El Nido: A New Vision of Affordable Housing Booklet

EL NIDO: A NEW VISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING

New York Institute of Technology | School of Architecture & Design ARCH 501 | Fall 2020 | Prof. Dongsei Kim

Sophia Alan Garcia

TO MY GRANDFATHER MI PAJARITO

PAJARITO HOW LIFE CAN INSPIRE I want to take a moment from the fundamentals of my thesis and bring actual life into the project. Grounded in the story of my grandfather and his beginning in this new country.

This booklet not only talks about the overall issue of why affordable housing should be looked at more, but understands the necessity of it, not just from a theoretical standpoint.

My thesis, as you may have noticed, is titled “El Nido” which is a Spanish word for nest.

Not only does it ultimately symbolize what I’m trying to provide to the Hicksville community but also embodies my family. Specifically my grandfather Cesar Garcia affectionately known as “pajarito”. Why might you ask, because he was always happy, sociable, and free as a bird. However, that wasn’t always the case. My grandfather when he came to this country faced many challenges both financially and of adaptation. The main challenge being providing a safe shelter for his family.

Knowing what I know, no one should feel frightened of losing their home and not being able to provide for themselves or their family. Though I know architecture can not always solve the world’s problems, I feel that it can play a hand in improving the situation or at least start a conversation about it. This is what truly moves a project forward, and that life can always influence the design.

TABLE OF CONTENT: 1. WHY?

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1

THE BRAIN DRAIN EPIDEMIC / POPULATION CRISIS

3

WHY ARE LONG ISLANDER LEAVING IN THE FIRST PLACE?

SURGING COST BURDENS

4

THE RISE IN POVERTY

7

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

8

WHAT IS MAKING LONG ISLAND BECOME MORE UNAFFORDABLE? HOW CAN LONG ISLANDERS LESSEN THE INEVITABLE? SO WHAT?

2. WHAT? THE SITE

10

THE BREAKDOWN

13

HOW CAN THIS WORK?

15

WHAT IS MAKES HICKSVILLE SO IMPORTANT? WHAT IS AFFECTING THE PEOPLE OF HICKSVILLE? HOW CAN AFFORDABLE DESIGN HELP THE TOWN OF HICKSVILLE?

3. HOW?

SOCIAL HOUSING / ELEMENTAL

17

EL NIDO / THE PRINCIPLES

18

EL NIDO / HOUSING AND COMMUNITY

20

HOW CAN A PRECEDENT AFFECT THE WAY OF THE DESIGN HOW I PLAN TO DESIGN AFFORABLE HOUSING IN HICKSVILLE

4. REFERENCE

39

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AFFORDABLE HOUSING: AN UNFORESEEN REALITY FOR HICKSVILLE The wide spread Housing Crisis has been growing over the last 20 years and has exacerbated the struggle in times of economic crisis. However, I believe this crisis can be alleviated through affordable housing.

The need for affordable housing has grown tremendously, countless communities have a negative perception affected by these types of collective houses in the United States expresses their disapproval though NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard Mentality) that often prevent affordable houses being built.

Hicksville located in Long Island suffers from this negative perception of affordable housing. Through the aging Population Crisis, depletion of the Brain Drain, expanding in Cost Burdens, and the acceleration in Poverty, the Hicksville Community is the ideal place to explore how affordable housing can alleviate these pressing issues and become an exemplar for affordable housing.

The aim of this thesis is to reevaluate how affordable housing is viewed physically and conceptually but also illustrate a new affordable ownership for those struggling to hold on to their native roots. With the use of modular based tiny homes, the El Nido Community can begin to change one's mindset affordable in the Hicksville community. This thesis sheds light on the crisis that most Americans face on a daily basis. Furthermore, I believe that architects have a moral responsibility to help those fighting to survive while also providing a better quality of life.

1

WHY? WHY ARE LONG ISLANDER LEAVING IN THE FIRST PLACE? WHAT IS MAKING LONG ISLAND BECOME MORE UNAFFORDABLE? HOW CAN LONG ISLANDERS LESSEN THE INEVITABLE?

2

THE BRAIN DRAIN EPIDEMIC / POPULATION CRISIS WHY ARE LONG ISLANDERS LEAVING IN THE FIRST PLACE? WHAT IS THE BRAIN DRAIN? The reason why affordable housing is slowly coming out of the shadows to the forefront on Long Island, is due to the “brain drain” epidemic that’s slowly affecting the local economy when it loses its best workers. The term, simply refers to the situation where a town, city, or country loses its best and most educated workers. This reality creates a struggle to develop a thriving economy.

