Los Angeles
USA

2021

Urbanism

Transitional, or “temporary” housing often provides little more than basic shelter to house a human. Transitional housing should (and rarely does so) consider the intricacies of those in which it homes, and be addressed as more than just efficiencies and necessities. What if we were to think about temporary housing as strong and solid, rather than fragile? Where every person housed has a capacity of self-sufficiency and privacy, a space of their own. These spaces are not just for basic needs, but for the individual to carry out every aspect of their life in meaningful and dignified ways.

The design consists of two double-storey structures, containing various unit types that can supply a multitude of alternative configurations for different living scenarios - for families, individuals or couples. All unit styles interlock together and connect to the structure’s core, allowing complete flexibility to the procession or order of units. The core holds the services and points of circulation to upper levels, which will be constructed with brick as a sturdy yet easily assembled element prefabricated and brought onto the site. The unit spaces and all else will then be assembled on-site with sheets of timber and metals, making
this system practical for both short or long-term use. This system is also easily replicated with modular units a core and a frame - and as the two structures are separated by a communal open strip, the design can be altered, condensed or built upward for any different site capacity, size, or shape.