The Block

Transforming the 800 Bell Tower into a residential building meant envisioning it as a place hospitable for everyday life. To create spaces that could embody our studio's notions of home, we completed "dream home" plans and extracted leading principles to shape the high rise project. The Block prioritizes a sequence of public to private spaces that captures life in this bustling downtown location while maintaining the seclusion necessary for individuals to unwind. 

A neighborhood feel is established through a shared level or "interior street" residents use to access their units. Also, outdoor spaces are scattered throughout to allow residents to relax in common space, personalize the areas, and enjoy views of downtown. The Block preserves the privacy of home while maintaining routes for residents to cross paths.

Within the units, activities are separated into three levels with stairs as a privacy barrier. On the main level, residents enter and gather over conversation and food. Moving upward, a bright space overlooks the main activities for a zone of creativity. Finally, the lower level is the most private and grounded area: the sleeping quarters.