Long Island is definitely seeing a decline within its own population, as more and more educated students leave the island for more affordable or fair housing with relatively moderate income. Young people between the ages of 25 to 34 are specifically mentioned as being the highest age group to leave the community. This fact is further evidence of the “brain drain” epidemic.

CHANGE IN POPULATION BY AGE GROUP 2000 - 2016 40%

UP TO AGE 14 AGE 15 - 24

30%

AGE 25 - 34

20%

AGE 35 - 64 AGE 65 AND OLDER

10% 0% -10% -20%

LONG ISLAND

HUDSON VALLEY

NEW YORK CITY

NORTHERN NJ

SOUTHWESTERN CT

3

SURGING COST BURDENS

WHAT IS MAKING LONG ISLAND BECOME MORE UNAFFORDABLE? LONG ISLAND AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

DEPLETION OF AFFORDABLE HOMES ON LONG ISLAND (1997-2016)

51% - 90%

Long Island’s growth was based on its availability of modest priced single family homes that middle income families could afford. However, the more affluent Long Island became, the more unaffordable it becomes to long time residents. This is due to a lack of open spaces to develop near job centers, the income threshold rising, and the lack of affordable rental options on Long Island. Young residents, born and raised on the island, are leaving because they are either not interested or cannot afford to rent or buy their own home.

This present situation is due to the fact that over time, the overall wealth and high property values, are soon to be overpowering the people of Long Island making it impossible for anyone to purchase or even rent on the island. Economic realities coupled with the stigma attached to the issue of affordable housing, creates an added stress that does more harm than good. As the diagram shows, in a span of close to twenty years, Long Island has been seeing a depletion of affordable housing. A fact that worsens during a major recession, such as the market crash of 2008 and potential recession of 2020 due to the Coronavirus.

Reflecting on our current situation, more now than ever, the implementation of affordable housing is at the forefront of matters that need to be resolved now rather than later.

Taking into consideration the arguments exposed by those against affordable housing, the issues must be addressed to reach a decision. Certain Long Islanders must strive to think of affordable housing not from a selfish attitude but of a selfless reality. We need to understand Long Island’s history in order to reflect on what needs to change and how this change can come about.

91% - 100%

11% - 50% Glen Cove

North Hempstead

UNDER 10% NO SALES UNDER 2.5 X THRESHOLD Shelter Island

Oyster Bay Huntington

Smithtown

Riverhead

Babylon

Islip

2.5 X LI MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME = $265,500 IN 1997 & 2016

East Hampton

Brookhaven Hempstead

PERCENT OF HOMES SOLD IN EACH CENSUS B LOCK GROUP THAT SOLD FOR LESS THA 2.5 TIMES THE LI MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME

Southold

Southampton

1997

Long Beach

Glen Cove

North Hempstead

Shelter Island

Oyster Bay Huntington

Southold

Smithtown

Riverhead East Hampton

Brookhaven Hempstead

Long Beach

Babylon

Islip

Southampton

2016

4

SURGING COST BURDENS

WHAT IS MAKING LONG ISLAND BECOME MORE UNAFFORDABLE? LONG ISLAND’S HOUSING HISTORY

With this information there are other pressing issues that affect, or better yet will soon affect the people of Long Island: the lack of financial funds.

2015

2018

2019

1990

After an 18-month investigation by state, county and local agencies uncovers a pattern of racial discrimination, four Nassau real estate agencies reach settlements with the state attorney general. The agencies – in Westbury, Floral Park, East Meadow and Baldwin – pay $54,000 total to settle the charges.

In a case that drew national attention, one of the first African American families to buy property in Massapequa Park discovers the home they are building has been defaced with racist graffiti and damaged with a sledgehammer.

The Supreme Court rules 5-4 that to win a housing discrimination lawsuit, a plaintiff does not need to prove intentional bias. Instead, it is enough to use statistics and other evidence to prove there was a “disparate impact” on a protected group.

More than one out of five African Americans on Long Island say in a Newsday survey that they have experienced discrimination in buying a home, and three-quarters said real estate agents steered black homebuyers to black areas.

1997

1970

1986

1968

within the suburbs by implementing zoning laws that did not allow the construction of small affordable houses or apartments. Even now, the year 2020, there are still zoning laws that restrict affordable housing buildings from being built on the island.

