This senior studio project was a collaborative effort between me and two architecture majors, bringing together different perspectives to create a well-rounded design. The project focuses on upward mobility by providing residents with access to education, job opportunities, and essential services, helping them build stable and self-sufficient lives. I focused on interior space planning, the majority of the 3D modeling, and Enscape rendering, while my team did an incredible job with facade design, board layout, graphics, and building logistics, making this a truly rewarding experience.
Upward Mobility Housing
The affordable housing complex on Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge is designed to foster upward mobility and strengthen community ties. At the heart of the project is an apprenticeship campus, featuring classrooms for life skills and trades, a retail space, a gym, a workshop, and an elderly care program where residents can engage with and support seniors. Essential services, including a grocery store and pharmacy, are also integrated into the design.
The site includes both a community building, exclusive to residents, and a public building in the front. The public building features a computer lab and retail spaces, promoting job opportunities for residents. Additionally, a large universal space can accommodate community gatherings and events.
The modular housing units, available in one, two, and three-bedroom options, are designed to foster interaction and well-being. Each unit features a balcony facing other units, encouraging social connection between residents. Light wells are strategically placed throughout the site to further enhance resident interaction, allowing for moments of connection in shared spaces. Pathways cut through the building, providing easy access into the site and encouraging movement and engagement between different areas. The residential section at the back offers a quieter environment for residents, with access to more private outdoor areas.
This thoughtfully designed layout creates a sense of community, where residents not only live but also thrive, building connections, developing skills, and supporting each other.
Research
The first half of the semester was research-based, where we explored how architecture shapes communities and either reinforces or breaks down divisions. We studied New Orleans, analyzing the lasting impacts of redlining and how the built environment has been used to segregate or unify people. In Baton Rouge, we examined how interstate construction and policymaking have historically divided neighborhoods, limiting access to resources and opportunities. This research laid the foundation for our project, driving our focus on creating a space that promotes upward mobility and community connection rather than separation.
