Project Description

Project

Los Medanos Village is a sustainable architectural community for low-income families in Pittsburg, CA. (7 buildldings, total of 71 townhome units with parking, green space, and facilities.

Role

Lead Designer under Project Architect’s direction, team of 4

Responsibilities

I led the design of the project from concept through execution in a collaborative team. I also supported the Project Architect in the coordination with multiple stakeholders.

The Problem

How can we design a functional, usable, and aesthetically pleasing community for low income families that elevates the experience of affordable housing?

Affordable housing has often had an unpleasant aesthetic in the past and has unfortunately alienated the people it has tried to help and support.

Academic research indicates that low income housing with poor design leads to neighborhood crime. Lack of greenery and common spaces contributes to this problem.

The Design Process

Problem solving and the design thinking process in architecture has many parallels with user experience and product design.

Each phase allowed us to foresee and work out problems in the buildings design to prevent issues from happening during the construction phase. 

Research + Analysis.

We worked to understand user needs as well as analyze site constraints, zoning and applicable codes.

Low Fidelity-Schematic Design.

We explored ideas and submitted low fidelity drawings for Design Review approval.

High Fidelity-Design Development & Construction Drawings.

We fleshed out and refined the design with many iterations that implemented feedback from all stakeholders involved.

User Research

Our user audience is low income families and individuals who can't afford to rent market rate homes in Pittsburg, CA.

Through user research that involved briefs with client and community meetings, we found out users are working families and individuals who are looking to rent a safe and dignified home in a supportive community at an affordable price, with services including:

• Assistance in finding food and clothing

• Employment support

• Mental health support

• Language classes

• Enrichment activities for children

Context & Analysis

We don’t design in a vacuum. We had to keep in mind user needs, business goals, site constraints and code regulations.

We studied the site conditions and worked with the client to determine the goals, program requirements, zoning regulations and general vision for the project. 

A. Site conditions and constraints as well as required program

B. Pittsburg Zoning requirements including: Height limits, Density (FAR), Setbacks, Parking requirements, site accessibility

C. California Building Code & other applicable codes

Overarching questions

Before the ideation process, we began to ask ourselves overarching questions that could guide the design.

• How might we create a sustainable community development of townhomes with a pleasing aesthetic quality that helps create a thriving community?

• How might we explore proportion, color, style in an architecture that evolves the language and narrative of affordable housing?

• How might we design solutions that honor the specific needs of this community?

Construction Documents

Construction Documents are like High Fidelity prototypes.

Following Design Approval, we built a 3D model of the project and produced accurate Construction Documents and Drawings leading to the Building Permit Submittal, which is what is needed to start construction.

Construction drawings are highly technical and include:

• Dimensions

• Materials

• Notes

Iterative Process

Construction Documents undergo a rigorous, iterative process in coordination with engineers, consultants and city officials.

The drawings of Design Submittal and approval can be regarded as low fidelity prototypes. Even though they look nice, they are not rigorous enough to guide the construction process. Construction Drawings are high fidelity prototypes that are technical, accurate, and highly iterative.

3D Design

The design of a physical space involves more than two dimensions.

A. The Reflected Ceiling plan shows what happens on the ceiling as one looks up within the space of the Community Center. I designed acoustical panels with light fixtures that play with the angles and geometries of the space.

B. The Frontage Road Elevation shows the facade of the project facing Frontage Road.

C. The Courtyard Elevation shows the facade facing the main open space.

Cross-functional challenges

The Challenges were present during every phase although they got increasingly more difficult as the technical nature of the drawings and submittals increased.

They included:

• Producing an accurate 3D model and drawings

• Implementing code analysis in the architecture

• Coordinating and resolving discrepancies between building systems /consultants

• Iterations to implement comments from city officials

• Strict deadlines to meet budget and timeline

• Crafting 8 buildings posed some challenges around the articulation of the roof with its intricate design which involved many iterations to get it right.

strategy

Design opportunities & Solutions

Working closely with the client and community, we discovered unmet needs and design opportunities. Our solutions are backed by Evidence Based Design.

Pain point:

Affordable housing is ugly and demoralizing.

Design solution:

Elevate the experience of this low-income community by:

• Increasing the sense of belonging and identity.

• Embracing greenery, creating common spaces and increasing safety.

• Creating a buffer zone to separate our development from neighbors' homes for more privacy.

Open Space

Pain point:

Users complained of crammed living facilities with no access to open areas, which often feels luxurious and out of reach.

Design solution:

A common open space/courtyard is at the center of this community to gather together and celebrate.

• The homes fronting the open space all have entrances that face this space.

• The open space features a playground

• There is landscape to fulfill the need for greenery

• There are walkways to encourage walkability, accessibility and connectivity.

Community Center

Pain point:

Users have a hard time finding resources and supportive services to learn skills, find jobs, and help the whole family including children.

Design solution:

This community offers a Center with resources and supportive services to all members of the community. Amenities of the community center include:

• Classrooms

• Office Space

• Ideal corner location for accessibility

• Services

Interaction & Pedestrian Life

Pain point:

Users feel disconnected from neighbors and life on the street. Also, the streets don't feel safe with no eyes on them.

Design solution:

Porches increase interaction between neighbor and connect people as neighbors who feel part of the community, with eyes on the street for increased security.

Green Design

Pain point:

The industry stigma that affordable housing doesn't care or get to contribute to sustaining the environment.

Design solution:

Los Medanos incorporated many Green Design principles and exceeded Title 24, a minimum standard in green building in CA by 20%. The units have photovoltaics and many other sustainable features such as:

• Solar panels

• Solar powered radiant heating

• Drought tolerant landscaping

• Recycled building materials

Outcomes

A successful design process meant that the planning and building department granted both Design Approval and Building permit.

• Los Medanos is a community that foster a sense of connection and interaction between members with its pedestrian streets and open spaces.

• This community provides a safe, pedestrian friendly walking experience that is visually and spatially compelling.

• There is an ease of flow, mobility, walkability and pride in calling this place home.

• Los Medanos is a model of sustainable living by addressing economic, social and environmental needs.

Takeaways

I learned that design has the power to inspire, transform, and be a catalyst for good.

It takes a village! Empathy for the team I was part of at VMWP and the multiple stakeholders who made this project possible!

• Inspire a sense of connection and provide a sense of identity.

• Transform our experience of life.

• Be a catalyst for the growth of an entire community.