Long Island Board of Realtor’s executive vice president David Taylor calls racial steering a “serious problem.” “The attitude of the community is: Don’t bring in any blacks,” he says. “I would say that some brokers have to respond to that pressure, even brokers who are aware that it is against the law.”

Nine real estate brokers and agents lose their licenses on racial discrimination charges as a result of Lomenzo’s bias investigation. Among them are two Port Washington real estate professionals who had refused to rent an apartment to an African American woman.

William and Cynthia Cotter, an African American couple who had evaded Levittown’s racially restrictive policies by subletting a home, face eviction when the lease expires. The first time marshals try to remove them, 60 protesters stand in the way. Later, marshals evict them. Eventually, the Cotters buy a different Levittown home directly from its owner.

Levitt and Sons drops its race-restrictive clauses on Levittown homes, but master builder William Levitt says he will continue to accept only white families: “It is the same policy that all builders in this area have adopted and the elimination of the clause has changed absolutely nothing.”

1979

African Americans gradually start moving into previously all-white communities. On Long Island, a practice called blockbusting explodes. Real estate agents go door to door, warning homeowners that black homebuyers are coming and saying property values will plummet. The scare tactics help agents earn commissions on rapid sales. Some agents buy houses at low prices from panicked white homeowners and sell them at a premium to minority buyers, pocketing the difference.

1953

The Federal Housing Administration’s underwriting manual states that deed restrictions should prohibit occupancy of homes “except by the race for which they are intended,” and that “incompatible racial elements” would cause housing values to fall.

Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1866, granting all citizens the right to “purchase, lease, sell, hold and convey real and personal property,” among other rights.

Like other towns or cities, Long Island has had its fair share of the so-called redlining philosophy. Redlining is an illegal discriminatory practice in which a mortgage lender denies loans or restricts services to certain areas of a community. This term came about in reference to the use of red marks on maps that loan corporations would use to outline mixed-race or African American neighborhoods. Unfortunately, Long Island has had a long history of denying people of color fair loans and services, especially towards housing. Multiple articles throughout the late 1940’s to even up to the 1990’s, report ways to preserve racial homogeneity

Levitt and Sons Inc. begins constructing homes in Levittown. Even though African Americans worked on the construction of the Levittown development, restrictive covenants state the homes could not “be used or occupied by any person other than members of the Caucasian race,”

1949

1936 1866

1950s

The National Association of Real Estate Boards advocates racially restrictive covenants on deeds to prevent homes from being occupied by African Americans who were not servants of the “rightful owner or occupant.”

1947

1927

Long Island’s history has shown a propensity for non-inclusiveness in their community. This way of thinking, at the time, can be described as a national norm and not the exception. Social change came about slowly through the years and some breakthrough successes took place. However, we need to look back at those experiences within the past to better understand some of the main inclinations as to why affordable housing is still a heated issue.

Nassau County settled a separate housing discrimination case that alleged the county had steered affordable housing into minority communities. The county agreed to pay $5.4 million to promote mixed-income affordable housing.

Following a decade-long legal battle waged by fair housing advocates, a federal judge ordered the village of Garden City to pay $5.3 million in attorney fees and costs to the plaintiffs’ lawyers after the judge found the village had “acted with discriminatory intent” by rezoning publicly owned land to prevent construction of

In an effort to combat housing bias, Andrew Cuomo, then secretary of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, awards $15 million to 67 housing groups nationwide, including Long Island Housing Services in Islandia.

5

SURGING COST BURDENS

WHAT IS MAKING LONG ISLAND BECOME MORE UNAFFORDABLE? WHAT IS A COST BURDEN?

LONG ISLAND HOUSEHOLDS WITH HOUSING COST BURDENS

A cost burden is a term that applies to a person spending thirty percent or more on their housing costs, which highly indicates a person struggling to make other essential payments.

Increased property value translates into higher taxes and higher rent. Thus, the beginning of the unaffordable cycle. Three out of every five Long Island residents report that it is somewhat or very difficult to pay their rent or mortgage. Sixty percent of Long Islanders fall into this category. This increase reflects how much housing affordability has become an economic and quality of life issue. Long Island continues to have far fewer rental homes compared to other parts of the New York region. This situation creates a disadvantage for the remaining young adults who can’t afford to buy a home, and workers in occupations ranging from nurses to computer support specialists whose income are too low to qualify for a mortgage or affordable average rent.

