Under Bridge Affordable Housing

July 2024

Project in collaboration with: Anqi Wang, Hao Zhou, Yue Liang

Honorable Mention for Buildner Architecture Competition Affordable Housing Series 17th Edition

Shortlist for Buildner Architecture Competition Unbuilt Award 2024

Since its first railroad in 1904, New York has evolved into a city where history and modernity coexist. The cityscape, defined by historic high-rise buildings and railroads, is enhanced by modern information technology, ensuring global connectivity. However, these century-old structures now hinder development. As the most densely populated city in the U.S., New York faces land constraints, worsened by a high influx of tourists. Fortunately, many abandoned railways offer opportunities for repurposing, especially the spaces beneath bridges. These can be transformed to provide housing for low-income residents and connect communities, revitalizing neighborhoods.

Repurposing abandoned railway bridges minimally impacts the space below, posing no noise or safety hazards. These bridges allow for the seamless integration of new affordable housing into the environment. Given the abundance of such bridges in New York, our housing units can be customized for various sites.

Limited space under bridges necessitates a modular housing design. We propose a range of units, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, each as an independent module. These can be assembled into cohesive communities tailored to specific sites. Essential facilities like fitness centers, laundry rooms, parcel rooms, and plazas ensure residents’ well-being. Corridors and public spaces connect all modules, with the bridge deck serving as part of the transportation network. By situating living spaces under the bridge, we maximize available space without disrupting the surroundings. The bridge deck will feature innovative landscapes, revitalizing the community.

New York’s diverse bridges offer a unique context for our design. The arch structure beneath the abandoned railway bridge on our site inspires our architectural approach. This arch forms the basis of each housing module and is applied in public and transportation spaces, ensuring harmony with the existing bridge framework. Staggered arches add dimensionality, while interspersed pathways introduce dynamic rhythms, breathing new life into the area.