Approach Render

Urban areas, especially in the United States, grapple with critical affordable housing shortages and escalating energy demands. The Des Moines Public Housing Authority is under scrutiny for subpar housing conditions, affordability issues, and high environmental impact. These challenges disproportionately affect low-income individuals who require inclusive and efficient housing options. To address this, there’s a call for low-impact, mixed-use, affordable housing in the heart of Des Moines neighborhoods. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life and foster economic diversity.

We’ve assessed nearby amenities for our residential project, which includes incorporating a food pantry. Inspired by the Central Iowa Shelter and Services program, we’ll employ and train residents in agriculture and sustainability. Our food conservatory will provide fresh, local produce for residents and the pantry. Additionally, we’ll process surplus vegetables into dried goods for a healthy, sustainable option.

Terra Vita

LOW-MAX HOUSING

Spring 2023 I ARCH 302 I Prof. Ayodele Iyanalu & Rod Kruse I Credit: Katelynn Vasey

Massing Operations

Extrusion

Green Atriums

Subtraction

Final Massing

Addition

Materiality

To form our massing, we started with a rectangular shape and began adding and subtracting forms, aiming for a more dynamic structure. The greenhouses were designed to emerge from and partially submerge into the building. Atrium spaces divide the structure, filled with lush greenery. This allowed us to have a visual contrast between solid masses and light-filled atriums.

Program

Site Plan

Adjacent to the manicured Sculpture Park, our site offers a distinct visitor experience. We juxtapose it with an expansive prairie, in deliberate contrast to the meticulously groomed Sculpture Garden. Bioswales in the prairie landscape collect rainwater for reuse.

Ground Floor Plan

The ground floor is separated into two sections: the public food pantry and the private residential area. The northern half caters to the public food pantry, and the residential area is confined to the southern half of the ground floor.

Second and Third Floor Plans

Fourth Floor Plan

The second and third floors house both single-family and co-living units. Public walkways provide access to vertical green shelves, doubling as community gardens for residents. On our fourth floor, we have single-family and single-occupant units. A feature for all of our units is the inclusion of an exterior balcony and an interior balcony within the atrium spaces.

Co-Living Floor Plan

Single-Occupant Floor Plan

Single-Occupant and Co-Living Isometric

Our co-living units are divided into distinct areas, with private spaces at one end and communal gathering areas at the other. Our single-occupant units are modular micro-units with a versatile living room/bedroom. Each unit type features an exterior balcony and a spacious interior balcony seamlessly integrated into the atrium.

Single-Family Floor Plan

Single-Family Isometric

Lower Level Isometric

Our single-family units feature a spacious exterior balcony to compensate for limited north-facing daylight and an interior balcony overlooking the green space. The greenhouses descend into the ground and can be entered within the complex through the lower level.