This unforeseen reality can soon turn from not being able to afford certain non-essential items, such as useless commodities, to not being able to afford food or heat. Thus the unbalanceable turnover between the haves and have nots.

40%

30% 20%

18%

21% 21% 21% 22% 22% 22%

14% 17% 20% 15% 15%

10% 12% 0%

18%

20%

19%

16% 17% 17% 17% 16% 16% 16% 15% 15% 14% 15% 13% 13% 14% 12% 15%

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 SHARE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH HOUSING COST BURDENS OF 35% TO 49%OF THEIR INCOME

SHARE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH HOUSING COST BURDENS OF 50% OR MORE OF THEIR INCOME

TRI-STATE HOUSEHOLDS WITH COST BURDENS (2016)

INCOME AND RENT ON LONG ISLAND

21% 21%

26%

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME MEDIAN RENTS

$99,500

$1,275

$97,000

$850

$94,500

$425

$92,000

19%

$1,700

2000

‘01

‘02

‘03

‘04

‘05

‘06

‘07

‘08

‘09

‘10

‘11

‘12

‘13

‘14

‘15

‘16

$0

19%

14%

13%

13%

19%

18% 14%

13%

13%

RENT

INCOME

$102,000

21%

LONG ISLAND

HUDSON VALLEY

NORTHERN NJ

SHARE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH HOUSING COST BURDENS OF 35% TO 49%OF THEIR INCOME

SW CT

NYC

REGION EXCLUDING REGION

SHARE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH HOUSING COST BURDENS OF 50% OR MORE OF THEIR INCOME

6

THE RISE IN POVERTY

HOW CAN LONG ISLANDERS LESSEN THE INEVITABLE? THE EVER WIDENING GAP From this analysis, due to the population crisis, as well as an increase in the cost burden there is another unseen factor beginning to increase within the Long 25% Island Community, which is unfortunately poverty. By numerous indicators, there is an accumulating number of low income Long Islanders and residents that are in need of basic necessities. The poverty line has risen faster in the last few years as a result of the 20% slow wage growth as well as the disproportionate increase in low wage jobs.

SHARE OF INDIVIDUAL LIVING BELOW POVERTY

SHARE OF FAMILIES LIVING BELOW POVERTY

LONG ISLAND NEW YORK STATE

LONG ISLAND HUDSON VALLEY

UNITED STATES

NEW YORK CITY NORTHERN NJ SOUTHWESTERN CT UNITED STATES

20%

This is a real topic that many in the Long Island community may or may not be aware of or do not care to admit, but unfortunately fall into but choose not to confront it. This added stigma or even association is a 15% subject that numerous people find uncomfortable to discuss, leaving this to be another dark shadow that clings to affordable housing.

15%

Even when looking at this data, it may not seem to be 10% a high percentage of poverty compared to other states. However, families and individuals living in Long Island are teetering on the verge of falling into the pit known as poverty.

10%

5%

0%

25%

5%

‘07 ‘08

‘09 ‘10

‘11

‘12 ‘13

‘14 ‘15

‘16

0%

‘07 ‘08

‘09 ‘10

‘11

‘12 ‘13

‘14 ‘15

‘16

7

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION SO WHAT?

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE TOWN OF HICKSVILLE? In order for all of Long Island to succeed, much depends on a reform in zoning, reevaluating what is truly affordable, and a commitment to make it attractive for young adults and newly established families to stay. This is an undeniable reality for today’s economic landscape of hard working individuals and families trying to survive and in hopes of a better future.

A future that is not only bright but also offers sustainability through its vast resources and connection to the rest of Long Island.

8

WHAT? WHAT IS MAKES HICKSVILLE SO IMPORTANT? WHAT IS AFFECTING THE PEOPLE OF HICKSVILLE? HOW CAN AFFORDABLE DESIGN HELP THE TOWN OF HICKSVILLE?

9

THE SITE

WHAT MAKES HICKSVILLE SO IMPORTANT? EXISTING CONDITIONS Hicksville has a lot to offer those that live within the town.

What truly makes this small town stand out is the historical Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Station located near the heart of the town. This crucial railroad station is within a few minutes walk from our site making this sites’ location truly valuable.

Our site is mainly a fairly large and open lot that has four existing buildings, including an abandoned yet historic Sears building that takes the bulk of the property. What makes our site an ideal location for affordable housing and future perspective, is taking into consideration its large lot size, central location and other features that make it attractive for residents in need of affordable housing.

