Via Verde- The Bronx
In looking at affordable housing, the Via Verde project in the Bronx is a prime example of an affordable housing development that could easily be applied to the New Zealand context. The reason I find this project so interesting (even though it is only in the development stages and is not yet completed) is due to the rationality behind the design process. The Bronx as we all know has the reputation of a lower socio-economic neighbourhood in New York City. In the past, the methods to address housing and affordability has been to put up cheap, poorly conditioned slum blocks that have only encouraged social and health problems. However, the development of the Via Verde project has proved that affordable housing can be high quality, eco-friendly and also provide all the services and amenities to invest in social sustainability of future generations.
The site description involves a 151 unit apartment complex that is targeted to low-Income residents and mixed-use development. As part of this development there will be 71 co-ops to provide affordability for middle-income households as well.
The design of this project is inspired by integrating nature and city elements. This is achieved through designing around garden spaces including roof-top gardens that enable the community to participate in vegetable gardening and growing their own vegetables. Furthermore, the rooftop gardens serve as a function to harvest rainwater as well as providing open space for residents.
Other attributes of the site include open-air courtyard spaces, a health and education wellness centre for the purpose of dealing with the high levels of obesity and diabetes that exist in many lower socio-economic households in The States, a medical centre, a health-orientated fitness centre and bicycle storage areas. The purpose of providing these facilities is to encourage healthy living and investing into social sustainability for present and future generations.
The results of this project so far is that if implemented correctly will exceed LIUDD principles for environmentally responsible and energy efficient design. Many innovations to increase energy efficiency within the building complex include cross ventilation, solar-shading, smart material choices, green roofs and energy conserving appliances.
The key reason this project stands out to me is the focus on eco-friendly design as well as focusing on the health of the residents and meanwhile providing quality design for affordable housing. I find this interesting because in one project alone, the designers manage to incorporate all three features. It would be really interesting to follow this project into the future to see what results it draws and what consequences it may draw into the future in relation to social and economic aspects of the community.