Abstract:

Uprooted is an affordable housing redevelopment for the Bushwick Housing Project in Brooklyn, NY. The existing site is currently in a state of disrepair, and many families living there face decrepit living conditions in spaces that should be conducive to their success, but instead add to their struggle and stress. This project aims to reframe social housing, where wellbeing is cultivated through coexistence with nature, neighbors, and the city.

Uprooted is designed to improve residents’ well-being by rejuvenating their current living conditions and integrating green spaces and gardens into every unit. The design bridges the existing building with a new addition, forming an atrium between them that encourages interaction and dialogue. The shared spaces created within this interstitial space become classrooms, daycares, and communal kitchens, fostering a strong sense of community and coexistence.

At the urban scale, the project lifts the existing buildings to create commercial spaces at ground level. This introduces new activity to the site, supports local businesses, and provides amenities that enhance daily life for residents. Sustainability is a key focus of the project, with water collection and recycling systems used to irrigate the gardens and reduce environmental impact. Overall, this project blends affordable housing with thoughtful design, fostering well-being, social connections, and sustainability, while revitalizing the site with new commercial opportunities.