Design Study: Commercial to residential Conversion

There has been much discussion regarding the unique opportunity to explore how pre-war office spaces may effectively be converted to residential uses. MAD decided to study the relationship between the demand for affordable housing and the excess of empty commercial space in the city. Some of the city’s Pre-war buildings have a decent number of operable windows and floor plates that offer perimeter access to light and air, both necessary for proper residential uses.

At this building on Worth Street, our study illustrates the conversion to three possible residential uses. The strategy attempts to increase quality of public housing while providing adequate support services for our citizens who require wellness assistance. The three models we studied are: -Traditional single and multi-person apartments -High density studios -Studios with supportive social programs on each floor