KANSAS CITY CROSSROADS DISTRICT : ACCESSIBLE LIVING
This building aims towards the focus of Kansas City and the Crossroad’s future. This city wants to be taller, more interactive and alive on the streets and sidewalks, a livable urban environment.
A glaring issue that downtown Kansas City has, especially within the Crossroads district of which our project resides, is a lack of greenspace. The greenspaces that do exist in the area are not presented in a way that is inviting for people’s use and go unused. Pairing this with noticeably bland and empty sidewalks makes clear the need for activation of the ground floors of buildings onto the streetscape to create inviting, usable outdoor spaces whether or not they are greenspace.
A second issue, that is self-created, is the need for height to reach a higher, affordable density so a sustainable structure could be formed. The economic premise of this design is centered around prefabricated modular micro-units and 6-person shared units. Creating affordable housing with an affordable means of construction, space, and arrangement.
One point of discussion was how large the building was being scaled, and whether it was too large and inappropriate for its context. But it's only inappropriate within its immediate context of the Crossroads. Expanding that context to the rest of Metropolitan Kansas City shows how much better it fits in to the urban fabric. Making a statement within the low-rising Crossroads and having a direct dialog with the buildings downtown.
Creating this monumental building with a metaphorical and sculptural path that wraps around both sides of the building will make it a place marker within the various parts of the Crossroads.
Window conditions vary on either side of the building, responding to the northern and southern sunlight conditions. This helps build upon the interest, parallax, and recognition of the building from various directions.
Breaking a part of the south portion of the site for a dedicated greenspace, as greenspace is something downtown Kansas City lacks. Then using the ground floor plinth to create live-work spaces and an open-lobby with commercial space helps to build the concept of creating lively streets.
Creating a shared rooftop space to create a point of interest at the top of the building finalized the basic form of the building.
Creating a landmark that is known for how it looks, and what new ideas it brings to the crossroads. Giving Urban Affordability to those who work in and are entertained by the crossroads. And helping establish the potential future Kansas City has as a growing city with more lively streets. All while holding on to the identity of the Crossroads, Kansas City, its storied history, and the people who live in and care about the city.
