(I09) Designing for At-Risk Communities: High-Performance Standards and Biophilic Design as Care Strategies

Our session will feature two mission-driven design studios with expertise in supportive housing in conversation with the owners who build and manage them. The panel will focus on the planning, design and implementation of biophilic design strategies and high-performance building systems in support of wraparound care for at-risk communities. This presentation will describe two case studies, located in two cities struggling with high percentages of people experiencing homelessness. Located on opposite coasts, they are united by the common goal of providing permanent, dignified housing within tight budgetary constraints. The panel would consist of owner and architect from each project, and an expert in biophilic design strategies as moderator. Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects (LMSa) will present their project at 410 China Basin at Mission Bay, San Francisco. The project—designed for HomeRise, a supportive housing developer—is a 92,535 SF residential prefab development with 140 studio apartments with supportive services and a community garden. COOKFOX Architects’ Betances Residence, Bronx, NY, will be the second case study. Developed by supportive housing developer Breaking Ground, the 119,600 GSF project contains 152 supportive housing units and was designed to Passive House and Enterprise Green Community standards, incorporating biophilic and active design to support resident health and well-being. This panel would be moderated by Catie Ryan Balagtas, Director of Projects for Terrapin Bright Green. Catie has served as a subject matter expert for the WELL Building Standard®, Fitwel, GSA ("Workplace Matters" working group), and will frame the panel with the latest research on biophilic design for at-risk communities. Our session will cover high-performance design strategies, healthy materials, active design, policy, and implementation of biophilic design research in supportive housing.