Bronx's sustainable residential complex

ABSTRACT

Sustainability is nowadays a topic and objective of many industries and countries. The concept has been changing along the years; passing from a green idea to an integral multiphase concept. In the recent years the concept of sustainability has evolved from being focused entirely on manufacturing part to a much wider scope. Architects are focusing on sustainable programs to avoid environmental, social and economical issues at various levels.

Purpose

The purpose of this thesis is to create a high performance complex for people, neighborhoods, and the environment in the South Bronx. A priority for the area is economic development that will help build (and keep) wealth in the neighborhood. The goal is to make this development a destination that the neighborhood's residents can be proud of. Need of the hour is to apply systemic changes to improve education, economy and community so that this neighborhood transforms into an prosperous area which people can be proud of.

In order to approach this goal, it is necessary to describe the key elements in sustainability concept. Particular focus in this thesis is to follow a design process that rigorously integrates energy efficiency and sustainability.

Location

The site of the project is located in the northwest region of the Hunts Point neighborhood in New York city's South Bronx, which is one of the largest food distribution centers in the world but still unemployment rates exceed 23% and more than half the population lives below the poverty line. Most of the land area in Hunts Point is dominated by industry. There is a small but dense residential pocket that occupies the high ground in the northern half of the peninsula along Hunts Point Avenue.

Methodology

There are two strategies used For a sustainable approach in this project: building performance analysis and sustainable design strategies from the 2030 Palette. For achievement to a master plan focused on sustainibility, the proposal was developed through extensive performance simulations and detailed studies of climate and socioeconomic situation of the area. A study of climatic data and raw energy models was conducted in parallel with a study of the socioeconomic and aesthetic contexts. In addition to other simulations and software, Palette 2030 was employed for architectural and urban solutions in sustainable design.

The second phase of the thesis involved a detailed design of a point of attraction for the habitants of the neighborhood. This was achieved by creating a rough layout and analyzing the development of the entire site at a conceptual level at first followed by a more detailed and comprehensive analysis.