Precarious luxury

Abstract

Due to the market collapse prompting more secure investments and increasing government regulation and incentives to integrate low income units into luxury residential developments, this thesis seeks to integrate two allergic constituencies within a single typology type: housing. Among these two parties, varying requirements are necessary, yet within present culture, there is evidence of a movement towards mashups or collaborations between high and low, high culture and street culture, which is also to be reflected within the program. Thus, the program itself is rethought of clusters that are used by both constituents, in different capacities as opposed to the current model of housing unit with amenity. Building upon the topologies and spatial conditions seen in minimal surfaces, the project uses the surface as an instrument for separation, combination, and conditions in between in an effort to manage and filter space, environment, culture, and social conditions. The resultant is a housing typology that provides the particular residents with what they typically need and expect from housing, yet seeks to unite and elevate the current level of habitation for both parties.