Features such as a large commercial mall, known as the Broadway Mall, and other mixed use commodities including a large surrounding of single family homes.

The town of Hicksville offers a perfect scenario in which affordable housing is a real possibility. And not only is it a possibility, it is in dire need of.

10

THE SITE

WHAT MAKES HICKSVILLE SO IMPORTANT?

$163,958

LEVITTOWN

HICKSVILLE $58,476

$71,184 $109,484

FREEPORT

$99,439

$108,179

HEMPSTEAD

$161,163

OLD WESTBURY

$104,188

OCEANSIDE

The reason why it is so important to understand or even look at the other surrounding towns is because it allows you to gain a sense of where to potentially implement affordable housing. Yet, what makes Hicksville so attractive to design affordable housing is that it is literally in between the borderline of unaffordability and affordability and allows the town to possibly stop the decline into poverty. Allowing the possibility of major improvements within the town and can later be later implemented within other towns, such as the town of Hempstead or Freeport.

LONG ISLAND’S MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

GARDEN CITY

Though Hicksville appears to be well-off in a sense, there is a need for affordable housing. The graphic shows the median household income in surrounding towns near Hicksville. Even though the town of Hicksville has the appearance of being within a moderate income status, the reality is that unaffordability is beginning to unveil itself from the shadows.

VALLEY STREAM

UNDERSTANDING OUR SURROUNDINGS

11

THE SITE

WHAT MAKES HICKSVILLE SO IMPORTANT? UNDERSTANDING OUR SURROUNDINGS The town of Hicksville has only three affordable housing dwellings within a close distance to our site. Based on what’s currently available, a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment can cost between $1,735 to almost $2,500 monthly. Though this rent may seem reasonable for the area, it is further becoming a reach for future and longtime Long Islanders within the median household income of $104,188 a year.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HICKSVILLE

307 RICHARD AVENUE 1 BED / 1 BATH $1,735

EAGLE ROCK APARTMENTS 1 BED / 1 BATH $1,780 - $1,975

Simply put the current median household income for the town of Hicksville, is financially unsustainable. Though these structures may call themselves affordable housing, it simply isn’t. Leaving those who are truly struggling in dire need of change; change in the way most view affordable housing and possibly ownership.

35 BROADWAY 1 BED / 1 BATH $2,500

12

THE BREAKDOWN

WHAT IS AFFECTING THE PEOPLE OF HICKSVILLE? AVERAGE

BOILING DOWN THE BASICS The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) legally defines affordable housing as a household that can be obtained for 30% or less of its income. For low income families it must cost less than 24% of their median household income. Based on this definition, I conducted my own analysis of the bare minimum needs for either a single person or a family of four. I began to break down what most consider to be basic and essential financial obligations such as: basic utilities, food, car payments, gas, credit card payments, internet, child care, clothing, and insurances.

BASIC FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR A SINGLE PERSON

MAXIMUM MINIMUM

$2000

$1000 $800 $600 $400

Based on these limited essentials, a single person could pay upwards of $2,224 monthly, not including the rent. What was most striking about my analysis was how a low income family of four can pay up to more than double what a single person pays. These families could pay upwards of $5,957 in basic costs of living a month, also not including rent.

$200 $0

BASIC UTILITIES

FOOD / GROCERIES

CAR PAYMENTS

GAS

CAR INSURANCE

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT

INTERNET

CLOTHING

HEALTH INSURANCE

BASIC FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR $2000

SINGLE

FAMILY

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (MHI)

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (MHI)

$1000

$104,188 PER YEAR

$800

TOTAL AVERAGE OF BASIC COST OF LIVING

$600

$104,188 PER YEAR

TOTAL AVERAGE OF BASIC COST OF LIVING $2,224 PER MONTH

VS

$5,957 PER MONTH

$400 $200 $0

BASIC UTILITIES

FOOD / GROCERIES

CAR PAYMENTS

GAS

CAR INSURANCE

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT

INTERNET

CHILDCARE

CLOTHING

HEALTH INSURANCE

13

THE BREAKDOWN

WHAT IS AFFECTING THE PEOPLE OF HICKSVILLE? BOILING DOWN THE BASICS Using the HUD’s definition, those who need affordable housing should not pay more than 24% of their income for rent. If the median household income in Hicksville is $104,188 yearly, 24% of its breakdown reflects $25,005 to be spent yearly on housing which outputs $2,083 per month. This figure barely covers a single person’s basic costs of living, let alone a low income family. In order for a low income family to start making a dent in their basic expenses, they need to allot at least 50% or more of their income to cover their expenses, which still barely meets their basic costs of living.

