DESA1002 'Continuous City' <Nina McDonald>

Abstract

This project comprises an affordable-housing intiative in the heart of Amsterdam. Containing 13 small residential apartments, the development aims to increase housing affordability within the city without compromising architectural integrity or quality of life for residents. Situated between two extant buildings, The Amsterdam affordable housing project has created new spaces within the city, that benefit not only the residents of the AHP, but also the public. The commercial space situated on the ground level aims to encourage street life and pedestrian activity in a street that has, in the past, been characterised by heavy vehicular traffic. The 'parasitic' apartments which have bled over the adjacent alley way and over the rooftops of neighbouring buildings have created new spaces from the enclosure of the alleyway as well as a shared, open courtyard and garden which sprawls across the roof of the new building. The modular apartments have been oriented to give the rooftop maximum sun exposure.