Rooted Ground
Reem Habis
Migration is one of today’s most urgent global issues according to the United Nations. The U.S. southern border is an example of this humanitarian crisis of large numbers of migrants escaping their country for a new life. Uprooted from their homes, many are seeking refuge in the United States. Rooted Grounds is a proposal based on the right to housing and the reshaping of temporary homes to support re-rooting the displaced dignity, safety, security, and privacy of those humans.
Located in a predominantly residential public housing neighborhood, the host structure consists of three brick buildings, embedded half level below grade in a steeply sloping topography. Each 3-storied with identical floor plans and two unconnected stairwells.
The intervention to the existing structure accommodates 30 private units with a nestled inconspicuous underground addition for communal spaces accessed from the 3 different buildings. The subterranean insertion does not only maintain the current FAR, but it also maximizes the green roof area on top for multiple outdoor activities, alleviates cooling, mitigates train noise, requires low maintenance, and integrates sustainable systems such as rainwater management and greywater treatment. The existing building envelope has been upgraded with a new clipped façade while the roof is utilized to generate onsite renewable energy with the use of photovoltaic panels.
The main interior design strategy relies on privacy, comfort, and efficiency by providing an equipped well-planned private unit for each family and a communal program with dedicated spaces for socializing, learning, and playing.
Pano Tour
