigorates
its economic fabric.
The intricate interplay between architecture and landscape serves as a testament to the profound vision underlying this design. By honoring the island’s topographical nuances and embracing a holistic approach to ecological restoration, the design not only elevates the intrinsic
beauty of Inujima Island, Japan but also reestablishes its position as a thriving ecological and economic entity.
Inujima Island: A Curvilinear
EXISTING FEATURES
By acknowledging the location of existing features, the island’s culture is able to be intertwined throughout the project to foster a strong sense of community.
RAIN WATER ANALYSIS
TOP OF THE HIGHEST HILLS
RAIN WATER FLOW
A key focus was comprehending the water’s flow to shape the hilltops effectively.
“WAVE” COLLAGE
A collage of the “Wave” located in Arizona is overlayed on Inujima island, while keeping in mind the locations of the hill. A curvilinear pathway begins to link the hills together, weaving the existing landscape with the new design.
Jennifer Boswell
TEAS/METHOD OF HARVESTING
MATCHA TEA
-Harvested once a year in May
-Grown in near darkness
BLACK TEA/GREEN
-Need higher elevation
-Grown in near darkness
-Harvested 3-4 times a year
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF TEA FARMING
Currently Tea Tree Farming is a dieing tradition. However, there is also opportunity because there has been an increasing export of organic Japanese tea. That makes this the perfect opportunity to revitalize tradition and help the Islands economy.
CANYON WAVE SYSTEM
The design seamlessly integrates with the landscape, carving into the hillside gracefully. Each hill provides opportunities for the island to thrive economically and culturally. The main hill (number 8) provides Tea Tree Farming/Processing/ Tasting facility, a vibrant cultural market, community gardens and sculpture gardens, further augmenting the island’s ecosystem and bolstering its economy. This curvilinear infrastructure functions as a verdant belt, fostering a thriving habitat and revitalizing the island’s essence.
DESIGN OVER VIEW
This view highlights 1 out of the 3 hills used in the design. In this area the tea tree plant is processed. The tea tree plant is open to people who visit, acting as a interactive and immersive experience.
Adjacent to the processing facility is the Matcha Tea Farm, designed to fall on the existing topography. Paths connect people to the farm area so people are able to see the whole process from start to finish.
In Castro, Chiloe, a town known for its Palafitos (stilt houses), scarcity of water and electricity has led to population migration to the mainland. To address this issue, the project aims to create sustainable and culturally inspired Palafitos that integrate modern design
elements. Drawing inspiration from traditional boat construction, the Palafitos feature inverted roofs for rainwater collection and utilize geothermal energy for heating and cooling. With a modular design, they can be easily replicated, adapted, and expand-
ed to meet the community’s evolving needs. This approach fosters community growth and cohesion while providing functional and aesthetically pleasing living solutions.
The project’s focus on sustainability is evident through the integration of
environmental elements. The inverted roofs not only capture rainwater but also store it for various purposes, such as irrigation and domestic use. Additionally, the utilization of geothermal energy through a centralized core ensures efficient heating and cool-
LOCATION:
FACULTY: FABIAN LYNCH & DAVID ERDMAN
CLASS: STUDIO
CO-DESIGNER: HARSHINI KESIREDDY
ing solutions. This combination of traditional architectural influences and modern technologies results in self-sufficient Palafito’s that can sustain the community for years to come.
By placing the Palafito’s adjacent to the road, the project aims to strengthen
the connection between the community and the new structures. The unique canopy of the roof design offers residents a novel interactive experience. Moreover, the project serves as a unifying force, connecting lowland and upland areas to create a cohesive community that
can thrive and grow together. Ultimately, the project’s systematic approach and culturally intertwined architecture seek to revitalize Castro’s Palafito tradition and contribute positively to the local economy.
UNDERSTANDING CHILOE, CASTRO
This project started with researching Palafito’s (houses on stilts along the shoreline). Understanding how the community uses them was crucial for improving the design. Castro, being part of a South American archipelago, relies on the mainland for resources like water and electricity. Our aim is to create a self-sufficient Palafito.
RECREATION OF 21ST CENTURY IDEA
The analysis of existing Palafito’s unveiled water wastage issues in a rainy location. To counter this, we inverted the roof and created a triangular core. The core collects rainwater, and geothermal energy. We introduce wooden boat craftsmanship to integrate the culture of the community to the design.
FORMATION OF THE ROOF
The roof is the size of one boat. The roof is composed of 3 pieces that come together to form the triangular core. Since the design integrates existing culture it creates economic and environmental opportunities.
Original PalafitoInverted Roof & Open Core Integration of Boat Construction
THE SYSTEM OF THE PROTOTYPE
One of the main issues of the existing Palafito’s is that it draws its main resources such as water and electricity from the mainland of South America. Our goal is to create a self sufficient Palafito that gives back to the culture and tradition of the community, to grow there economy and the environment. This new prototype captures rainwater, reuses it for grey, blue and green water systems. Additionally the design uses Geo - thermal systems to heat the floors to create a self sufficient new typology of Palafito’s.