$25,005.12 PER YEAR

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (MHI) $104,188 PER YEAR

$52,094 PER YEAR

$36,465.80 PER YEAR

24% OF THE MHI $25,005.12 PER YEAR $2,083.76 PER MONTH

TOTAL AVERAGE OF BASIC COST OF LIVING SINGLE PERSON

$2,224 PER MONTH

FAMILY OF FOUR

$5,957 PER MONTH

35% OF THE MHI 50% OF THE MHI

35% OF THE MHI $36,465.80 PER YEAR $3,038.82 PER MONTH

VS TOTAL AVERAGE OF BASIC COST OF LIVING

24% OF THE MHI

80%

50% OF THE MHI $52,094 PER YEAR $4,341.17 PER MONTH

55%

75% 24% OF THE MHI 35% OF THE MHI 50% OF THE MHI

14

HOW CAN THIS WORK

HOW CAN AFFORDABLE DESIGN HELP THE TOWN OF HICKSVILLE? HOW CAN THIS ULIMATELY SAVE THE TOWN OF HICKSVILLE AND POSSIBLY ALL OF LONG ISLAND? As I have been addressing in my research so far, Hicksville needs affordable housing and needs it soon.

If the people of Hicksville continue to push against this solution, the town will inevitably become a community too unaffordable for its young and old to grow its people and families. For the town of Hicksville, the need for affordable housing is not a challenge for the future but is HERE AND NOW. What I plan to propose this year of my thesis is a plan to provide not only a place where these individuals can live and afford reasonably; but also become a place where all members of the community of Hicksville can enjoy large, lushing, and lasting green space that can sustain itself and the people within it.

15

HOW? HOW LIFE CAN INFLUENCE MY DESIGN HOW THIS PRECEDENT CAN AFFECT MY DESIGN HOW I PLAN TO DESIGN AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HICKSVILLE

16

SOCIAL HOUSING / ELEMENTAL

HOW CAN A PRECEDENT AFFECT THE WAY OF THE DESIGN? WHAT IS THE OVERALL TAKE AWAY? Social Housing has been one of the main focal points that Alejandro Aravena’s firm, Elemental, has taken part in. When asked, almost 20 years ago, to build housing for 100 families in the slums of Chile with a very limited budget, Aravena and his team took a very unique approach in order to answer the dire needs of this community. Rather than building one large building with small units that have no flexibility whatsoever, Elemental designed and built flexible half-homes that each family could eventually expand upon overtime. By working directly with the families themselves, they were able to create, evolve, and perfect the homes and concepts over time.

Since its conception, the Quinta Monroy (2003) became the crucial foundational blocks needed for the further growth and development of Elemental much later Social Housing projects, including both the Monterrey Housing (2010) and the Villa Verde Housing (2010). Simply put, the goal of this design was not just to provide stable shelter for those in need but for those living in the structure to take over and continue to create a home or community that can support itself.

17

EL NIDO/ THE PRINCIPLES

HOW I PLAN TO DESIGN AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HICKSVILLE WHAT IS THE PLAN? Based on my research and analysis of affordable housing on Long Island and within Hicksville, what I plan to propose this year is to provide not only a place where any individual can live and afford reasonably, but also changes the way in which affordable housing is viewed as well as the pathway to ownership.

This diagram demonstrates the typical yet old fashion ways of payments made by either the renter or homeowner. This archaic way of paying the bank benefits one party or entity, which I see as a detriment to both the renters and the overall homeowners struggling to make ends meet. The aim of my project is to eventually design a modular system based on the use of tiny homes, that are both affordable and sustainable to house either an individual or a growing family. Through these tiny homes we can start to reevaluate how we look at affordable living and the benefits of ownership within the community of El Nido and Hicksville.

My proposal exposes a new vision in how affordable housing can overall benefit the community. Through the El Nido Housing, payments made, whether they are renting or establishing ownership, creates a new and radical way of sustaining the El Nido Community and the town of Hicksville. From the potential funds derived by this new source of financing, you create untapped resources that can be used to not only fund the Hicksville community but also public improvements such as educational programs and social services.

