Modular and prefabricated building techniques conserve many resources and have a much lighter impact on the environment than traditional construction practices, but we often see that they are still single-family homes. So when we came across Garrison Architects‘ modular Artists-in-Residence, we were excited to see that the designers used modular architecture to accomodate living in a dense urban environment. The student dormitory, developed for Pratt Institute, is modeled on the community lifestyle characteristic of student life. A model of environmental sensitivity, the building is host to a slew of eco-friendly features, such as passive ventiliation, but also offers the students plenty of flexible, open space to encourage creativity.
The building feels very transparent with all of the glass, which is good for a feeling of openness, but I wonder if students would feel more of a lack of privacy?