In response to the collapse of the housing market during the ongoing recession, a local coalition of professional institutions and government housing agencies launched a design competition aimed at “re-inventing” social housing. However, the competition guidelines revealed an intent to reinforce the same suburban growth model that has long proven unsustainable economically, environmentally, and in terms of infrastructure maintenance. In contrast, our team submitted a contemporary housing proposal designed to challenge these outdated urban development strategies and offer a more progressive alternative aligned with long-term social and environmental goals.

Our design introduces a dense, multi-level residential development that complies with the zoning provisions while prioritizing open space through the integration of a large central park. This park becomes a shared civic space, encouraging interaction and fostering community as residents must cross it to access their homes. The surrounding residential modules are inspired by the informal vertical additions seen in suburban areas and are configured flexibly to adapt to irregular infill sites. Units range from ground-level single-family homes with open garages and yards, to 1-2 bedroom upper-floor units with double-height spaces, and 2-bedroom units with expansive terraces on the fourth floor. The massing is segmented both vertically and horizontally to maintain a human scale, while bold, vivid colors are used to create a strong sense of identity and evoke the Caribbean character of Puerto Rican architecture.