We’ve all heard the old adage, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
This phrase is ironically misleading as it is possible to tell several things about a book with only a very brief perusal of its cover.
Applied to residential architecture and the communities that shape them, we find that a book’s literal components are an essential part of the story within.
One can tell a great deal about a community by its residential architecture and the structures it creates based on the amount of meaningful design that goes into its construction.
Let’s take a look at a few examples of modern residential architecture and see what types of community they engender.
1. Modern Residential Architecture that is by the People, for the People
In the early 2000s, Buiksloterham, Amsterdam was a run-down area that brought to mind the words “industrial carcass,” making it the perfect launch pad for the Hackable City experiment.
Though the word “Hackable” inspires feelings of uncertainty and potential surprise, the future residents of the novel city wanted just that!
In 2014, an app was developed specifically to give the involved renters the ability to “hack” into the design plans for the space they would inhabit.
As a result, the building’s community was under construction in concert with the building itself.
Themes such as openness with each other, a love for the earth, and empowerment through technology are plainly reflected in the home’s features.
The sections of transparent outdoor walls demonstrate to onlookers that this community has nothing to hide.
Solar panels grace the roof and the residents enjoy a community garden.
Members continue to stay connected and make their voices heard by using the app.
In simple terms, Hackable City is an open book.
2. Crafted in Culture
Lagos’ Wooden Tower in Ikory, Nigeria, attracts the best and the brightest of Africa with its culture-rich components and climate complimentary design.
Ancient Nigerian symbols are incorporated throughout the structure.
Similarly, its courtyards are built to mimic native housing designs. The historical Nigerian home depended on their courtyards for the collection of rainwater.
Sky gardens that feature native plants, yawning wooden panels that shun the heat while drawing in the breeze, and open rooftop restaurants draw a local community that does not wish to be isolated from the beauty of the surrounding country.
The Lagos’ Wooden Tower is a prime example of modern residential architecture that enhances the community it inhabits.
3. Imparted Meaning
It is often the case that the architects for a housing project do not have the luxury to start from scratch.
For example, the creators of Rolling Mill Hill community in Nashville, Tennessee reshaped an entire section of town with their vision.
Up against a building site full of antiquated trolley car barns, abandoned hospitals, and idle smokestacks, the architects sought to use the existing structures to draw in the target community group, young professionals.
Throughout the renovation process, they were mindful of the population they hoped to attract.
Trolley car barns were rehabbed into restaurants, art studios, coffee shops, and affordable housing.
The hospitals were transformed into modern residential buildings and even a smokestack was kept as a stately reminder of the area’s history.
Aside from such reminders, no one would guess what the place had been like just years before. Now, it is a bustling community of young professionals and families who are delighted to grow the neighborhood.
Looking for an opportunity to start your own meaningful renovation?
An enlightening read through the Jeffery Jordan Architect autobiography is all it takes to realize this company has it all. Passion for what we do, sensitivity to our clients’ vision, and a thorough understanding of legal issues involved in building and renovation.
Take a look at our handiwork or email any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you.
Located in the Greater New York area, Jeffrey Jordan Architecture specializes in the design of high-end projects such as luxury apartment and townhouse renovations, schools, churches, temples and offices.