The City Zigs

Rapid growth of human innovation and building is supported by a rigorous system of trade across the world. Trade has provided us with many of the luxuries we experience in our daily lives, but at the same time, produces large amounts of waste such as dismantled shipping containers that remain sturdy though unfit for their previous use. Meanwhile, urban spaces face problems of rising housing demand and lowering qualities; the two dilemmas may find a solution within each other.

Our composition aims to provide flexible opportunities for living with temporary student housing in unused urban spaces. The design is created with heavy emphasis on spaces that encourage valuable community experiences with other like-minded students and visitors. 

We believe that being part of an inclusive community is the first step to having many fulfilling events that will form unforgettable college years. Every part of our design takes that into account from the two different types of living units we provide to the three different types of common spaces easily accessible from any of the housing units and beyond.

The first housing option is composed of four students sharing a container with one bathroom. These are located at the ground floor for easy accessibility. These units cater to students who don’t need much time to themselves and thrive in lively environments. The units are close to going-ons on the ground floor and offer a safe place to sleep at night. 

The other housing option is shared by two students typically on the second and third floor. These units are similar to a typical college dorm and will provide some privacy within the community focused design. The elevated nature of these containers help to disconnect them from the bustling ground floor. To avoid impressions of exclusivity, containers on the second and third floor have the same floor plan with the only difference being a small outdoor patio space attached to 3rd floor units.

Within our design is also a section of 4 containers set aside for community commons use. The two on the bottom are business-based, stores that sell a selection of food and groceries. Moving upwards, the container on top of those are typed as dining, opened on one side for outdoor seating as well. From there, a student would be able to access the study unit, moving from space of highest activity and commotion to the quietest.

Central and externally located open spaces are created with the configurations of containers however they are arranged to program a certain accessibility to the outdoors for each living unit. The central open space is expected to be used for events and weekend activities while most of the daily travelling is done through the meandering ramps spanning across the containers.