The Challenge of Multi-Family Housing

Creating multi-family housing involves a great many architectural challenges naturally, but more often we’re noticing that it is the political, planning, and social organizations that obstruct great ideas from becoming great projects. It seems many cities, like the City of Seattle, have developed a planning process which consistently stands in the way of good design. And whether this process is intentional or not, getting through the red-tape, bureaucratics and general people pleasing depends just as much on persistence and determination as doing good architecture. We believe this is producing, or at least necessitating, a new kind of architect/builder/developer. A hybrid professional who can not only wear a number of different caps, but who can also push a project through as if the quality of our physical environment depends on it.

In light of this idea, we want to revisit some positive beautiful developments in multi-family, or in some cases, denser, more sustainable housing. We have tried one model with our project at Park Modern, and continue to be struck by the efforts of other designers, builders and developers who have managed to make it through all of the stops and get a project done.

A committed peer of ours, Eric at eye-candy has compiled a list of inspired housing on a recent post that is worth the tour (November 21^st post). Another buddy of ours, John Paulsen, has tipped us off to a project recently completed by UNI-A from Cambridge, MA. As John puts it, “Props to them for being DIY developers – successfully subdividing two lots and remodeling 2 existing houses and adding two more.” And maybe that’s the point, overcome whatever obstacles it takes and get the sweet work built. You can see the clip of their recent HGTV program or visit their website.

The work and approach of Jonathan Segal is paramount to this discussion. He has put together a long list of beautiful and affordable modern projects in the San Diego area highlighted below.

K Lofts