BLUE & GREEN WATERGREY WATER SYSTEMGEO - THERMAL SYSTEM
OVERALL TRANSECT
UPDATED MASTER PLAN
This design is organized in pairs of two separated by a pathway in order to create and define areas throughout the environment. The shoreline has high-tide and lowtide so throughout the day there is a point where you can see the land and a point where the water reaches near the Palafito. With the tide changing heights so drastically it would not be efficient to design something that builds off the land because it would be easily destroyed during a flood. The use of a triangular core helps bring strength throughout the prototype. As the structure ascends the hill, the core is thoughtfully retained to minimize its impact on the landscape, while simultaneously offering picturesque views of the river and defining spaces that foster a thriving community, both economically and environmentally.
1 3 KEY
2
EXISTING PALAFITO CULTURAL & COMMUNITY CENTER
RESTAURANT
4
RESIDENTIAL HOMES
RIO LA CHAKRA
INTERIOR VIEW TOWARDS RIO LA CHAKRA STRUCTURE MODEL
Jennifer Boswell
TRANSECT MODEL FRONT VIEW
The City of New York seems well prepared for hurricane or flood emergencies with its city-wide network of temporary emergency shelters, mostly located in public schools.
However, the City is currently not well prepared for
high numbers of asylum seekers at a time when homelessness is at an all-time high. UN-Habitat is predicting increasing numbers of global migrants flocking to large cities such as NYC, due to natural disasters that are caused by climate
change and political persecution. We have recently witnessed extended crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the affordable housing crisis.
Global cities such as NYC, need a new type
of permanent urban infrastructure, a network of Urban Care Homes that welcomes immigrants, asylees, and homeless individuals and families and provides support social services. To make these Urban Care Homes into an oasis that is resilient
to political or environmental threats, the buildings should produce food, harvest energy, and recycle rainwater - and provide a wide range of accommodations.
Each Urban Care Home should provide commu-
nal learning and cooking spaces as well as a library, a theater, and a garden that animates curiosity and inspires learning, in a home-like setting.
Thematic analysis with an intersectionality approach became the
foundation for the current design which led to preserving the building and adding layers over the existing structure, to not only make use of the embodied carbon but also to blur the lines of programmatic spaces with adaptive reuse.
TRENDS IN NATURAL DISASTERS AND MIGRATION
New York City is well-prepared for hurricane or flood emergencies through its city-wide network of temporary emergency shelters. These shelters are mainly located in public schools, but it lacks readiness for handling large numbers of asylum seekers during a period of record-high homelessness.
New York City faces challenges in handling increasing numbers of asylum seekers and global migrants due to natural disasters, political persecution, and extended crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and affordable housing crisis.
FLOOD ZONES & EMERGENCY SHELTERS
Global cities like NYC require a new type of permanent, adaptable urban infrastructure. Urban Care Homes, offers support services and accommodations to immigrants, asylees, and homeless individuals while being resilient to political and environmental threats through self-sustainability measures.
SITE LOCATION
URBAN STRATEGY
The proposal suggests the need for a new type of permanent urban infrastructure in global cities such as NYC - a network of Urban Care Homes that welcomes immigrants, asylees, and homeless individuals and families and provides support social services. These facilities should be designed to be resilient to political or environmental threats by producing food, harvesting energy, and recycling rainwater. Additionally, the Urban Care Homes should provide a range of accommodations to support the different needs of their residents.
POTENTIAL EMERGENCY SHELTERS
CURRENT EMERGENCY SHELTERS
PROGRAMMING
In the existing building we have a very friendly approach to the building. Our goal was to create a “home” experience for the people in need. On the ground floor people are greeted to either a library or cafe. The services are located on the second floor so that privacy is maintained. The space that starts to become new is the area that produces profit. It includes spaces for people to lease out. Another goal was to gradually blend all the programming together instead of separately to create community within the building. In the social housing area there is communal kitchens, living room and garden areas to promote interactions between people who occupy the Second Home.
Creating partnerships opens doors to increased funding, enabling us to construct a more robust and economically sustainable building. For instance, considering the limited availability of libraries in this area, our aim is to secure funding from a university to establish a new library. By aligning with our urban analysis, we identified the voids within the local community and seized the opportunity to integrate these essential programs into our design, thus enriching the neighborhood.
ROOF TOP GARDEN
VERTICAL GARDEN
APARTMENTS/ SHELTER
COMMUNAL KITCHEN
COMMUNAL LIVING
SPACE FOR LEASE
CHURCH
PROGRAMING
Our Care Facility has public use spaces from the basement to level 2 Level 3-4 are non-profit levels available for people to rent.
Level 5-8 is residential/shelter space.
Basement level includes, theater, dressing room, building mechanical space, showers, restrooms, and lobby. Street level includes, church, library, cafe/lounge, theater. Level 1 includes, library and services.
Level 2 includes library coworking space, exercise, and work-shop. Level 3-4 are spaces to lease for non-profits.
Level 5 includes residential/ shelter spaces, where we have thoughtfully designed communal kitchens and living spaces throughout the floors to foster a community within the building.
