growing a community

Taking advantage of an existing structure in the South Loop of Chicago that used to be a parking garage, Growing A Community attempts to introduce a new way of urban living. By combining programs of residential, office, and agriculture, the project creates a communal hub in the neighborhood. Residential and office are juxtaposed within the lower half of the building, responding to limited views and a new approach to “Work from Home.” Hydroponics, a high-efficiency vertical farming technology, and electrochromic glass are used for the growing units to optimize the agriculture, while rainwater harvest and grey water retention is utilized for irrigation. And the communal farmers market sits on the ground floor to sell the produce that is grown on site and encourage interaction across community members. In addition, the facade becomes a a moving texture through shading devices that are user-activated, reflecting a newfound energy in the building and the surrounding neighborhood.