RENTER

HOME OWNER

HOME OWNER

EL NIDO DWELING

BANK

BANK

HOME OWNER

BANK

COMMUNITY 18

EL NIDO/ THE PRINCIPLES

HOW I PLAN TO DESIGN AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HICKSVILLE WHAT’S THE PLAN? My vision is to ultimately create a sustainable community that is open to large green spaces but is also beneficial to the town that it is inhabiting. The word nido in Spanish means nest. An appropriate description for safe shelter that also acts as a place to grow and prosper. A place that not only offers practical design and open spaces but paves the way for better communication between people from divergent socio, economic backgrounds in this hidden oasis in this thriving community.

ECOLOGICAL Ecological sustainablity through effiecent and thoughful design.

SOCIAL Social sustainablity through building social and community connection.

EL NIDO

COMMUNAL SUPPORT

Positive contribution to the Hicksville Community through urban design.

FINANCIAL Financial sustainablity and stability through radically changing the way we view housing and ownership. Allowing those to be able to rent or purchase below the market price and handle the on-going costs of living within Hicksville.

19

EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY THE IDEOLOGY This is what led me to begin looking at those who may want to either rent or eventually own these homes and view both the existing dynamics around the site and in some cases beyond it.

Creating two distinct but similar housing typologies that not only make those living in it to learn to adapt and be creative but also grow over time. Affordable housing must always be viewed and thought of as a form of stability, that is not defined byits looks but overall function it serves. Stable housing is for the community in need of not only support but guidance through both economical and lifetime struggle.

20

EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SITE PLAN

CROW HOUSING 135 HOMES

SPARROW HOUSING 86 HOMES

SEARS RECREATIONAL PARK

SCALE: 1” = 125’

21

EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY HOUSING TYPOLOGIES SPARROW HOUSING In the El Nido Community are two types of homes that the user has the pleasure of selecting. The Sparrow Housing and The Crow Housing are differentiated by both basic needs of the user and particular age range of the user or users.

The Sparrow Housing is targeted for those between the ages of 18 to mid thirties, being that it gives the user the opportunity to learn and adapt and innovate ways of defining space. Its fairly small or tiny floor plan that allows the user to be able to afford these homes relatively cheap.

For the Sparrow the structure is only allowed to grow vertically, making the overall square footage no larger than 430 square feet and no taller than 28 feet tall. This is not only to ensure the maximum amount of Housing created overall but is connect to the existing residential areas surrounding the site.

SPARROW HOUSING

SPARROW = PRODUCTIVITY / DILIGENCE / CREATIVITY HOUSING AGE RANGE 18 - MID 30s MAX. SQ. FT. = 430 SQ.FT. THIS TYPOLOGY ALLOWS THE USER THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INNOVATED WITH THE SPACE PROVIDED, TO LEARN AND ADAPT TO LIVING WELL BELOW THEIR MEANS.

22

EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY HOUSING TYPOLOGIES CROW HOUSING While, the Crow Housing targets those between the ages of 20 to mid 50s, allowing either new or established families to grow or downsize overtime.

Through the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), the homes are able to both adapt and keep the overall cost of construction much lower than several other means. This material allows for both quick and easy installation and is one of the most economical, environmental, and versatile product or material available to date.

The largest difference between the Sparrow and Crow Housing is its ability to grow both vertically and horizontally with a slightly larger square footage. Having the option to grow in either direction gives the user the control that may be needed in order to accommodate themselves or provide much needed space for their growing families.

CROW HOUSING

CROW = TRANSFORMATION / CHANGE / ADAPTION HOUSING AGE RANGE 20 - MID 50s MAX. SQ. FT. = 710 SQ.FT. THIS TYPOLOGY ALLOWS THE USER THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO GROW ALONG SIDE THE PHYSICAL SPACE AND TIME, GIVE THE USER THE CONTROL TO EXPAND TO THEIR LIKING.

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SPARROW HOUSING

GROUND LEVEL

SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SPARROW HOUSING

SECOND LEVEL

SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SPARROW HOUSING

FRONT ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SPARROW HOUSING

REAR ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SPARROW HOUSING

SECTION

SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SPARROW HOUSING

FINISHED ROOFING MATERIAL

SIPS ROOF PANEL

FINISHED ROOFING MATERIAL

TOP PLATE

SIPS ROOF PANEL

METAL PANEL SIPS WALL PANEL

FASCIA

STANDARD WIRE CHASE

SOFFIT BOARD

DOUBLE HEADER GYPSUM BOARD

TOP PLATE

METAL PANEL SIPS WALL PANEL STANDARD WIRE CHASE GYPSUM BOARD

BOTTOM PLATE

BOTTOM PLATE

RIM PLATE

RIM PLATE

CONCRETE FOOTING

CONCRETE FOOTING

CONCRETE STEPS

WALL SECTIONS SCALE: 3/8” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CROW HOUSING

