The following images and drawings document the renovation of a vacant property in Bushwick into a dual residence and commercial space for single mothers and their children, who would otherwise be homeless. The women, who occupy the top three floors of the building, each have their own flexible apartment for themselves and children, but utilize the shared amenities on lower floors (which include the laundry, kitchen and outdoor spaces). Each apartment is equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, and two bedrooms that are built using a platform system in order to maximize space and storage.The common area on the western side of each residential floor encourages the families to interact with another and further the building’s core concept of the learning and the exchange of ideas.
The overall design motivation was to provide a safe home environment for the families, as well as allow the mothers to rebuild their lives through working in the ground floor commercial spaces. Through research of the area, it was found that there are several programs missing from the Bushwick community. A coffee shop, which allows one to stay and work in the space, is in demand due to recent gentrification (most especially from Williamsburg), and a space that encourages the community to exchange ideas and experiences. In addition to the café, we found that Bushwick was in extreme need of opportunities for higher education. Only 8% hold degrees higher than the high school level, so the education center found on the lower level offers career-oriented classes to decrease the high unemployment rate in the area. A childcare drop off service is also within the program, to provide free supervision while students are in class.
Lighting, ventilation and circulation within the space were of high concentration in the design, as was maintaining the building’ existing plumbing wall, windows and stairwells throughout the building.
- Amelia Stein
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