Twin(s) Laboratory

---Beauty of Forking and Coupling

Year: 2020-2021
Program: Single / Multi-Family Housing
Location: Chicago

In 2014, Chicago put forward the Large Lots Housing Program, aiming to provide more affordable housing for low income population. In 2020, the homeless population remains extremely high. The traditional Chicago Bungalow typology features a single free standing house on a lot. However, is there another alternative that can accommodate multiple residences on a single lot to reduce the cost?

This project proposes a new framework for the future development of Chicago Bungalow Belt through basic living modules. The modules are categorized into three types: modules for private family living, modules for sharing between neighbors, and modules for sharing in the community.

The modules can be arranged into different spatial sequences, offering freedom and flexibility for different family needs. And the house is adaptable through generations to accommodate family structure changes.

At the lot scale, the project challenges the traditional “one house one lot” stereotype. It offers possibilities for multi-family housing on a single lot. At the community scale, the variations in modular arrangements result in a dynamic street scape. The different relationships among open space, private housing, and shared community spaces ultimately lead to a vibrant and flexible urbanism.