Hudson Waterfront Community: A Model for Restorative Urban Housing

Allison Bernett; Zoey Zhou

Rapid urbanization and increasing wealth disparity diminish the ability of cities like New York to maintain a high quality of life for all. Recently, the city has witnessed an explosion of high-rise luxury residential towers that prioritize exclusivity over community to the detriment of their residents and the larger city. Living in high-rises is associated with decreased satisfaction, more impersonal behavior between residents, and higher crime rates. Urban living in general can adversely affect health: urban populations have higher rates of mental illness and city environments have been shown to increase stress and feelings of anxiety. Alternatively, access to nature demonstrably improves health and wellbeing, a phenomenon known as biophilia.

This proposal introduces a restorative, inclusive urban housing model as an alternative to the ubiquitous high-rise typology. Specifically, the project aims to foster a sense of community among residents, cater to a mixed-income population, and support health and wellbeing through biophilic patterns. Situated on the Hudson River at 69th street, the complex spans from an existing high-rise development over an elevated highway to the river, thereby physically reconnecting the city with the waterfront. The upper levels have clusters of affordable and luxury apartments arranged around shared courtyards and communal spaces. The bottom levels host a variety of public programs, including piers, meditation platforms, a public plaza, and a ferry terminal. The design utilizes several biophilic patterns to create a restorative environment. By building horizontally over the water, the complex provides extensive views and interaction with the river for residents and the public. The complex also includes landscaped courtyards, terraces, piers, and a public plaza. Additionally, units were precisely arranged to ensure ample daylight for every unit. By literally flipping the high-rise on its side, this project hopes to strengthen the health and social resiliency of urban populations.

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