Abiding by all local building codes and zoning laws, the compact site size affords minimal excess space for extreme formal operations. Thus, the building massing was conceived through one major manipulation. By rotating each floor plate gradually from the back of the site, a twisting form emerges, resulting in a structure with a hill-like condition on one side and a cliff-like condition on the mirrored face. An applied facade then blurs the stepped transition between each floor. Based on initial studies of viewing cone facade forms, the envelope uses folded panels to smooth the sloped exterior and creates a checkerboard pattern between alternating bedroom windows and balconies. The following images document preliminary studies of facade application to formal massing.

The unit arrangement broadens daily contact between residents while avoiding a typical dorm-style paired roommate living situation. With a private bedroom for each resident, individuality, and independence are held in high esteem. Linear Living comes into play with the introduction of semi-private living spaces, or kitchens, washrooms, and living rooms. Each resident shares a kitchen with a neighboring student, while separately sharing a living room and washroom with the opposite adjacent resident. These peripheral students then each share another living space with the student residing in the unit in the opposing direction. This results in a building-length row of private bedrooms separated by living spaces that each serve the two residents of the immediately adjoining bedrooms. The capping rooms of each row are designed to be handicap accessible, each having one shared living space and one private living space to further accommodate disabled students.

This contiguous pattern serves to maximize privacy while also increasing the space available to each resident. In part, this scheme was devised to foster positive roommate relationships and experiences by bracketing each student with two different roommates with whom they share different amenities. Because of this, interactions between each pair of neighbors can occur as frequently or infrequently as desired. 

This project addresses architecture in an extensive manner by taking into account zoning restrictions, local building codes regarding minimum spatial and sunlight requirements, egress access and function, structural stability, and plumbing and HVAC feasibility. The result is a comprehensive proposal for a compact dormitory building for graduate students attending Pratt Institute. Linear Living also addresses the social concerns and quality of life of residents by employing an innovative unit design. Additionally, the prominent twisting gesture of the structure serves the students as a community by creating a dynamic envelope that encourages interaction between residents utilizing their balconies. Ultimately, Linear Living challenges the notion of the traditional housing facility through form and spatial organization.