GROUND LEVEL

SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CROW HOUSING

SECOND LEVEL

SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CROW HOUSING

ROOF LEVEL

SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CROW HOUSING

FRONT ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CROW HOUSING

REAR ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CROW HOUSING

SECTION

SCALE: 1/4” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY CROW HOUSING

FINISHED ROOFING MATERIAL SIPS ROOF PANEL TOP PLATE

FINISHED ROOFING MATERIAL SIPS ROOF PANEL TOP PLATE METAL PANEL

METAL PANEL STANDARD WIRE CHASE DOUBLE HEADER GYPSUM BOARD

SIPS WALL PANEL GYPSUM BOARD

SIPS FLOOR PANEL

BOTTOM PLATE

SIPS FLOOR PANEL

BOTTOM PLATE RIM PLATE

CONCRETE FOOTING

RIM PLATE

CONCRETE FOOTING CONCRETE STEPS

WALL SECTIONS SCALE: 3/8” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SITE SECTION

SCALE: 1/32” = 1’-0”

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES

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EL NIDO/ HOUSING AND COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES

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REFERENCE WHY?

Golob, Ann. Edited by Nancy Rauch Douzinas, A Project of the Rauch Foundation, 2018, Long Island Index Report (2018), www.longislandindex.org/2018-long-island-index-report/.

McDermott, Maura, and Olivia Winslow. “A History of Housing Discrimination on Long Island.” Newsday, Newsday, 17 Nov. 2019, projects.newsday.com/long-island/real-estate-discrimination-history/.

The Center for Popular Democracy, 2015, The Crisis of Fair, Affordable Housing on Long Island: An Analysis of the Long Island Workforce Housing Act, lifairhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/The-Crisis-of-Fair-AffordableHousing-on-Long-Island-2015.pdf.

WHAT?

“1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments.” Eagle Rock Apartments at Hicksville, Eagle Rock Apartments, 23 Oct. 2020, www.eaglerockproperties.com/apartments/ny/hicksville/eagle-rock-apartments-of-hicksville/phase-i.

“307 Richard Ave #AD3, Hicksville, NY - 1 Bed, 1 Bath - 12 Photos: Trulia.” Trulia, Trulia Real Estate, 23 Oct. 2020, www.trulia.com/p/ny/hicksville/307-richard-ave-ad3-hicksville-ny-11801--2344781700.

“35 Broadway Apartment Availability.” G2D GROUP, G2D GROUP, 23 Oct. 2020, g2dgroup.com/rentalapartment-availability/.

“The Cost of Living in Long Island, New York.” NUMBEO, NUMBEO, 29 Oct. 2020, www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Long-Island-NY-United-States.

Yglesias, Matthew. “Everything You Need to Know About the Affordable Housing Debate.” Vox, Vox, 10 Apr. 2014, www.vox.com/2014/4/10/18076868/affordable-housing-explained.

Langjahr, Michael. Martinez, Stephan.Tabet, Isabel, “Long Island's Median Income Map.” Sept. 2020.

HOW?

"Monterrey Housing / ELEMENTAL" 09 Mar 2010. ArchDaily. Accessed 25 May 2021. <https://www.archdaily.com/52202/monterrey-housing-elemental> ISSN 0719-8884

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REFERENCE HOW? (CONTINUED)

"Quinta Monroy / ELEMENTAL" 31 Dec 2008. ArchDaily. Accessed 25 May 2021. <https://www.archdaily.com/10775/quinta-monroy-elemental> ISSN 0719-8884 Ravenscroft, Tom. “10 Micro Homes with Space-Saving Floor Plans.” Dezeen, Dezeen, 18 Mar. 2019, www.dezeen.com/2019/03/18/micro-home-floor-plans-micro-apartment/.

TEDTalks. Alejandro Aravena: My Architectural Philosophy? Bring the Community into the Process, TEDTalks, 6 Nov. 2014, www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0I0Poe3qlg&amp;ab_channel=TED. "Villa Verde Housing / ELEMENTAL" 13 Nov 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed 25 May 2021. <https://www.archdaily.com/447381/villa-verde-housing-elemental> ISSN 0719-8884

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THANK YOU