Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project

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Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project

Information

  • Project Name: Activate Suburbia
  • Student Name: Linxi Zhang, Qi Liu
  • Softwares/Plugins: Rhinoceros 3D , Adobe Photoshop , Adobe Illustrator , V-Ray
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Excerpt: ‘Activate Suburbia’ is a Bachelors Design Project by Linxi Zhang and Qi Liu from the ‘School of Architecture – Syracuse University.’ The project aims to promote suburban regeneration by transforming a conventional residential block into a dynamic mixed use environment. It focuses on increasing density, introducing economic opportunities, and integrating shared and private spaces. The project supports community interaction, attracts younger residents, and enhances access to resources such as fresh food, workspaces, and public amenities.

Introduction: ‘Activate Suburbia’ is a revitalization project focused on a vernacular block in Mattydale, addressing challenges such as an aging population and high unemployment. It aims to increase residential and commercial density, introduce spaces for recreation, dining, and work, and create flexible public areas. The project introduces shared and private greenhouses that support fresh food access and income, while reused materials promote sustainability.

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Site Context

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Site Diagram On Existing Condition

The site sits within a traditional neighborhood block in Mattydale, New York. By making effective use of the existing property, residents can enjoy a nearby greenhouse, generate income by renting out a home office and small storefront, and support small business activity. This transformation turns the residential block into a mixed-use area, offering shared public spaces and creating opportunities for improved public transportation in the future.

Design Process

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Goal Strategies Diagram
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Evolution Of Private And Public Greenhouse
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Commercial Unit Evolution Process

Following thorough research and comprehensive site analysis, detailed site plans, massing studies, and rezoning diagrams were carefully developed to guide the project.

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Commercial Units Axon Plan
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Combined Unit

A preliminary model was subsequently created to visualize the overall block and spatial relationships. This was followed by a series of detailed drawings, refined continuously through an iterative design development process.

Final Outcome

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Northern Axonometric Of The Renovative Block | Overall Plan Of The Block After Renovation
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Section Drawing Cutting Through The Basket-Bar And Home Offices

‘Activate Suburbia’ is a revitalization focused project centered on a vernacular block in Mattydale. Addressing key challenges such as an aging population and high unemployment, the proposal aims to reinvigorate the community by attracting younger residents and boosting the local economy. This is achieved by increasing both commercial and residential density through the addition of new units within a rezoned block.

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Basket-Bar Section Perspective
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Each complex of unit after renovation contain two existing residential units, apartment unit, two types of commercial units, and greenhouse
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Material Diagram

The design introduces a mix of new programs including a basketball bar, restaurants, and office spaces to energize daily activity. Three primary public spaces are integrated within the building mass, designed to be flexible and adaptable for events like night markets and evening gatherings.

Each existing residence is paired with a semi public greenhouse shared with a neighbor, along with a private greenhouse for personal use. These spaces allow residents to grow fresh produce, improving access to healthy food. In addition to the original homes, three new residential units are attached to the greenhouse structures. These can be rented out as home offices or small commercial spaces, providing residents with additional income opportunities.

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Central Street Axonometric Mixed
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Central Street Axonometric Mixed – Night

Sustainability and cost efficiency are key considerations in the project. New construction incorporates reclaimed materials from the surrounding area, with plywood, metal, vinyl, and wood serving as the primary building materials.

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Physical Model

Conclusion: Ultimately, the project transforms a conventional residential block into a vibrant mixed use community, enhancing economic opportunities, social interaction, and sustainable living for residents.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]

Site Context

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project

Design Process

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project

Final Outcome

Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project
Activate Suburbia: Revitalizing Suburban Blocks Through Mixed-Use Density and Community Spaces | Bachelors Design Project

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